Lesson Plans — 23 Chapters
Present the Chapter 1 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 1 PresentationEsthetics Career Timeline and Industry Milestone Matching
Students receive a set of milestone cards and a blank timeline poster. Working in pairs, they place each milestone in chronological order and match it with its historical significance. Pairs then present one milestone they found most surprising.
Career Research and Presentation Board
Each student selects an esthetics career path and creates a presentation board highlighting education requirements, daily responsibilities, average income, and growth potential.
Present the Chapter 2 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 2 PresentationGoal-Setting and Motivation Board Exercise
Students create a personal vision board with written goals divided into 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year categories. Each goal must include a specific, measurable action step and a deadline.
Weekly Planner and Time Audit
Students map out a full week schedule balancing school, study, personal time, and self-care. They then identify time gaps and create strategies to maximize productivity.
Present the Chapter 3 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 3 PresentationProfessional Image Assessment Checklist
Students complete a self-assessment checklist covering appearance, hygiene, posture, and communication. Partners then evaluate each other and provide constructive written feedback.
Professional Presentation Practice
Students dress in professional spa attire and practice greeting a client, conducting a brief introduction, and escorting them to the treatment area. Instructor evaluates each interaction.
Present the Chapter 4 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 4 PresentationClient Consultation Role-Play with Difficult Scenarios
Students pair up and draw a scenario card describing a challenging client situation. One student acts as the esthetician, the other as the client. After five minutes, they switch roles with a new card. The class debriefs on effective strategies used.
Full Client Intake Simulation
Students conduct a complete client intake from greeting through consultation, using a professional intake form. The instructor observes and provides feedback on communication skills.
Present the Chapter 5 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 5 PresentationHandwashing Timed Drill, Disinfection Station Setup, and Tool Sorting
Students rotate through three stations: (1) a timed handwashing drill with UV glow gel to verify coverage, (2) setting up a disinfection station with proper solution ratios, and (3) sorting a mixed bin of tools into immersible and non-immersible categories with correct disinfection methods for each.
Complete Workstation Sanitation Setup
Students set up and sanitize a full treatment workstation from start to finish, demonstrating proper protocol for pre-service, during service, and post-service sanitation.
Present the Chapter 6 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 6 PresentationBody System Diagram Labeling and Cell Structure Identification
Students receive blank anatomical diagrams and label each body system, then complete a cell structure diagram identifying the nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, and organelles. Groups compare answers and discuss how each system connects to skin care.
Facial Muscle Mapping on Partner
Students use a face chart to locate and identify the major facial muscles, then practice gently palpating each muscle group on a partner while naming the muscle and its function.
Present the Chapter 7 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 7 PresentationpH Testing on Skincare Products and Ingredient Label Reading
Students test the pH of five different skin care products using pH test strips, record results on a chart, and then read the ingredient labels to identify active ingredients and their functions.
Product Chemistry Analysis Station
Students rotate through stations with different product types, testing pH, identifying ingredient categories, and determining if each product is an acid, base, or neutral solution.
Present the Chapter 8 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 8 PresentationFacial Machine Component Identification and Safety Protocol Cards
Students examine diagrams of common facial machines and label key components. They then match safety protocol cards to each machine type, identifying contraindications and proper operating procedures.
Equipment Safety Inspection and Setup
Students inspect each piece of electrical equipment for damage, check cords and plugs, and practice powering on, adjusting settings, and safely shutting down each machine.
Present the Chapter 9 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 9 PresentationFood Diary Analysis and Vitamin-to-Skin-Benefit Matching
Students analyze a pre-filled sample food diary for nutritional strengths and weaknesses. They then complete a matching exercise connecting vitamins (A, C, D, E, K, B-complex) to their specific benefits for skin health.
Client Nutrition Consultation Practice
Students role-play a scenario where a client asks about how nutrition affects their skin. The esthetician explains the connection between specific foods and skin conditions while staying within scope of practice.
Present the Chapter 10 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 10 PresentationSkin Layer Diagram Labeling and Cell Type Identification
Students receive a detailed cross-section diagram of the skin and label all three layers, the five layers of the epidermis, and key structures such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and nerve endings. A second sheet focuses on identifying cell types (keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, Merkel cells).
Skin Observation Under Magnification
Students examine their own and a partner's skin using a magnifying lamp to observe pore size, texture, oiliness, and visible structures discussed in the chapter.
Present the Chapter 11 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 11 PresentationSkin Disorder Photo Identification, Condition-to-Treatment Matching, and Contraindication Sorting
Students rotate through three exercise sets: (1) photo identification cards showing common skin conditions to be named and classified, (2) matching conditions to appropriate esthetics treatments, and (3) sorting conditions into "treat" and "refer out" categories.
Client Screening Simulation
Students practice a client screening scenario where they examine simulated skin conditions on a mannequin head, determine if the condition is treatable or requires a referral, and document their findings.
Present the Chapter 12 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 12 PresentationSkin Type Analysis on Classmates and Fitzpatrick Scale Classification
Working in pairs, students use a magnifying lamp to analyze their partner's skin type by zone (forehead, nose, cheeks, chin). They then determine each other's Fitzpatrick skin type using the classification questionnaire and record results.
Comprehensive Skin Analysis with Wood's Lamp
Students perform a full skin analysis on a partner using both a magnifying lamp and a Wood's lamp, documenting skin type, conditions observed, Fitzpatrick type, and recommended treatment direction.
Present the Chapter 13 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 13 PresentationProduct Ingredient Reading and Sorting by Function
Each group receives a collection of skin care products. Students read each label, identify three key ingredients, classify the product by function (cleanser, toner, moisturizer, exfoliant, SPF), and organize them into labeled categories on their table.
Product Regimen Design for Skin Types
Students design a complete morning and evening skin care regimen for an assigned skin type, selecting appropriate products from the available collection and justifying each choice.
Present the Chapter 14 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 14 PresentationTreatment Room Setup Timed Challenge
Students race against the clock to set up a treatment room from scratch, including the facial bed, linens, products, and equipment. The instructor evaluates each setup for completeness, cleanliness, and professional appearance.
Complete Room Setup, Draping, and Client Positioning
Students perform a full treatment room setup, then practice draping a partner on the facial bed with proper bolstering and positioning for comfort and modesty.
Present the Chapter 15 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 15 PresentationBasic Facial Procedure Step-by-Step and Product Application Sequence
Students arrange procedure step cards in the correct facial treatment order. They then practice product application techniques on the back of their hand, focusing on the correct amount, direction, and pressure for each product type (cleanser, exfoliant, serum, moisturizer, SPF).
Complete Basic Facial on Partner
Students perform a full basic facial treatment on a partner, following all professional steps from consultation through post-care instructions.
Present the Chapter 16 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 16 PresentationFacial Massage Movement Practice and Movement Identification
The instructor demonstrates each massage movement while students practice on their own forearm. Students then watch unlabeled demonstration clips and identify each movement type, writing their answers on response cards.
Complete Facial Massage on Partner
Students perform a full facial massage sequence on a partner, incorporating all five massage movements with proper technique, pressure, and rhythm.
Present the Chapter 17 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 17 PresentationHigh Frequency Indirect Method Practice, Steamer Setup, and Distance Measurement
Students rotate through two stations: (1) practice the indirect high frequency method on a partner's face with the instructor supervising, and (2) set up and fill a facial steamer, power it on, measure the correct distance from the face (approximately 18 inches), and time the warm-up period.
Multi-Machine Facial Treatment Integration
Students perform a facial treatment incorporating the steamer, high frequency, and one additional machine. The focus is on proper sequencing, timing, and safety throughout.
Present the Chapter 18 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 18 PresentationWaxing Pattern Practice on Balloon or Practice Skin and Temperature Testing
Students practice applying warm wax in the correct direction on balloons (to simulate skin tension) and on practice skin pads. Before each application, they test the wax temperature on their inner wrist and record whether it was within the safe range.
Waxing Service on Practice Arm or Leg
Students perform a complete waxing service on a partner's arm or lower leg, including consultation, pre-wax preparation, application, removal, and post-wax care.
Present the Chapter 19 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 19 PresentationChemical Peel Consultation Scenario Cards and Microdermabrasion Discussion
Students draw scenario cards describing a client's skin type, concerns, and medical history. They must determine whether the client is a candidate for a chemical peel, select the appropriate peel type (superficial, medium, or refer out for deep), and explain their reasoning. The class then discusses microdermabrasion benefits, contraindications, and expected outcomes.
Superficial Chemical Peel Application (Simulated)
Students practice the full protocol for a superficial chemical peel using a simulated (non-active) solution, focusing on client preparation, application technique, timing, neutralization, and post-care instructions.
Present the Chapter 20 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 20 PresentationFace Shape Analysis, Color Wheel for Corrective Makeup, and Face Chart Completion
Students determine their own face shape using a mirror and a measuring tape. They then study the color wheel to understand complementary and corrective color relationships. Finally, each student completes a blank face chart with a makeup design tailored to their identified face shape, including contour, highlight, and corrective color placement.
Full Makeup Application on Partner
Students apply a complete makeup look on a partner, starting with skin prep and ending with a finished face. The application must include foundation matching, corrective color, contouring, eye makeup, and lip color.
Present the Chapter 21 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 21 PresentationResume Building, Cover Letter Exercise, and Mock Interview
Students draft a one-page resume using a provided template, then write a brief cover letter for a specific job posting. Pairs then conduct a three-minute mock interview where one student is the hiring manager and the other is the applicant.
Portfolio Development Workshop
Students begin compiling a professional portfolio including their resume, cover letter, before-and-after photos from previous labs (if available), certifications, and a personal brand statement.
Present the Chapter 22 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 22 PresentationBusiness Plan Basics and Pricing/Profit Margin Calculations
Students receive a simplified business plan template and fill in the key sections: mission statement, target market, services offered, and startup costs. They then complete a pricing exercise calculating the cost per service, recommended retail price, and profit margin for three sample esthetics services.
Service Menu and Budget Creation
Students create a professional service menu for a fictional skin care business, including service names, descriptions, durations, and prices. They also draft a basic monthly operating budget.
Present the Chapter 23 slideshow and follow all speaker notes for discussion points and pacing.
Open Chapter 23 PresentationRetail Recommendation Role-Play and Upselling Technique Practice
Students pair up for a two-part exercise. First, one student acts as the esthetician completing a facial while the other is the client. The esthetician must recommend at least two retail products based on the treatment performed and the client's skin type. Second, students practice upselling by suggesting an add-on service (mask upgrade, eye treatment, or hand treatment) using natural, benefit-focused language.
End-of-Service Retail Consultation Simulation
Students complete a full end-of-service scenario: finishing a facial, walking the client to the retail area, recommending products, explaining benefits, and closing the sale. The instructor evaluates the interaction for professionalism, product knowledge, and sales technique.