Originally published June 13, 2023. Updated August 2026 for the 2026–27 season.
Editor’s note: This guide kicked off our very first case-study series back in 2023, and the advice hasn’t aged a day, so we’re keeping Dominique’s words as she wrote them. We’ve updated what’s changed about the season itself, and finally delivered on the follow-up she promised three years ago (see the bottom of this post).
Welcome to my blog series designed to help you maximize your chances of success in The Skin Games competition. As the 2023 Esthetician of the Year, I’m honored to share my tips and insights with you. Let’s kick off our journey to victory with an essential step: reading the rules!
Thoroughly Read the Rules and Guidelines
The Skin Games has established rules and guidelines to ensure fair competition and a level playing field for all participants. I’m not saying you must print out the rules and bust out the ole highlighter like I did, but it’s crucial that you take the time to thoroughly read and understand these rules before starting your case studies.
Here’s why:
Compliance: By familiarizing yourself with the rules, you ensure that your entry meets all the necessary criteria and requirements. This includes aspects such as submission deadlines, eligibility criteria, and the specific categories or challenges you’re interested in.
Avoid Disqualification: Failure to adhere to the rules could lead to disqualification. Don’t let a simple oversight or misunderstanding jeopardize your chance of being recognized for your talent and hard work. Reading and understanding the rules will help you avoid any unintentional mistakes.
Strategic Planning: Understanding the rules helps you strategize your approach to the competition. It allows you to align your treatments, techniques, and goals with the judging criteria and specific categories. This strategic planning will give you a competitive edge and help you present your best work.
Take Note of Specific Requirements
Within the rules, you’ll find specific requirements and guidelines for each category or challenge. The judges are using a point system, so pay close attention to these details as they can make a significant difference in how your work is evaluated. Some aspects to consider include:
Treatment Parameters: Understand the specific parameters for each treatment or service you provide. This may include the duration, techniques, products, or tools allowed. Adhering to these guidelines ensures fairness and consistency in judging.
Documentation and Photography: The Skin Games requires before-and-after photos, eight videos, and written documentation across your case study. Capturing clear and detailed evidence of your work is essential to showcase your skills effectively. [[VERIFY: confirming the format is still an 8-week case study with eight videos, before/after photos, and written documentation for 2026–27, same as 2023. Flag if anything about the submission requirements has changed this season.]]
Seek Clarification
If you have any doubts or questions about the rules, don’t hesitate to seek clarification. The Skin Games team is here to assist you and provide the necessary guidance. Utilize their resources and reach out for support if needed. Remember, clarity is key to ensure you’re on the right track.
By starting your Skin Games journey with a thorough understanding of the rules and guidelines, you set a solid foundation for success. It demonstrates your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to the competition.
For the 2026–27 season
Entry is $195 per category, and there are six competition paths and seventeen categories to choose from, so pick the one that actually fits the work you’re already doing for clients. You can click see the full current competition lineup and register.
And since you asked, three years ago, we finally have that follow-up. Our full breakdown of exactly what judges are looking for when they score a case study, straight from the panel itself, is coming later this season. We’ll link it here the moment it’s live.