The purpose of Classic Esthetics is to honor the roots of the beauty profession by rewarding:

• advanced skin analysis 
• ingredient mastery 
• skin science knowledge 
• customized protocol development 
• intelligent weekly treatment adjustments 
• homecare strategy 
• visible skin transformation 
• disciplined documentation 
• true esthetic touch and consistency
  

A return to the heart of esthetics, this category reminds the industry that the most powerful device in the treatment room has always been the professional’s mind, hands, and decision-making ability.

Focus

• foundational esthetic excellence 
• evidence-based ingredient selection 
• true protocol authorship 
• visible results without technology dependence 

It challenges competitors to answer one defining question: 

Can you create transformation using your knowledge, your hands, and the right products?

Players May Use

• Their hands
• Professional skincare products
• Cotton, gauze, cotton buds, or 4x4s for product application/removal
• A magnifying lamp for skin analysis, extractions
• Disposable gloves when appropriate or required
• Warm towels/compresses

Players May Not Use

• Skincare devices
• Electrical modalities
• LED
• Microcurrent
• Radiofrequency
• Ultrasound
• High frequency
• Nanochanneling or microneedling/channeling devices
• Treatment tools
• Extraction tools or implements
• Brushes, including mask brushes
• Sponges
• Silicone, wood, gemstone, metal applicators
• Rollers
• Wands
• Gua sha tools
• Massage tools
• Dermaplaning blades
• Lancets
• Any technology-assisted treatment
• Homecare must also remain hands-only and product-based. No devices, rollers, gua sha tools, LED masks, cleansing brushes, or other tools.
  

Duration: 8 Weeks

Eligibility

• Category is open to Players and Judges
• Licensed Estheticians 
• International Skin Therapists 

Every protocol must be fully customized to the chosen client’s skin condition. The skin concern/category is intentionally open, allowing competitors to demonstrate mastery in:

• acne correction 
• pigmentation 
• barrier repair 
• age management 
• rosacea/sensitivity 
• dehydration 
• scarring 
• texture refinement 
• post-inflammatory correction 
• any clinically appropriate skin goal
  

A separate scoring rubric will be utilized to determine Finalists and Winners. This is a Beta Category and is NOT a qualifier for Esthetician of the Year. The highest scores reward competitors who demonstrate clinical logic, advanced hand skills, ingredient precision, and the ability to adapt the protocol based on real skin response.

Scored Areas 

• Before & After Photos
• Written Case Study 
• Videos
• Panel Presentation

Scoring Priorities

• knowledge of skin condition 
• protocol selected 
• ingredient intelligence 
• skin science application 
• intelligent treatment adjustments week to week 
• final outcome and transformation integrity