By Nancy Abdou, Founder & CEO, The Australian Dermal and Laser Institute (TADLI).
In today’s fast-growing aesthetic industry, training is everywhere – but true education is rare. As demand for non-surgical treatments rises and advanced technologies become more accessible, the gap between theory and real-world clinical competence has become increasingly apparent. Some practitioners gain access to powerful devices after only short, device-familiarisation sessions, while others receive more comprehensive clinical training. The result is a growing risk to client safety – and a credibility challenge for the industry itself. This is exactly where the educator’s role becomes critical.
A Fragmented Education Landscape
Currently, Australia does not have uniform regulatory requirements for non-invasive aesthetic treatments, such as skin needling, IPL, or RF-based therapies – except in limited laser applications under certain state-based rules. This regulatory gap allows significant variability in practitioner qualifications and treatment delivery across the country.
Training often falls at either end of the spectrum. Academic programs may provide robust theory but lack practical exposure, while manufacturer-led training tends to focus on how to use a specific device rather than the broader clinical context. The result is a missing middle ground where practitioners are taught not just what to do, but why and when to do it. Without that depth, therapists may struggle to identify contraindications, adjust protocols for diverse Fitzpatrick types, or confidently manage complications.
The Risks of Inadequate Training
These gaps in training are already manifesting in clinics. Reports of burns, scarring, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are increasingly common, often due to poor consultation processes or misuse of energy-based devices. Treatments like microneedling, laser, and plasma fibroblast require an understanding of wound healing, skin integrity, and tissue interaction – knowledge that cannot be gained through quick certifications alone.
As more clinics offer advanced modalities without in-house dermal clinicians or ongoing professional development, the risks only increase. Without a proper foundation in skin assessment, physiology, and safety, even well-intentioned practitioners may unknowingly compromise outcomes.
Where Standardisation Is Most Needed
To protect both practitioners and clients, several key areas demand stronger standardisation:
- Skin analysis and consultation: There is no universal protocol for assessing client suitability or preparing the skin for treatment.
- Device education: Training varies by brand and is often more commercially than clinically driven.
- Global skin diversity: As Australia’s population becomes more diverse, training must reflect a better understanding of how different, mixed skin types respond to trauma and heat.
- Post-care protocols: Recovery guidance is often under-taught, which can delay healing and reduce results.
- Treatment planning and contraindication awareness: Too many therapists are taught protocols in isolation, without regard for internal influences like stress, hormones, or diet.
The Educator’s Role in Closing the Gap
In the absence of national regulation, educators play a crucial role in promoting safe practice. Quality education goes beyond protocols – it develops clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and the confidence to know when not to treat.
Effective education gives therapists the tools to assess skin properly, understand tissue behaviour, and adjust treatment strategies based on real client needs. It also ensures that knowledge goes beyond protocols, enabling practitioners to handle complications, recognise limitations, and adapt to changing skin conditions over time.
While bodies like APAN and ASDC continue to push for clearer frameworks, raising standards also depends on a cultural shift. Clinics must prioritise regular training and refreshers. Outdated education has no place in an industry defined by constant change.
“Outdated education has no place in an industry defined by constant change.”
Toward a Safer, More Unified Industry
Improving safety and standardisation in aesthetics requires collaboration across the industry, with greater emphasis on clinical reasoning and stronger oversight of trauma-based modalities like IPL, laser, RF, and needling.
At The Australian Dermal & Laser Institute (TADLI), we recognise this responsibility and have structured our training to go beyond basic certification. Our focus is on delivering clinically relevant, hands-on education that builds critical thinking, not just competency. From skin analysis and consultation to device selection, treatment planning, and post-care protocols, our curriculum equips practitioners to work safely and effectively across a range of skin conditions and technologies.
As technology advances and client expectations continue to grow, it’s essential that education evolves alongside it. The future of our industry depends not just on innovation but on informed, responsible, and well-supported professionals behind every treatment.
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