Core Certification Course
Clinical Dermatology Essentials for Aesthetic Practice
A core certification course forming the foundation of the CAD programme · 5 Hours · 11 Modules
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Module 1: Clinical Mindset & Skin Assessment Framework
- 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
- Skin structure (epidermis & dermis)
- Cutaneous barrier function
- Skin repair mechanisms
- Sensitive vs sensitized skin
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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: Treatment Decision-Making in Aesthetics
- What you can treat safely
- What you should NOT treat
- High-risk patients (melasma, PIH, sensitive skin)
- Risk-layered clinical thinking
Module 9: Peels, Procedures & Complication Prevention
- Safe indications for treatment
- Contraindications
- PIH risk and prevention
- Periocular caution
Module 10: Barrier Repair & Skin Recovery
- Skin reset protocols
- Barrier repair strategies
- Cosmeceuticals vs cosmetics
Module 11: Case-Based Clinical Integration
- Melasma case
- PIH complication
- Syringoma vs milia
- Inflamed skin scenario
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