Core Certification Course
Clinical Dermatology Essentials for Aesthetic Practice
A core certification course forming the foundation of the CAD programme · 6 AiCE Points · 9 Modules
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Module 1: Clinical Mindset & Skin Assessment Framework
0.5 AiCE Points (CPD equivalence: 0.5 hours)
- Treat vs Refer framework
- Risk-based thinking in aesthetics
- Dermatological history-taking
- Basic lesion description & documentation
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Module 2: Skin Foundations & Barrier Science
0.5 AiCE Points (CPD equivalence: 0.5 hours)
- Skin structure (epidermis & dermis)
- Cutaneous barrier function
- Skin repair mechanisms
- Sensitive vs sensitized skin
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Module 3: Inflammation, Reactivity & Rashes
0.5 AiCE Points (CPD equivalence: 0.5 hours)
- Acute vs chronic inflammation
- Eczema, dermatitis, rosacea
- Acne vs inflammatory dermatoses
- When NOT to treat inflamed skin
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Module 4: Melanocytes & Pigmentation
0.5 AiCE Points (CPD equivalence: 0.5 hours)
- Melanocyte biology
- Melasma (core focus)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Pigmentation risk in aesthetic treatments
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Module 5: Lesions, Lumps & Diagnostic Safety
0.5 AiCE Points (CPD equivalence: 0.5 hours)
- Benign lesions (skin tags, SKs, milia, cysts)
- Red flag features
- ABCDE melanoma awareness
- When to refer
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Module 6: Periocular Dermatology
0.5 AiCE Points (CPD equivalence: 0.5 hours)
- Syringomas
- Milia
- Xanthelasma
- Safe management in high-risk zones
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Module 7: Infective & Reactive Dermatoses
1 AiCE Point (CPD equivalence: 1 hour)
- Bacterial, viral, fungal infections
- HSV reactivation risk
- Procedure-related complications
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Module 9: Peels, Procedures & Complication Prevention
1 AiCE Point (CPD equivalence: 1 hour)
- Safe indications for treatment
- Contraindications
- PIH risk and prevention
- Periocular caution
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Module 10: Treating Chronic Inflammation & Barrier Repair
1 AiCE Point (CPD equivalence: 1 hour)
- Acute vs chronic inflammation in aesthetic skin
- Breaking the chronic inflammation cycle
- Sebum control: AHA vs BHA washes for oily and combination skin
- Antioxidants to reduce free-radical load (vitamin C protocols)
- Retinoids (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid) for exfoliation and repair
- Lazy skin syndrome: when moisturisers harm recovery
- Cosmeceuticals vs cosmetics — building a clinical skin reset
Programme Progression
This 5-hour course forms the core certification component of the CAD programme. Advanced and integrative modules are available for extended learning and clinical mastery.
Awards
Certificate of Completion
Awarded upon successful completion of the 5-hour CAD course.
Full Programme Completion
CAD – Certificate in Aesthetic Dermatology by Harley Street Institute