Q&A on Esthetician Scope of Practice in California

The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology gave a Q&A at the AmSpa Medical Spa Boot Camp in San Jose, California regarding what estheticians can and cannot do in a medical spa. Specifically, they addressed the question of whether or not an esthetician could perform microneedling under the scope of their license. They cannot.
For more information see our post regarding the Board's position: www.americanmedspa.org/news/305093/AmSpa-Founder-Alex-Thiersch-JD-Releases-Clarification-on-California-Microneedling-Law.htm
Topics in the video:
3:10 - Limitations on Esthetician Use of Needles
4:02 - Estheticians With an Electrolysis License
4:36 - Allowed and Prohibited Aesthetic Practices for RNs
5:02 - Can an RN Do Microneedling?
5:55 - Does a Medical Spa Need a Cosmetic License for Cosmetic Procedures?
6:40 - Micro-rollers for Home Use
7:47 - RNs Who Are Also Licensed Estheticians
8:20 - Dermatude
10:58 - Possibility of Expanding Scope of Esthetician License
13:24 - Estheticians Using LED/Light Therapy
14:30 - Esthetician Restrictions Still Apply Under MD Supervision
15:06 - Enforcement Appetite of the Board
17:57 - Potential Punishment for Violations
20:26 - Advice to Med Spa Owners on Staying Compliant
22:42 - Lash Tinting

[@sb.yourstruly]

So in California I can’t do micro needling or dermaplaning (despite my additional Certs.), can’t even do a lash or brow tint, can’t work under a doctor’s discretion, can’t even use a lancet for extractions?... but if I stay in Texas, I can totally do all of that. That’s insane. California’s scope of practice seriously needs to change. Add extra certs or something for more advanced techs. Everything I love about esthetics I can’t do if I move back to California where all my family is. But in most other states It’s completely allowed and within our scope of practice. We can even do lasers if we take an additional course.. can you even do a chemical peel in California?! 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@lola00starz]

What if I'm certified and licensed phlebotomist and Licensed Aesthetician?

[@paolaAndreaHarris]

Is there a more recent video from AmSpa?

[@AmberBilow]

What is the difference between dermaplaning and a straight razor shave? Could a licensed barber dermaplane if trained?

[@AmericanMedSpaAssociation]

You can find the answer to this question in our state legal summaries. If you have additional follow up questions, AmSpa members also receive a 20 min. complimentary consultation with our partner law firm ByrdAdatto. Please give us a call at 312.981.0993 if you’d like to learn more. Thank you!

[@devonsmith5135]

Dermaplaning goes deeper than at home “dermaplaning” It’s more medically invasive, Is how I understand it.

[@2012gemini]

I'm confused, so a permanent makeup artist can operate in CA using metal micro and nano needles that inject pigment into the space between the epidermis and the dermis, but that same practitioner cannot use metal micro and nano needles that do not inject anything (dry needling) or that inject serums specifically manufactured for procedures such as inkless stretch mark revision, into that same space? I don't see how the procedures are any different. And if you hold a certification for using metal micro/nano needles, and hold insurance for those procedures, we are not considered to be trustworthy nor educated enough or responsible enough to perform the procedure? The microneedling industry is BOOMING all around the world. If people were aware of what was possible with this procedure, they would probably sign petitions to get it regulated. Why doesn't AmSpa create an accredidation?

[@AndrewN502]

I think the no dermaplaning thing is total bs. California really relegates esthetician’s to the land of relaxation. In my home state of Kentucky as long as there is a doctor in the building we can do pretty much whatever we want

[@CandiMom52]

Micro needling and dermaplaning are so entirely different. If you have been trained and certified there should be no issue with dermaplaning. Shaving for women. Dermaplaning does not go below the epidermis. Do these people that are making these law have any education in esthetics because they don't act like they know what they are talking about.

[@devonsmith5135]

This is bullshit, excuse my language. What about tattoo artists and piercers?? Phlebotomists????? I really hope someone out there is lobbying to CHANGE this. Seriously unreasonable.