According to The American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. Acne occurring in adults is increasing, affecting up to 15% of women. More than 5.1 million people sought medical treatment for acne in 2013, primarily children and young adults. These statistics shows that there is a great demand for skin care professionals who are passionate about wanting to implement an acne boot camp to their service menu. 

Standard aesthetics training mainly focuses on skin care fundamentals, such as cleansing, toning, facial massage, steam, some extractions, facial masks, and finishing products. Very few aesthetics and cosmetology programs adequately address acne concerns and treatment protocols. For a professional to determine if acne is the right specialty for them, it is important to not only financially plan but to also take the time to search for a program that will offer the tools necessary to get results with acne clients.  

An acne specialist is a licensed aesthetician who has gone beyond the state licensing requirements and studied the work of the world’s foremost acne researchers to learn the complex causes and treatments of acne. They have studied what ingredients in skin care products contribute to clogged pores, what environmental factors contribute to irritation and inflammation, what dietary components do and do not exacerbate acne, and what treatment modalities show the most consistent success.  

The acne specialist takes extra time to learn about clinical research and treatments available today and networks with other specialists around the country and around the world to learn what is working, what is not, and why. The acne specialist is trained to examine and test each client’s skin for sensitivities and tolerances, build a custom treatment plan for each individual, and work together with that individual until their complexion is clear. 

Beatrice Van, an award-winning aesthetics master educator is an enthusiastic, positive self-starter with over 17 years of progressive experience in the beauty industry. In addition to her role as Clinical Master Aesthetics Educator at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, she is the clinical director for Fearless Beauties, a certified advanced aesthetician, makeup artist, and nail specialist. On her days off, she works at Indie Esthetics, helping her clients look and feel like the very best versions of themselves or travels throughout North America as an education ambassador for CND and Fearless Beauties. Her passion is to empower both students and beauty professionals to boldly invest in their education and strengthen their skills while elevating standards in the industry.