Thursday, July 24, 2025

Beauty Therapist vs Dermal Therapist: Why the Industry and Consumers Are Still Confused

 

beauty therapist vs dermal therapist

Ask any skincare professional or client, and they’ll tell you: the terminology in the beauty industry is confusing. Titles like "Beautician," "Beauty Therapist," and "Dermal Therapist" are often used interchangeably. But they aren’t the same, and that creates uncertainty for both consumers and professionals.

This confusion isn’t new. It’s the result of decades of changes to qualifications, training structures, and industry language. And unless we address it, it will continue to affect the credibility of our profession and the confidence of our clients.

So what do these titles actually mean? And more importantly, what should they mean?


The History of Beauty Therapy Training in Australia

Before the 1990s, Australia had no national framework for beauty therapy qualifications. Despite this, many private colleges offered exceptional training programs, Certificate IV and Diploma in Beauty Therapy, that produced highly skilled professionals.

These courses were rigorous and focused heavily on skin. Students were trained in:

  • Skin science

  • Anatomy and physiology

  • Cosmetic chemistry

  • Advanced facial treatments and equipment

In addition, these qualifications included extensive in-salon experience and vital modules in communication, client consultation, and product recommendation. If a student failed these interpersonal skills modules, they failed the course.

The college I taught at was one of the most reputable, operating since 1963 with a 100% employment success rate. Graduates were work-ready, confident, and deeply knowledgeable in both the science and service of skin health.


Accreditation and the Evolution of Training Packages

Formal accreditation arrived in the mid-1990s. The first official government Beauty Therapy Training Package was introduced in 1999, designed to create consistency in vocational education across the country.

This was a positive step forward in theory. But as qualifications became standardised, many essential components were either removed or shifted to more advanced levels, fragmenting the training journey.


Legacy Professionals: Beauty Therapists Practising as Dermal Therapists

Many professionals who trained prior to accreditation have continued their learning and now practice advanced skin procedures like laser, microneedling, microdermabrasion, and advanced peels.

They may hold a Diploma in Beauty Therapy, but in practice, they are Dermal Therapists.

Their expertise has evolved alongside the industry. Years of hands-on clinical experience, plus ongoing upskilling, mean they are fully capable and often ahead of newer graduates.

Yet, their title doesn’t reflect this.


What’s in a Title? Breaking Down the Confusion

Here’s a simplified view of the current structure:

Title Typical Qualification Common Services Provided
Beautician Certificate III Waxing, tanning, tinting, nails, basic makeup
Beauty Therapist Certificate IV / Diploma Facials, body massage, advanced skin treatments
Dermal Therapist Adv. Dip / Bachelor Degree Laser, microneedling, advanced skin therapy

The issue is that clients don’t know this. Nor should they be expected to. They just want safe, effective treatments from trained professionals.

Meanwhile, many professionals hold qualifications that don't align with what they actually do.


How Training Has Fragmented

The current qualification system has become disjointed:

  • Certificate III focuses solely on grooming services.

  • Certificate IV and Diploma have had key modules removed, like cosmetic chemistry and skin science.

  • Advanced treatments are now only available through additional Advanced Diplomas or Bachelor-level Dermal Science degrees.

This means that to perform both basic grooming and advanced treatments, a student may need to complete three or more qualifications.

It’s expensive, time-consuming, and inefficient.

And worse, important interpersonal skills like client consultation and retailing have been withdrawn, despite being essential to salon success.


The Gap Between Consumer Understanding and Professional Titles

The result? A growing disconnect between what professionals are legally and ethically qualified to do, what their title suggests they can do, and what clients think those titles mean. 

This creates confusion about pricing and service quality.

Clarity is needed not only for the public but also for employers, insurance providers, and educators.


What the Industry Needs Now

The feedback I have received from beauty business owners is that current graduates lack skills in communication, consultation, product recommendations and retailing skills. The training providers need to reinstate core modules like communication skills, consultation, and retail into Cert IV and Diploma. They also need to offer streamlined training paths that combine grooming and advanced dermal services.

A Beauty Therapist should be able to perform both a facial, a microneedling treatment, waxing and a brow tint. We shouldn’t need to stack multiple separate qualifications to deliver what the public sees as a single role.


A Call for Recognition and Realistic Pathways Forward

There are thousands of highly experienced diploma-qualified Beauty Therapists delivering Dermal Therapy services safely and effectively across Australia. Many have 10, 20, even 30+ years of experience.

And yet, there is no formal recognition of their advanced capabilities unless they re-enroll in expensive and time-consuming courses.

Expecting these professionals to spend $20,000–$30,000 on a new degree is neither practical nor respectful of their contributions.

What we need is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathways for dermal procedures, affordable, short bridging courses to upgrade core modules and assessments that validate clinical skills, not just paperwork.

This isn’t about lowering standards. It’s about acknowledging that many Beauty Therapists already meet or exceed those standards.


My Perspective: Beauty Therapist by Title, Dermal Therapist by Practice

Personally, I hold a Diploma in Beauty Therapy. That is my official qualification.

But with decades of education, salon experience, and advanced training, I now offer the same services as a Dermal Therapist.

I still call myself a Beauty Therapist, but I always clarify what I actually do. The title doesn’t reflect the depth of my skillset. And I know many others feel the same.

Our industry is evolving. It’s time our qualifications, titles, and recognition systems caught up.


Further Reading & References

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Beauty Therapist Embodying Excellence - Qualities to Elevate Your Beauty Business

 

Beauty Therapist: Embodying Excellence - Jana Elston

As a beauty therapist, you hold the power to transform not just skin, but lives. Your hands, knowledge, and energy create experiences that can boost confidence, inspire self-care, and educate clients for lasting skin health. But what truly makes a beauty therapist exceptional? In today’s fast-paced industry, where trends come and go, these 15 timeless qualities will help you build a thriving, trusted client base and stand out as a true skin health expert.

Cultivate True Empathy

Skin conditions often affect more than just appearance; they impact confidence, social lives, and mental health. By showing genuine empathy, you make clients feel safe, supported, and respected. This emotional connection builds a long-lasting client-therapist relationship.

Master Skin Science and Anatomy

An exceptional beauty therapist understands the complexities of the skin barrier, microbiome, and cellular processes. Your in-depth knowledge allows you to confidently choose the right products and treatments, explain them to clients, and deliver visible, lasting results.

Customise Every Treatment

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare. A great therapist tailors each facial, peel, or product recommendation to the client's unique skin type, condition, and lifestyle. Personalised care leads to better results and higher client satisfaction.

Choose Products Mindfully

Exceptional beauty therapists choose products based on efficacy, safety, and ingredient integrity, not hype. Understanding formulation science empowers you to select what truly supports skin health and to confidently explain choices to your clients.

Embrace a Holistic Approach

Exceptional beauty therapists look beyond topical treatments. Consider your client’s nutrition, sleep, stress levels, and overall health when designing treatment plans. This holistic view supports real, sustainable results.

Master the Art of Communication

Simplify complex skincare concepts so clients understand what you’re doing and why. Clear explanations about procedures, sensations, and aftercare make them feel confident and respected, enhancing their overall experience.

Learn From Every Client

Each client’s skin is unique and teaches you something new. By approaching each appointment as an opportunity to learn, you continuously evolve and refine your skills. Valuing feedback makes you a better professional and shows humility.

Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

Perfection doesn’t exist; even experienced beauty therapists will make mistakes. Acknowledge them openly, learn from them, and adjust your methods. Clients will respect your honesty and appreciate your commitment to growth.

Build Trust Over Sales

Trust is earned through honesty and authentic care. Never push unnecessary products or upsell services just for profit. Focus on building long-term relationships where clients feel valued and understood.

Stay Inspired Through Reading

Reading books and scientific literature keeps you inspired and updated. Exploring topics from skin science to psychology and nutrition enhances your knowledge and broadens your approach. For recommended reading, visit my blog: Jana Elston Blog.

Commit to Lifelong Learning and Education

The skincare industry evolves rapidly. By attending workshops, reading the latest research, and staying curious, you remain at the forefront of knowledge. Share this learning with clients so they feel empowered and included in their skincare journey.


Final Thoughts: Embodying Excellence

Being an exceptional beauty therapist isn’t about perfection; it’s about passion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. By embodying these 15 qualities, you can make a powerful impact on your clients’ lives, build a thriving beauty business, and continue to grow personally and professionally.

Your clients deserve the best version of you, and investing in these qualities ensures they receive not only visible results but also a deeper sense of trust and care.

If you’re ready to continue your learning journey, explore my blog for more resources on skin health, types and conditions, and professional inspiration: Jana Elston Blog.

By living these values every day, you’ll not only help your clients glow — you’ll inspire them to feel truly confident in their skin and themselves.

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Thursday, June 19, 2025

Raise Your Vibration: The Real Path to Lasting Confidence and Energy

The High-Vibration States That Fuel CONFIDENCE

What if your confidence isn’t something you “build”, but something you tune into?

We often treat confidence like a trait only a few lucky people are born with. But what if confidence were simply the natural result of living in a higher energetic state?

The truth is, your emotional and physical energy, what some call your vibration, shapes how you show up in the world. And if you're stuck in low-vibration habits like comparison, self-doubt, or guilt, no amount of pep-talk will help you feel empowered.

So, how do you raise your vibration and stay there?

Let’s unpack it all using a simple tool I call the Vibration Chart.


Understanding the Vibration Chart

Picture a vertical line with a “baseline” across the centre. Everything above the line represents higher-vibration states like joy, energy, calm, and motivation. Everything below the line reflects low-vibration states like fear, shame, overwhelm, and guilt.

CONFIDENCE Vibration Chart - JANA ELSTON

Now ask yourself:

Where does confidence belong?

When I ask this in coaching sessions, most people point high above the baseline. And they’re right. Confidence is a high-vibration state, but it’s not isolated. It’s supported by many other uplifting emotions and habits.

Let’s explore what builds confidence from the inside out and what silently pulls it down.


The High-Vibration States That Fuel Confidence

These emotional and mental states amplify your energy, presence, and belief in yourself. The more time you spend here, the stronger your confidence becomes.

1. Happiness

Not about surface smiles, real happiness comes from moments of presence, gratitude, and alignment. It reminds you that life is good, and you are enough.

2. Health

Your physical body plays a key role in your vibration. Nourishing food, good sleep, movement, and breath all contribute to clarity and calm, which naturally uplift confidence.

3. Energy

Fatigue lowers your vibration fast. When your energy is high, your posture changes, your voice is stronger, and your mindset is clearer.

4. Trust

This isn’t just trusting others, it’s trusting yourself. Trusting that you can handle what life brings. That’s a core pillar of authentic confidence.

5. Positivity

Not toxic optimism. True positivity means believing solutions are possible and choosing empowering perspectives when things go wrong.

6. Calmness

An underrated superpower. Calm energy helps you respond, not react. It grounds you, making space for thoughtful action.

7. Motivation

Feeling purposeful about your next step (even if it’s small) propels you forward with clarity and courage.

8. Purpose

When you know your why, you stop comparing yourself to others. Purpose sharpens your focus and strengthens your voice.


The Low-Vibration States That Drain Confidence

Now let’s look at the other side of the chart, the hidden blockers that silently pull your energy down and chip away at your confidence.

The good news? Each of these can be shifted with a few conscious practices.

1. Fear

Fear of failure, judgment, or rejection often runs in the background. It keeps you stuck in hesitation.

What to do:

  • Break big tasks into smaller steps
  • Focus on effort, not outcome
  • Celebrate courage over perfection

2. Shame

This shows up as “I’m not good enough.” Shame keeps you silent and disconnected.

What to do:

  • Speak kindly to yourself
  • Normalize being a work in progress
  • Share your truth with someone safe

3. Doubt

Doubt whispers, “What if you’re wrong?” It freezes you in overthinking.

What to do:

  • Make one decision each day and stick with it
  • Track your wins, however small
  • Surround yourself with supportive voices

4. Exhaustion

Burnout blurs thinking and lowers resilience. It’s hard to feel confident when you’re running on empty.

What to do:

  • Prioritize sleep and hydration
  • Schedule energy resets (walks, breathwork, music)
  • Say no more often

5. Comparison

Constantly measuring yourself against others is a fast track to insecurity.

What to do:

  • Limit social media time
  • Focus on your unique path
  • Turn envy into inspiration: “If they can do it, so can I”

6. Negative Self-Talk

Thoughts like “You always mess this up” slowly shape your reality.

What to do:

  • Catch the thought, and question it
  • Reframe with truth: “I’m still learning”
  • Use compassionate affirmations

7. Overwhelm

Too many tasks = mental shutdown. When you’re overwhelmed, confidence vanishes.

What to do:

  • Brain-dump your to-do list
  • Pick just one next action
  • Use time-blocking to focus

8. Procrastination

Avoiding tasks delays your growth and eats away at your self-respect.

What to do:

  • Start with just 5 minutes
  • Use a timer (Pomodoro method)
  • Focus on progress, not perfection

9. Guilt

Stuck in the past? Guilt is like dragging emotional baggage around.

What to do:

  • Forgive yourself out loud
  • Ask: “What did I learn?”
  • Take one step forward to make it right

10. Victim Mindset

Feeling powerless fuels resentment and hopelessness.

What to do:

  • Take responsibility for just one thing
  • Say: “What can I do about it?”
  • Own your choices and language

11. Perfectionism

Trying to get it all right before starting is the ultimate confidence killer.

What to do:

  • Share something imperfect today
  • Focus on done over perfect
  • Remember: confidence grows through doing, not waiting


How to Raise Your Vibration (Daily Practice)

These are simple actions that help shift you above the line. Try one or more each day:

  • Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning
  • Move your body—walk, stretch, dance
  • Do one small task you’ve been avoiding
  • Write down 3 things you’re grateful for
  • Meditate or sit in stillness for 5 minutes
  • Speak kindly to yourself in the mirror
  • Reach out to someone positive
  • Unplug from negative inputs (news, social media)
  • Set one small goal and complete it
  • Do something creative, playful, or meaningful


Reflect and Reset

Confidence is not a destination; it’s a vibration you return to.

Some days you’ll dip below the line. That’s normal. The key is to notice it, name it, and gently guide yourself back up.

Ask yourself:

  • “What’s one small action I can take to raise my energy today?”
  • “Which low-vibration habit is draining me right now?”
  • “What would the confident version of me choose in this moment?”

You don’t need to fake confidence.
You just need to raise your frequency until confidence becomes your natural state.


Final Thought: Confidence Is Built Through Vibration, Not Validation

The next time you feel “not good enough,” pause and look at your vibration.

Are you exhausted, comparing, procrastinating, or judging yourself?

Then flip the chart.

Reach for health. Trust. Motivation. Energy. Calm.

That’s where confidence lives.
And you can go there anytime.


Want More Support?

Download my free Vibration Chart Worksheet to help track your energy, reflect daily, and practice shifting into higher states.
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