by Andrea Gregaydis, L.E.

Nothing is more exciting to skin care professionals than hearing all the positive feedback from clients who leave the spa feeling their absolute best. It is rewarding to see clients go from dealing with their skin insecurities to feeling confident with no makeup on. There are so many aspects of skin care that professionals can handle and take care of on our own; however, there are several situations we may come across that require a referral to a medical professional. The number one thing to always remember is to never diagnose any condition, skin disease, or disorder. Whether you are confident in knowing what it may be, this is out of skin care professionals’ scope of practice. Research to find some reputable medical professionals in your area, so you feel comfortable and confident to refer your clients to them. Since they trusted you with their skin and you built a rapport with them, they will trust your recommendations. 

WHEN IN DOUBT

A good rule of thumb is when in doubt refer out. If you are ever unsure of a suspicious lesion or spot on your clients’ skin, without raising fear, refer them out to a medical doctor. The reality is everyone should visit a dermatologist yearly to have all their growths checked. This is an important piece of advice for any professional to share with their clients. Since you see your clients regularly, you may in fact be the one to monitor anything that you can’t diagnose or that you may find concerning. If you notice changes in size, color, or shape or if changes occurred quickly or appeared suddenly, your client may want to get checked out. It may be benign, but clients will be grateful that you noticed and care. Some acne clients may need to see a dermatologist before you can work on them. They may benefit from a temporary prescription in addition to seeing you in the treatment room.

Andrea Gregaydis is a licensed aesthetician and international CIDESCO diplomat. She holds multiple additional licenses as a New York state instructor and nail technician, as well as certified laser technician. Gregaydis is the lead instructor at the Aesthetic Science Institute and has over 10 years of experience as a practitioner, team coordinator, and role model for hundreds of future skin care professionals. She is contributing author to top industry trade magazines, as well as a speaker at various aesthetics conferences across the United States. She is also a CIDESCO International Examiner.