Originally published in Skin Deep, June/July 2005.
Copyright 2005. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.


Several states have enacted rulings requiring skin care professionals to take a state-registered, post-graduate course in order to perform microdermabrasion treatments. The National Coalition of Esthetic and Related Associations (NCEA) reviewed more than 20 curricula and discovered that not one program met the committee's standards for properly training estheticians.

In response, the NCEA produced a 14-hour curriculum that may be adopted by state boards as the recommended course. After completing the program, a licensed practitioner should competently be able to:

- Define exfoliation.
- Understand the cosmetic exfoliating procedures.
- Describe the Food and Drug Administration's role in classifications of machines.
- Explain state regulations as they pertain to scope of practice.
- Practice standard precautions and follow Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Guidelines.
- Use disinfection and sterilization techniques, as required by state regulations.
- Practice disposal of materials in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines.
- Identify indications and contraindications for treatment.
- Complete a client consultation form and obtain informed consent.
- Perform a skin analysis and determine a treatment plan.
- Perform a microdermabrasion treatment.
- Perform pre- and post-treatment skin care.
- Make recommendations for home care and follow up.

Check to see if this is the recommended course in your state. If not, visit www.ncea.tv to obtain the standard.

Susanne S. Warfield, executive director of the NCEA, is CEO of Paramedical Consultants, Inc., and publisher of PCI Journal.