Advanced Diploma of Skin Therapy study plan
Advanced Diploma of Skin Therapy · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Anatomy, Physiology and Skin Science
Map the full skin architecture from stratum corneum to hypodermis, labelling each layer's cell types and barrier functions from memory
Explain the wound-healing cascade in sequence and identify which cosmetic treatments intentionally trigger each phase
Relate sebaceous, eccrine and apocrine gland activity to observable skin surface conditions
Describe dermal matrix components (collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans) and predict how each changes with intrinsic ageing
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn, fully labelled cross-section of skin with a one-page written explanation of how three different treatment modalities interact with each layer, produced without reference materials
Anatomy, Physiology and Skin Science & Skin Analysis, Consultation and Treatment Planning
Trace the physiology of melanogenesis and vascular responses so you can distinguish pigmentation and erythema patterns on sight
Perform a structured skin analysis using a consistent assessment sequence on two practice volunteers
Translate consultation findings into written treatment objectives and measurable expected outcomes
Identify contraindications and referral triggers from a client history before proposing any treatment
Your checkpoint
Two completed practice consultation records, each with skin analysis findings, treatment objectives, contraindications screened and a justified plan
Advanced Facial and Body Skin Treatments
Compare mechanisms and expected endpoints of chemical exfoliation, microdermabrasion and enzyme treatments
Select appropriate active ingredients for four contrasting skin profiles and justify each choice
Sequence a multi-step facial protocol including cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, massage and masking with timing rationale
Design a body treatment protocol addressing texture and hydration on a defined body area
State post-treatment care instructions and expected downtime for each modality studied
Your checkpoint
A written protocol portfolio of four treatment plans (two facial, two body) each specifying products, sequencing, timings, expected endpoints and aftercare
Advanced Facial and Body Skin Treatments & Advanced Skin Technology and Devices
Explain the physics of light-tissue interaction including chromophore absorption and thermal relaxation time
Match device categories to indications and state the tissue target for each
List pre-treatment screening criteria and parameters that must be recorded for every device session
Describe expected adverse responses versus reportable adverse events for energy-based treatments
Your checkpoint
A device reference table covering at least six device categories with indication, target chromophore or tissue, key parameters recorded, contraindications and expected versus adverse responses
Advanced Skin Technology and Devices & Aesthetic and Cosmetic Procedures and Their Skin Implications
Explain how aesthetic procedures such as injectables, peels and energy-based rejuvenation alter skin physiology and healing demand
Assess a client with prior aesthetic procedures and adjust treatment selection accordingly
Identify timeline conflicts between recent procedures and the treatments you plan to deliver
Recognise signs of complications requiring referral rather than in-clinic management
Your checkpoint
A decision aid mapping at least eight aesthetic procedures to safe waiting intervals, treatment modifications and red-flag referral signs, with a short worked case example
Infection Control, Safety and Professional Standards
Apply standard precautions to a written treatment scenario, specifying hand hygiene moments and PPE selection
Sequence cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation correctly for tools and surfaces and justify each choice
Outline safe waste segregation and sharps handling for a skin therapy setting
Draft a workplace incident response covering needlestick injury and chemical exposure
Your checkpoint
A one-page infection control and safety checklist for a treatment room, covering hand hygiene, PPE, tool reprocessing, waste handling and incident steps, plus a completed risk assessment of one procedure
Client Communication, Ethics and Business Practice & Skin Analysis, Consultation and Treatment Planning
Structure a consultation that obtains informed consent covering benefits, risks, alternatives and aftercare
Script and rehearse responses to a client requesting an unsuitable treatment and to a complaint about an outcome
Explain how scope of practice, insurance and record-keeping obligations shape what you may offer
Apply a simple pricing and service-mix calculation to evaluate the viability of a treatment offering
Your checkpoint
A written informed consent template plus two recorded or scripted role-play transcripts (refusal of unsuitable treatment; complaint handling) annotated with the ethical principle applied at each step
Professional Practice and Case Documentation & Anatomy, Physiology and Skin Science & Advanced Facial and Body Skin Treatments & Advanced Skin Technology and Devices
Compile a complete client case file from consultation through treatment record and follow-up note, meeting documentation standards
Audit your own case file against a checklist and correct every gap identified
Complete a timed mixed-topic revision pass across all eight domains and log weak areas
Produce a personal revision schedule targeting your three weakest domains before the exam
Your checkpoint
One complete, audit-corrected client case file with SOAP-style notes and photographic-style descriptive records, plus a scored practice test log with a written remediation plan
Milestones
Week 2: Can label skin layers, cell types and appendages from memory and complete a full consultation record unaided in under 30 minutes
Week 4: Can justify modality selection for four contrasting skin profiles and explain light-tissue interaction and device parameters without notes
Week 6: Can state the correct reprocessing route for every tool in a treatment room and complete the safety checklist with no omissions on self-audit
Week 8: Case file passes self-audit with zero unresolved gaps and practice test score across all domains is at or above your target pass mark