Clinical Dermatology Essentials for Aesthetic Practice
A core certification course forming the foundation of the CAD programme · 15 AiCE Points · 9 Modules
Certificates are for enrolled students
Each module page is a public landing page you can preview. To track progress, take the end-of-module knowledge check, leave feedback and receive your per-module certificate (and the full CAD certificate on completion), you must sign in and enrol in the course (£350 inc. VAT).
Module 1: Clinical Mindset & Skin Assessment Framework
- Treat vs Refer framework
- Risk-based thinking in aesthetics
- Dermatological history-taking
- Basic lesion description & documentation
Module 2: Skin Foundations & Barrier Science
- Skin structure (epidermis & dermis)
- Cutaneous barrier function
- Skin repair mechanisms
- Sensitive vs sensitized skin
Module 3: Inflammation, Reactivity & Rashes
- Acute vs chronic inflammation
- Eczema, dermatitis, rosacea
- Acne vs inflammatory dermatoses
- When NOT to treat inflamed skin
Module 4: Melanocytes & Pigmentation
- Melanocyte biology
- Melasma (core focus)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Pigmentation risk in aesthetic treatments
Module 5: Lesions, Lumps & Diagnostic Safety
- Benign lesions (skin tags, SKs, milia, cysts)
- Red flag features
- ABCDE melanoma awareness
- When to refer
Module 6: Periocular Dermatology
- Syringomas
- Milia
- Xanthelasma
- Safe management in high-risk zones
Module 7: Infective & Reactive Dermatoses
- Bacterial, viral, fungal infections
- HSV reactivation risk
- Procedure-related complications
Module 8: Peels, Procedures & Complication Prevention
- Safe indications for treatment
- Contraindications
- PIH risk and prevention
- Periocular caution
Module 9: Treating Chronic Inflammation & Barrier Repair
- 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
Search every module — overview, curriculum, outcomes & reading
Find any topic, page or reading reference across the 9 CAD modules.
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 · 15 AiCE Points
CAD – Certificate in Aesthetic Dermatology by Harley Street Institute. Awarded once all 9 module assessments are passed at ≥70%.
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