Beauty & Dermal Therapist

A beauty or dermal therapist can provide specialised skincare treatments and expertise that promote healthy skin and enhance your overall appearance.

They offer personalized consultations to address specific skin concerns, recommend tailored products and routines, and perform advanced treatments like facials, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.

Their training in skin anatomy and various techniques ensures that clients receive safe, effective care, leading to improved skin health and confidence. 

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Becoming a beauty or dermal therapist

A career in beauty therapy can start as early as high school and can continue through to university. Starting your studies while still in school allows you to earn SACE credits and get a head start on your career. The beauty industry is growing rapidly because more people are interested in beauty services.

Success in the beauty industry depends on a mix of personal and professional qualities. These include attention to detail, creativity, a passion for working with people and enjoying one-on-one client interactions. By starting your education early, you can build a solid foundation in beauty therapy and open up many career opportunities. Completing a Certificate III in Beauty while still in school is also a great way to explore different areas of the beauty industry, from nails and lashes to makeup.

Pursuing qualifications in beauty therapy offers a wide range of career opportunities. You can start with certificates like the Certificate II in Retail Cosmetic Assistant, Certificate III in Beauty, or specialised diplomas in areas like Beauty Therapy, Cosmetic Tattooing, and Screen and Media. Advanced diplomas and graduate certificates, such as those in Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Laser for Hair Reduction or Cosmetic Lasers and Dermal Therapies, can lead to specialised roles in the industry.

The beauty industry offers many job possibilities, from becoming a beauty therapist, makeup artist, or nail technician to more advanced positions like skin therapist, laser skin therapist, or salon manager. Higher education degrees like a Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Nursing (Cosmetic Injectables) can expand your career options, allowing you to move into business management, education, or specialised medical roles within the beauty sector.

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Pathways from school to university: 

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I’m a beauty or dermal therapist, what do I need to know?

Once you’ve qualified as a Beauty Therapist, there are several key areas you need to focus on to succeed in your career. Understanding local and international beauty industry standards, health and safety regulations, and sanitation protocols is crucial for keeping your workplace safe and professional. Building strong client relationships is also essential, involving active listening, clear communication, and personalised treatment plans.

Staying updated with the latest beauty treatments, techniques, and technologies, including advanced tools like lasers and IPL devices, is important to keep your skills relevant. Knowing your beauty products, their ingredients, and how they affect different skin types will help you recommend the right products to your clients.

To manage or own a salon, you must understand business operations, marketing strategies, social media, customer service, and financial management. Since the beauty industry is constantly changing, pursuing additional certifications, attending workshops, and staying informed about industry trends will help you remain competitive and grow your skill set.

Always adhere to ethical practices, such as maintaining client confidentiality, providing honest consultations, and ensuring that treatments are in the best interest of your clients. Lastly, taking care of your well-being and presenting yourself professionally sets a positive example and reflects well on your work.

Career advancement for beauty and dermal therapists

Advancing your career as a beauty therapist involves gaining additional qualifications, specialising in advanced treatments, and continuously updating your skills.

Higher education, such as diplomas in cosmetic tattooing, IPL, laser for hair reduction, and dermal therapies, can help you offer more services and open up new career opportunities. Specialising in medical aesthetics or cosmetic injectables might require further study, such as a Bachelor of Nursing focusing on cosmetic injectables, which can lead to roles in medical spas or clinics. Developing strong business and management skills can also lead to salon manager or owner roles, with advanced salon management certifications providing the necessary expertise.

Attending industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions is important for staying updated on the latest trends and techniques. Networking with other professionals and joining industry associations can also create opportunities for growth. Working with product companies as a representative, trainer, or consultant allows you to educate beauty professionals about products and contribute to product development. Additionally, becoming a trainer or educator lets you share your expertise with aspiring beauty therapists.

Overall, advancing in your beauty therapy career involves continuous education, specialising in advanced treatments, developing business skills, networking, and exploring opportunities with product companies. These steps can help you expand your skills, increase your earning potential, and achieve long-term success in the beauty industry.

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ROSE BONASERA
Dermal Therapist
Director, Elixir Skin Fitness

Rose Bonasera is a leading dermal therapist with over 20 years experience in the professional skincare industry. Her experience ranges from educator, dermal therapist, working with a leading Sydney plastic surgeon to running her own award-winning skin clinic. 

Rose is the Director Elixir Skin Fitness and is driven to achieving incredible and sustainable results for her clients. Elixir Skin Fitness was voted by Vogue Australia as South Australia’s Best Skin Health Clinic in 2018.

Rose has a special interest in inflammatory skin conditions, extrinsic and intrinsic ageing and the connection between the skin, gut and internal health. Rose’s goal is to educate her clients on how they can look after their skin with an integrative approach, creating customised skin treatment plans for each client’s unique story.

Rose enjoys working in partnership with male and female clients to achieve positive changes in the appearance of their skin, and as a result, also increasing their self-confidence.

Rose is results driven and is passionate about working with some of the latest equipment devices available to achieve outstanding results for her clients. Rose also successfully runs Elixir Education Events every  year for existing and new clients, inviting industry-based guest speakers to continue educating her clients on an integrative approach to skin health and the generation prevention culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about beauty and dermal therapy…

  • Yes and no. Technically, you don't need a qualification, but we are working hard to regulate the industry. Insurance companies may not insure you without formal certification, and you might not get council approval to open a business without one.

  • Most beauty therapy courses don’t require formal qualifications to start. However, having a basic understanding of anatomy and health is helpful. Some advanced courses may require a high school diploma or equivalent.

  • The duration can vary depending on the level of the course. Certificate courses take 6 months to a year, while Diploma or Advanced Diploma courses can take 1-2 years.

  • Courses typically cover various topics, including skincare, makeup, waxing, nail care, massage, and salon management. Advanced courses may include specialised treatments like microdermabrasion and advanced skin treatments.

  • Career prospects are diverse. You can work in beauty salons, spas, wellness centres, cruise ships, or even start a business. Some may also choose to go into teaching or product development.

  • Yes, most courses combine theory and practical experience. You'll get hands-on training in treatments and services, working with real clients under supervision.

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