Advanced Acne Mastery Training

Virtual Training - Lifetime Access

Instructor: Deanna Marie
Class Format: Virtual Instructor-Led Lecture / Demonstrations + Mentorship

Welcome to Mastering Acne & Barrier Health: Advanced Acne Mastery Virtual Training + Mentorship, a comprehensive professional training designed for licensed estheticians, skincare professionals, and advanced students who want to elevate their acne treatment skills. This course goes beyond surface-level solutions to provide a deep understanding of acne pathophysiology, barrier management, and evidence-based treatment strategies. Through a combination of in-depth theory, real-world case studies, and actionable protocols, you’ll gain the confidence to assess, treat, and manage even the most complex acne cases effectively.

Through this training, you will learn to:

• Master acne assessment, treatment, and barrier management in real-time.
• Apply corrective and restorative protocols for all acne types with expert feedback.
• Integrate advanced professional modalities safely and effectively using live demonstrations.
• Sequence treatments strategically, troubleshoot barrier compromise, and design personalized at-home regimens.
• Build confidence in managing complex cases, improving client outcomes, and growing a professional acne practice.

What's Included

• Virtual instruction with step-by-step demonstrations
• Access to extensive lecture materials and instructional videos
• Interactive Q&A and personalized guidance from the expert instructor
• Ongoing mentorship and support after course completion
• Comprehensive treatment protocols and professional resources
• Lifetime access to your virtual training and e-book

Elite Membership

• Ongoing Mentorship & Support with Instructor & The Elite Team
• Informative Articles & Business Resources
• Job Postings & Networking Opportunities
• Access to Exclusive Professional Communities

Certification & Mentorship

 

• Advanced Acne & Barrier Health Mastery Certificate upon successful completion
• Ongoing mentorship ensures support for practical application and clinical growth

Course Modules

Chapter 1: Introduction & Acne Fundamentals

In this module, you will learn about the anatomy of the pilosebaceous unit and the pathophysiology of acne, including the four main contributing factors: excess sebum, abnormal keratin shedding, microbiome shifts, and inflammation. You’ll explore how microcomedones form, how dehydration and oil overproduction cycles affect the skin, keratin buildup, pH imbalances, frictional triggers, bacterial overgrowth, and the role of the skin microbiome. Additionally, you will examine internal and external drivers of acne, including hormonal influences, stress, environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and the characteristics of different acne subtypes such as cystic, hormonal, fungal, and sebaceous-dominant inflammatory acne.

Chapter 2: Compromised Skin Barrier & Repair

In this chapter, you will learn about the critical role of the skin barrier in acne and sensitive skin management, and why even the most carefully designed treatments can fail if the barrier is compromised. You will explore the structure and function of the stratum corneum and lipid layers, the importance of water retention, protection, pH buffering, and treatment tolerance, and how barrier dysfunction can worsen acne, prolong inflammation, and delay healing.

You will also learn how to spot barrier dysfunction through visual, tactile, and observational cues, and by asking key consultation questions. You’ll understand what breaks the barrier, including overuse of active ingredients, environmental stressors, and product misuse.

Additionally, you will learn practical repair protocols to calm, hydrate, and strengthen the barrier using humectants, lipids, calming botanicals, peptides, and antioxidants, as well as strategies for pausing corrective treatments and reintroducing actives safely. Finally, you will gain the knowledge to differentiate acne from conditions like pustular rosacea, identify key triggers, apply low-stimulation and barrier-supportive care, and recognize when to refer clients for medical management.

Chapter 3: Evidence-Based Acne Care by Type

In this chapter, you will learn how to tailor acne treatments to specific types, including cystic and hormonal acne, fungal acne, and sebaceous-dominant acne. You will learn to accurately identify each type, understand the underlying mechanisms, and implement evidence-based protocols for optimal results.

For cystic and hormonal acne, you will learn how to address deep dermal lesions driven by hormonal fluctuations using oxygen-based therapies, controlled heat, and hydration. You will explore core active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur masks, niacinamide, zinc, and hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and vitamin B5, along with strategies for safe sequencing and post-treatment care.

For fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), you will learn to distinguish it from bacterial acne, identify key triggers, and implement antifungal-focused treatment approaches using sulfur-based cleansers, Malassezia-safe moisturizers, lightweight hydration, and preventive hygiene practices. You will also learn when to refer treatment-resistant cases for medical care.

For sebaceous-dominant acne, you will learn a structured four-step approach—Balance, Exfoliate, Hydrate, and Protect—using targeted ingredients to regulate oil, clear pores, maintain hydration, and shield the skin. You will also learn how to strategically alternate treatments to prevent barrier disruption, reduce inflammation, and avoid oil rebound.

Throughout the chapter, you will gain practical tools for managing complex acne cases, supporting the skin barrier, sequencing treatments effectively, and ensuring safe and consistent post-care for your clients.

Chapter 4: Advanced Modalities & Safety

In this chapter, you will learn how to safely and effectively integrate advanced professional modalities into acne treatment programs, including chemical peels, dermaplaning, microneedling/microchanneling, and light/laser therapies. You will learn to select the right modality based on acne type, skin condition, Fitzpatrick skin type, and treatment goals, while prioritizing safety, timing, contraindications, and post-treatment care.

For chemical peels, you will learn how to match peels to skin and acne type—salicylic acid for oily or pustular acne, acne blend peels for mixed or transitioning acne, mandelic acid for sensitive or hyperpigmented skin, and lactic acid for dehydrated or mildly congested skin. You will also learn essential safety protocols, including barrier assessment, sensitivity testing, and pigment management for higher Fitzpatrick skin types.

For dermaplaning, you will learn when and why to perform wet dermaplaning, the importance of the skin’s oil layer, critical contraindications, and alternative modalities. You will practice proper technique, post-care guidance, and strategies to enhance peel and serum absorption safely.

For microneedling and microchanneling, you will learn how to use these modalities for post-acne scarring, enlarged pores, and texture irregularities. You will explore timing, contraindications, serum pairings for hyperpigmentation, scarring, and dehydration, treatment series planning, and post-care protocols to ensure optimal results without compromising the skin barrier.

For light and laser therapies, you will learn how to target pigmentation, inflammation, and acne-related texture concerns using BBL/IPL, Nd:YAG, and carbon peels. You will learn safety considerations, proper sequencing with other treatments, and how to integrate these modalities into a comprehensive acne program.

By the end of this chapter, you will have the knowledge and practical strategies to implement advanced treatments safely and effectively, customizing each modality to your client’s unique skin type, acne severity, and treatment goals.

Chapter 5: Sequencing, Protocols, & Client Success

In this chapter, you will learn how to strategically sequence acne treatments to clear skin effectively while protecting the barrier. You will learn to balance corrective treatments—such as chemical peels, dermaplaning, microneedling, and light/laser therapies—with restorative treatments like hydrating facials, calming masks, LED therapy, oxygen treatments, and lymphatic drainage. You will understand why alternating correction and restoration is essential for optimal results, and how poor sequencing can lead to barrier damage, slower progress, and frustrated clients.

You will learn to customize protocols based on barrier status. For compromised barriers, you will learn to prioritize calming, hydrating, and barrier-repair strategies before introducing corrective treatments, and how to reintroduce actives gradually. For healthy barriers, you will learn when and how to safely incorporate more aggressive treatments while maintaining ongoing hydration support.

You will also learn to manage barrier compromise during active treatments, recognizing warning signs such as redness, flaking, burning, or sudden breakouts. You will learn immediate corrective actions, hydration-only strategies, and guidelines for reintroducing active treatments safely.

In addition, you will learn how to integrate professional treatments with at-home regimens, including proper product layering, ingredient combinations, and customization based on acne type, barrier health, lifestyle factors, and client consistency. You will gain strategies for post-treatment care, gradual active reintroduction, and clear communication with clients to ensure safe and effective results.

Finally, you will learn compliance systems to support long-term success, including setting realistic expectations, monitoring progress, celebrating improvements, and providing ongoing client support. You will gain practical tools for client check-ins, emergency protocols, and adjustments to maximize results and maintain client confidence over time.

This format is ideal for professionals who want hands-on guidance, interactive learning, and ongoing support while implementing acne treatment strategies with confidence.

Enroll Today and Elevate Your Acne Services!

Whether you are beginning your journey in aesthetics or looking to elevate your current treatments, this course is designed to set you apart and accelerate your success. Learn from an experienced instructor with the passion and expertise to guide you to the next level. Walk away with the skills, confidence, and advanced knowledge you need to deliver exceptional results and build the career you’ve always envisioned.

Please note: This course is non-refundable and non-transferable.