Lyndsey Brantley, CEO and medical aesthetics practitioner at Camellia Alise Spa (Houston), discusses how estheticians can successfully transition into offering advanced services, like laser treatments and chemical peels.
For many estheticians, the dream of growing a successful beauty business often includes stepping beyond the basics—facials, waxing, and traditional skincare—into the world of advanced aesthetics. Services like laser treatments and chemical peels not only offer transformative results for clients, but they also unlock new income streams and a deeper level of professional fulfillment. But let’s be honest: the transition can feel intimidating.
At Camellia Alise, we believe in demystifying the advanced side of aesthetics so more professionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel confident pursuing it. Making this transition successfully requires more than just learning new techniques. It requires a mindset shift, an educational strategy, and a commitment to results-driven care.
Start With the "Why" The first step isn’t equipment or certifications—it’s clarity. Ask yourself: Why are you interested in offering chemical peels or laser services? Are you seeing a need in your client base? Do you want to expand your expertise or increase revenue? Understanding your "why" helps guide your investment in education, technology, and marketing.
Invest in Targeted Education:
Transitioning into advanced modalities means going back to the fundamentals with a deeper lens. For chemical peels, that means revisiting skin histology, pH levels, Fitzpatrick and Lancer scales, and the nuanced impact of active ingredients. For laser, understanding how light energy interacts with various skintones is critical. Look for accredited programs that go beyond product knowledge and dive into safety, consultation protocols, and post-care strategies, especially for clients with melanated skin.
I remember the first time I treated a client with a TCA peel—she was nervous, and honestly, so was I. But I had taken the time to learn, practice, and really understand the variables that could affect her results. That preparation paid off. Not only did she achieve the glow-up she wanted, but she also became a loyal client and referred others who had long felt overlooked in the advanced skincare space.
Laser and Peels for Melanated Skin: Handle with Care:
When working with deeper skintones, chemical peels and laser treatments require an elevated level of diligence. These modalities are powerful, but without the right knowledge, they can do more harm than good. Improper peel selection, laser wavelength misuse, or skipping barrier repair protocols can trigger hyperpigmentation, textural changes, or even scarring.
That’s why I always say: Education isn’t optional—it’s essential. Estheticians serving diverse clientele must prioritize training that includes multicultural skin. Understanding the limitations of the Fitzpatrick scale and incorporating tools like the Lancer or Global Heritage Scale can help practitioners assess skin more accurately and make safer treatment decisions.
Understand the Risks and the Rewards:
Advanced services are powerful tools—but only when used responsibly. Overuse, incorrect peel depth, or poor client prep can lead to adverse reactions, particularly in clients of color. This is why understanding the skin barrier and how to protect it must become second nature. The reward? Transformative results that build trust, client loyalty, and your professional reputation.
Don’t Skip the Business Side:
Learning the skill is one thing—positioning it in your business is another. As you grow into advanced services, update your service menu, pricing strategy, consent forms, and marketing materials. Perform market research to understand what your community needs and where your service fits. Speak in client language, not just technical jargon, so they understand the value of the investment.
Take it One Client at a Time:
You don’t have to become a laser guru or peel expert overnight. Start with one service, test your protocols, gather before-and-afters, and build confidence through real experience. Trust and transformation go hand-in-hand, and those early client wins are your best marketing tools.
Three Actionable Steps to Bridge the Gap
- Shadow or Assist an Advanced Pro – Find a local mentor or advanced esthetician and offer to shadow or assist them during treatments. It’s one of the fastest ways to gain confidence and insight.
- Take Accredited Peel and Laser Training Courses – Enroll in hands-on or hybrid programs that provide in-depth education on treatment protocols, contraindications, and client safety across all skin tones.
- Host a Soft Launch with Models – Before adding new services to your menu, offer limited-time model appointments. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build a library of before-and-after results, and refine your protocols in real time.
Advanced aesthetics isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. When estheticians commit to learning, respecting the skin, and evolving their business with care and intention, they become powerful forces in this industry.
The future of beauty is results-driven, inclusive, and filled with possibility. And you? You’re more than ready to step into it.
Lyndsey Brantley will be teaching two classes at IECSC Florida, "From Empty Slots to Waitlists: Growth Tactics for Spa CEOs & Solo Stars" on September 28 and "Peel with Precision: Advanced Chemical Peel Protocols for Darker Skin Tones" on September 29, 2025. To attend these classes and learn about the other classes offered at the show, be sure to register to attend IECSC Florida from September 28-29, 2025. What's more, use code AMERICANSPA to get 20% off education classes.