Deciding who to entrust your skin’s care to is an important decision, but understanding what the credentials of skincare professionals actually mean can be confusing. A quick online search for “skincare providers in my area” will illustrate that many titles are used by those in the skincare industry, including aesthetician, skin therapist, clinical skincare therapist, AP esthetician, cosmetologist, and more! If you find this abundance of titles overwhelming, you’re not alone! In 2018, the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners instituted a rule change for the licensing of those working in the skincare industry to clearly define the scope of practice for each and help consumers make safe decisions about whom to entrust their skin to.
What is a Licensed Esthetician?
Contrary to popular belief, an Esthetician and a Cosmetologist are not the same thing. Although a Cosmetologist does receive some training in skincare, their education is predominately focused on cutting, coloring, and styling hair. On the other hand, an Esthetician’s training is centered entirely on skin. It includes education on skin anatomy, diseases and conditions of the skin, and how to perform safe and effective skin treatments.
In the state of Minnesota, an esthetician is required to complete a 600-hour program to earn their license. These hours are comprised of both theory and practical hands-on skills training. Once their 600 hours are complete, aspiring estheticians must complete a written and practical exam to earn their license, which legally allows them to perform these services:
- Basic Facials
- Waxing & Sugaring
- Makeup Application
- Eyelash Extensions
- Lash & Brow Tinting
- Exfoliation Treatments (Limited to scrubs and peels that only remove the stratum corneum of the skin)
What is an Advanced Practice Esthetician?
One can safely assume that the treatments a skincare professional performs in a spa or salon environment are quite different than what they might perform in a medical setting, like a medical spa or dermatology practice. That’s why a differentiation between esthetics licenses was created. This separation deters skincare professionals who don’t have the proper training to perform more clinically-based services that require the supervision of a medical director to call themselves “medical estheticians” or other names that are misleading to the consumer.
To become an Advanced Practice Esthetician (APE), a candidate must first acquire their 600-hour license in Esthetics and pass all written and practical exams. After, they can pursue the additional hours of training needed for their Advanced Practice credentials and take an additional written and practical exam.
Advanced Practice Estheticians can legally perform all of the services that a Licensed Esthetician can, as well as dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, skin needling, and other advanced treatments.
The State Board of Minnesota has determined that to safely perform the additional services that an Advanced Practice Esthetician provides, they need further training and education in the following:
- Skin Anatomy & Physiology
- Skin Histology
- Cosmetic Chemistry of Skincare Ingredients
- Pre & Post Procedure Treatment Regimens
- Advanced Consultation Strategies in Skin Analysis & Skin Typing
- Risk Management
- Chemical Exfoliation, Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning, Skin Needling / Microneeding
- Utilization of Galvanic Current, Radiofrequency, Microcurrent, Light and Sound Technologies
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Extractions with Lancet
How do I know if my skincare professional is an Advanced Practice Esthetician?
If your skincare professional does not have their license displayed in their treatment room for you to view, you can check their qualifications online. The Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, which oversees Esthetics licensing, has a simple license lookup option for you to search your provider. Enter your skincare provider’s first and last name to see their license status.
Minnesota Board of Cosmetology License Lookup
Is my Refinery Skin Clinic Esthetician an Advanced Practice Esthetician?
YES! Both Kylie Hewett and Niki Herman are BOTH Advanced Practice Estheticians. Refinery Skin Clinic believes this licensing is essential for our clients to receive the safest, most effective treatments and achieve the best results for their skin!
Are you ready to start your skincare journey with a Refinery Skin Clinic Advanced Practice Esthetician? Begin with a complimentary consultation to discuss your concerns and goals. Call (952) 479-0603, text (952) 295-4681, or CLICK HERE to schedule.