KNOW THE RULES

Read through the rules and regulations from The Skin Games.

Rules and Regulations

1. GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

These rules apply to every Participant/Competitor (hereafter referred to as “Player”) in every competition category.

THE SKIN GAMES COMPETITIONS

1.1 LEGAL DISCLAIMERS & LIABILITY

  • By entering The Skin Games sponsored by The Extraordinary Esthetician, Players accept and agree to be bound by these Official Rules.
  • Any violation of these rules may, at Sponsor’s discretion, result in disqualification.
  • All decisions of the Judges regarding this competition are final and binding in all respects.
  • The Extraordinary Esthetician reserves the right to disqualify any Player based on a decision made by the panel of Judges.
  • This contest is void where prohibited by law.
  • Players understand and acknowledge that this is a competition for licensed estheticians and The Skin Games is not responsible or liable for any injury or health-related problems resulting from participation.
  • Players are encouraged to seek the advice of trained medical professionals.
  • Individuals with heart conditions, diabetes, a history of health problems, or who are pregnant should consult their physician.
  • Players release and hold harmless The Extraordinary Esthetician, its principals, and employees for any harm or injury resulting from participation.

1.2 ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION

  • Players must hold a valid, unexpired license in their state or country of residence.
  • A copy of the license or certification must be brought to the Live Event (digital or hardcopy).
  • If licensing is not required, a diploma or certification must be provided.
  • Players must abide by all governing laws in their region.
  • Photo ID and license are required to complete registration.
  • Expired licenses will result in automatic disqualification.
  • Players represent and warrant that their submissions are truthful, are the original treatment protocols of such Players, have not been copied from others, and it does not violate the rights of any other person or entity.
  • Registration fees are non-refundable.
  • No entry will be accepted without full payment.
  • All entrant information, including e-mail addresses, is subject to the respective Privacy Policy of the applicable Sponsor.

1.3 MANDATORY LIVE SHOW ATTENDANCE

  • Final judging occurs at the Live Show.
  • Finalists MUST attend in person to qualify for awards.
  • Virtual participation is not permitted.
  • Failure to appear results in disqualification.

1.4 TRAVEL, EXPENSES, AND MEDIA

  • Player is responsible for all travel and or expenses incurred while participating in “The Skin Games”.
  • Player agrees that the Extraordinary Esthetician may use any information submitted (including likeness and image) for its marketing purposes.
  • Player agrees that all treatment protocols and photos are the final property of “The Extraordinary Esthetician”.
  • Players further agree to extend publishing rights to the “The Extraordinary Esthetician et al”, whereby their treatment protocols and photos will be published at a later date determined by the “The Extraordinary Esthetician”.
  • Early submissions will receive more promotional opportunities.
  • Entries submitted three (3) weeks prior to the submission deadline are not guaranteed to be uploaded to The Skin Games YouTube and may not receive the same promotion and promotional materials as entries submitted prior to deadline.

1.5 MODEL RULES (GENERAL)

  • Player Models must be at least 18 years of age or a signed release form from a guardian.
  • Players and Models are responsible for all expenses incurred while participating in “The Skin Games”.
  • Model further agrees to hold harmless The Extraordinary Esthetician et al., its sponsors, vendors, and/or contractors.
  • Models agree that the Extraordinary Esthetician may use any information submitted (including likeness and image) for its marketing purposes.
  • Models understand that no monetary compensation will be given for participation in “The Skin Games”.
  • For Live Categories (Wax, Sugar, Lash/Brow, Massage), the Player is 100% responsible for their model’s presence.
  • If a model fails to appear, the Player cannot compete.
  • We strongly recommend having a “backup model” on standby.

1.6 FEEDBACK AND SCORING DISCLOSURE

  • Players will receive written feedback from the judging panel following the competition.
  • Scoring information is confidential and proprietary and will not be released. Numerical scores, rankings, and judge-specific scoring details will not be disclosed.
  • Feedback is provided as a courtesy and is intended to provide general insight into performance and areas for growth. It does not serve as a detailed explanation of scoring outcomes.
  • The decisions of the Judges are final.

2. SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORIES

2.1 ESTHETICIAN OF THE YEAR

  • $10,000 Cash prize.
  • Estheticians must compete in a minimum of 3 qualifying skin categories to qualify.
  • Qualifying Categories: Acne, Age Management, Compromised Skin, Holistic, Open, Open Medical, Pigmentation.
  • The winner is determined by combining the total points from their top three category scores, not number of placement awards.
  • “Esthetician of the Year” and $10,000 prize can only be won by a Player one time.

2.2 SUGAR ARTIST OF THE YEAR

  • $3,000 Cash prize.
  • Estheticians must compete in all 3 specified categories to qualify.
  • Winner determined by combining total points from the 3 category scores, not number of placement awards.
  • “Sugar Artist of the Year” and $3,000 prize can only be won by a Player one time.

2.3 WAX ARTIST OF THE YEAR

  • $5,000 Cash prize.
  • Estheticians must compete in all 3 specified categories to qualify.
  • Winner determined by combining total points from the 3 category scores, not number of placement awards.
  • “Wax Artist of the Year” and $5,000 prize can only be won by a Player one time.

3. SKIN COMPETITION OVERVIEW AND RULES

3.1 CATEGORY OVERVIEW

The Skin Categories are designed to evaluate the Player’s ability to assess, plan, and execute a results-driven treatment approach over an 8-week period (65 Days).

Players are expected to:

  • Select an appropriate model for the chosen category
  • Identify and prioritize the model’s skin type/conditions
  • Develop and implement a treatment plan using professional treatments and homecare
  • Document progress through photos, written case study, and video submissions
  • Demonstrate clinical decision-making, including the ability to adjust and refine treatments based on the skin’s response

Success in this category is not based solely on completing required elements, but on the Player’s ability to demonstrate how and why decisions are made throughout the treatment process.

3.2 SKIN CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

Each Skin Category has a detailed description outlining the specific conditions, goals, and expectations for that category.

Players are required to review the category description prior to selecting a model and developing their case study. These descriptions are intended to guide appropriate model selection and ensure alignment with category objectives.

👉 View all category descriptions here

Category descriptions are considered an extension of these rules and are used by Judges to evaluate category alignment. Failure to align the model, treatment plan, and outcomes with the selected category may impact scoring.

3.3 COMPETITION STRUCTURE

  • The Skin Competition is a multi-phase evaluation.
  • Scores from Written, Photos, and Videos determine finalists.
  • Top 10 finalists proceed to the Live Interview.

3.4 GENERAL SKIN COMPETITION GUIDELINES

  • Players cannot switch Models during the competition timeframe.
  • Players must disclose all home-care products and dietary supplements incorporated into the competition treatment plan.
  • Signed Model Release Form must accompany registration.
  • Submission deadline for all case studies with photos, written, and videos is June 15, 2027.
  • Players may use the same Model in no more than two (2) categories.
    • Each category requires its own complete case study, including written, photos, and videos. Documentation from each phase cannot be reused between categories.
  • Multiple Entries per Category: Players are permitted to enter a single category multiple times with a different case study and model.
    • Must pay a separate registration fee for each additional entry.
    • Single Highest Score Rule: Multiple entries within the same category, only the single highest score from those submissions will be used to:
      • Rank for Finalist Status: Determine if the Player qualifies as one of the top ten (10) finalists invited to the Live Show interview round.
      • Calculate Esthetician of the Year: Serve as the representative score for that category when totaling the Player’s top three (3) qualifying scores.
  • No Point Stacking: Points from multiple entries within a single category cannot be combined or added together.
  • Early submissions will receive more promotional opportunities.
  • Entries submitted three (3) weeks prior to the submission deadline are not guaranteed to be uploaded to The Skin Games YouTube and may not receive the same promotion and promotional materials as entries submitted prior to deadline.

EVALUATION AND SCORING STANDARDS

3.5 JUDGE PANEL INFORMATION

  • Each Skin Category is assigned a dedicated panel of five (5) expert Judges.
  • Judges will be screened and put through a verification process.
  • Ten (10) finalists will be selected in each of The Skin Games categories no later than TBD 2027.
  • All decisions of the Judges regarding this competition are final and binding in all respects.

3.6 CLINICAL EVALUATION

  • All scoring is based on demonstrated performance within each phase – Photos, Written Case, Video and for Finalists, Interview.
  • Completion of requirements alone does not guarantee high scores.
  • Evaluation is based on what is demonstrated and communicated within each phase of the competition.
  • This includes:
    • Prioritization of conditions
    • Model selection appropriate for Category entered
    • Rationale for treatment selection
    • Ability to adapt based on skin response
    • Understanding of cause-and-effect relationships within the skin
  • Higher scores are awarded to Players who demonstrate not only knowledge, but the ability to apply, adjust, and justify decisions based on the individual needs of their model.

3.7 SCORING CRITERIA

  • 8 weeks is defined as 65 days or less. (Yes, we are aware this is more than 8 weeks).
  • Quality of results achieved over the 8 week period.
  • Model selection: Did the Player choose the appropriate Model for the category?
  • Brand & Product Recognition: Listing the names of specific professional brands/equipment is highly encouraged, however, scoring will rely on your knowledge.
  • Science: Clearly identify and highlight the performance ingredients and modalities (equipment/tools) utilized.
  • Biological Function: Demonstrate high-level understanding of your protocol, how ingredients/modalities function within the skin, and how that informs treatment decisions for the model.
  • Results-Driven Rationale: Focus on the “why”, the physiological reasons behind your choice of products and technology.
  • Adherence to rules.

3.8 SCORING DIFFERENTIATION STANDARD

  • Mid-range scores = accurate knowledge and appropriate application.
  • Higher scores = advanced clinical thinking, including prioritization, adaptation, and case-specific reasoning.
  • Top scores = consistent clinical reasoning across all phases of the competition.

IMPORTANT:

  • Generalized knowledge alone will not receive top scores
  • Clear communication alone does not warrant top scores
  • Demonstration of clinical decision-making is required to achieve top scores.

3.9 SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND CATEGORY RESTRICTIONS

  • This competition is designed to showcase the skills of Licensed Estheticians while respecting applicable professional scope-of-practice laws and regulations.
  • Players are responsible for practicing within the scope permitted by the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which services are performed.
  • Unless specifically permitted within a designated category, all treatments performed by the Player must remain within the standard scope of esthetic practice.

Open Medical Category

  • The Open Medical Category is designed for case studies that incorporate collaboration with a licensed medical professional and/or generally recognized medical aesthetic procedures that fall outside the standard scope of esthetic practice.
  • Players must:
    • List the licensed medical professional’s name, credentials, and area of expertise in the case study.
    • Medical professionals may include MD, DO, NP, PA, or RN, as permitted by the applicable jurisdiction.
    • Clearly identify which procedures were performed by the Player and which were performed, prescribed, or overseen by the medical professional.
    • Create a treatment plan that incorporates generally recognized or accepted medical aesthetic procedures.

Procedures Restricted to Open Medical

Procedures restricted to Open Medical include, but are not limited to:

  • Injectables: Neuromodulators, dermal fillers, Kybella, fat transfer, and similar injectable procedures.
  • Medical Microneedling/Microchanneling: Any needling depth exceeding 0.5 mm, including PRP/PRF treatments.
  • Energy-Based Devices: Ablative and non-ablative lasers, IPL, RF, HIFU, and other energy-based procedures generally recognized as medical aesthetic treatments.
  • Chemical Peels: Medium-depth and deep-depth chemical peel procedures, or chemical peel procedures otherwise restricted to medical professionals under applicable law. Classification is based on the complete formulation, intended depth of treatment, manufacturer-designated protocol, method of application, and applicable scope-of-practice regulations, not solely on acid type, concentration, or pH.
  • Prescription Topicals: Integration of prescription medications into the treatment plan, including tretinoin, hydroquinone greater than 4%, or other prescription-only therapies.
  • Other Medical Aesthetic Procedures: Any other procedure generally recognized as medical in nature or restricted to licensed medical professionals within the jurisdiction where treatment is performed.

Open Medical Penalty

  • Any Player found utilizing a generally recognized medical aesthetic procedure in a non-Open Medical category will incur an automatic five (5) point deduction.
  • Additional penalties or disqualification may apply when treatment violates applicable laws, regulations, or competition rules.

Holistic Category

  • The Holistic Category may incorporate collaboration with qualified complementary, integrative, holistic, or wellness practitioners.
  • Examples may include acupuncturists, massage therapists, craniosacral practitioners, nutrition professionals or coaches, Reiki practitioners, sound therapy practitioners, energy practitioners, and other appropriately qualified wellness professionals.
  • Players must list each collaborating practitioner’s:
    • Name
    • Professional title
    • Relevant license, registration, certification, or credential, if applicable
    • Area of expertise
    • Specific role within the case study
  • All services incorporated into the case study must comply with the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which they are performed.
  • The Player may also serve as the complementary, integrative, holistic, or wellness practitioner when they hold relevant training or certification in that practice and are legally permitted to provide the service within their jurisdiction. The specific certification or credential, including the issuing organization, must be disclosed in the case study.

Dietary Supplements

  • Dietary supplements may be documented in any category as part of the client’s existing health history, lifestyle, or home-care regimen. The presence of supplements alone does not determine category placement.

  • When supplements are actively recommended, introduced, discontinued, or modified as part of the competition treatment plan, those recommendations must remain within the Player’s legal scope of practice.

  • A Player may make supplement recommendations only when permitted by their professional scope of practice or when they hold additional relevant education, certification, or credentials that legally authorize or support them to make those recommendations.

  • The Player must disclose the specific certification or credential, including the issuing organization, in the case study.

  • Supplement-based interventions directed by a qualified complementary, integrative, holistic, or wellness practitioner should be documented under the Holistic Category requirements, including the practitioner’s name, professional title, applicable credentials or qualifications, area of expertise, and specific role in the case study.

  • Supplement use directed, prescribed, or medically managed by a licensed medical professional may be incorporated into an Open Medical case study. The use of a supplement alone does not automatically make a case Open Medical.

  • Players may not represent dietary supplements as diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing disease, or make claims or recommendations that exceed their lawful professional scope.

  • All supplement recommendations and interventions must comply with applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdiction where the services are provided.

Holistic Category Penalties

  • Misrepresentation or Scope Violation: Any Player who misrepresents a collaborating practitioner’s credentials, utilizes a practitioner outside their lawful scope of practice, or incorporates a holistic or wellness service in a manner that violates applicable laws, regulations, or competition rules will incur a five (5) point deduction.
  • Documentation Requirement: Failure to clearly identify the collaborating practitioner’s name, professional title, applicable credentials or qualifications, area of expertise, and specific role within the case study may result in a five (5) point deduction.

IV. SUBMISSION PHASE 1: BLIND SCORING (PHOTOS & WRITTEN)

4.1  EVALUATION FOCUS

  • Photos – Visual outcomes support the treatment plan and demonstrate meaningful improvement aligned with the model’s condition.
  • Written – Demonstrate clinical decision-making through clear rationale, prioritization, and adaptation throughout the case study.

4.2 SCORING PROTOCOL

  • Photos and Written are scored blindly
  • Judges do not know Player identity
  • Scored prior to Videos

4.3 SKIN PHOTO REQUIREMENTS (30 POINTS)

  • Players must take “Before” and “After” photos. Free Canva Before/After Template.
  • Each set must contain 3 photos: One front view and one of each side (left and right profile).
  • Photos must be taken with the Model UPRIGHT/STANDING, cannot be lying down. (Point deduction will occur).
  • Camera angle must be level to the Model’s face or body part.
  • Each photo view should have the same background and consistent lighting. (Point deduction will occur).
  • NO photos using device photo date (iPhone/Android). (Point deduction will occur) .
  • Players must use a time stamp app; ONLY the date may be displayed.
    • Android
    • Apple
    • Do NOT include identifying information (name, business, city).
  • Any photo (Before/After) showing signs of digital manipulation, filtering, skin-blurring, or AI enhancement will result in point deduction.

4.4 SKIN WRITTEN CASE STUDY REQUIREMENTS (20 POINTS)

  • Your study should serve as a comprehensive narrative of your 8-week journey, demonstrating your expertise as a results-driven Esthetician.
  • Understanding of the model’s skin type and the specific conditions presented at the onset of the study.
  • Demonstrate clinical decision-making by clearly showing how and why specific ingredients, modalities, and homecare were selected for this model, including any adjustments made throughout the treatment period.
  • Ability to observe, interpret, and pivot.
  • Players should show evidence of prioritization and adaptation rather than simply describing treatments performed.
  • Summary that effectively communicates the physical transformation captured in photos.
  • Template: Use the provided TSG template.
  • Format: Submissions must be in PDF format only.
  • No handwritten or hard-copy studies will be accepted.
  • Length: Maximum of 10 pages for the entire 8 weeks.
  • Minimum font size of 10.
  • Include a weekly update, even if no professional treatment was performed.
  • Written Case Study Example

V. SUBMISSION PHASE 2: VIDEO SCORING (20 POINTS)

5.1 VIDEO EVALUATION FOCUS

  • Show real-time clinical reasoning by connecting actions to outcomes and explaining decisions specific to the model.

5.2 VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

  • Players must submit 8 videos.
  • All videos must be less than two minutes in length. (Points will be deducted) .
  • Each file must be named. Example: YourName_Pigment_Vid1.
  • Record video in Landscape, NOT Portrait format.
  • Use a good light source (e.g. ringlight, Cosmoglo light, etc.).
  • DO NOT DELETE your videos from your devices until AFTER the Live Event.

5.3 VIDEO BREAKDOWN

  • Video 1 Model Introduction/Skin Conditions
    • You and your Model must be PHYSICALLY together in the video.
    • A photo of your model does NOT qualify as meeting this requirement.
    • Must include an introduction of your Model.
    • Include a brief discussion of the skin condition you are treating.
  • Video 2 Treatment Plan
    • A discussion about creating your treatment plan.
    • Include why you chose the modalities and/or protocols and how they work to achieve your intended results.
  • Video 3 Case Study Treatment Demonstration
    • You and your Model must be included in the video.
    • During the treatment, your face, your model, and your hands must all be visible-not just your hands.
  • Video 4 Case Study Treatment Demonstration
    • You and your Model must be included in the video.
    • During the treatment, your face, your model, and your hands must all be visible-not just your hands.
  • Video 5: Open Topic
    • Show us your expertise!
  • Video 6 Ingredient Knowledge
    • A discussion about performance ingredients, including why you selected the ingredients and how they support your treatment decisions.
  • Video 7 Case Study Treatment Demonstration
    • You and your Model must be included in the video.
    • During the treatment, your face, your model, and your hands must all be visible-not just your hands.
  • Video 8 Conclusion/Case Summary
    • You and your Model must be PHYSICALLY together in the video.
    • A photo of your model does NOT qualify as meeting this requirement.
    • Include a summary of your case study and how you achieved your results.

VI. FINALIST ROUND: LIVE INTERVIEW (30 POINTS)

6.1 INTERVIEW EVALUATION FOCUS: 

  • Assess the Player’s ability to think critically, justify decisions, and apply knowledge in real time.

6.2 FINALIST SELECTION

  • Only the top 10 finalists are invited to the interviews, determined by the top scores from Photos, Written, and Videos.
  • Interviews are scheduled for Friday, TBD 2027 and will be 15 minutes long.

6.3 MANDATORY ITEMS TO BRING

  • Copy of your written case study and before and after photos to present to the Judges.
  • It is recommended to print the before and after side by side.
  • No folders/binders/fancy presentation, plain old paper works.
  • Used for Judge reference only.
  • Copy of your current professional license or certification (digital or hardcopy).
  • Note cards: You may use ONE (1), front and back, of the following without a point deduction: THREE (3) (4×6) index cards, TWO (2) (5×8) index cards, OR ONE (1) (8.5×11) sheet of paper.

6.4 INTERVIEW SESSIONS

  • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM CST: Holistic, New Esthetician, Open Medical, Pigmentation.
  • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM CST: Acne, Age, Compromised, Open.
  • May be subject to change.

6.5 INTERVIEW DETAILS

  • A brief (30-second) introduction about yourself
  • Three (3) Case Study-related questions
  • Up to (2) follow-up questions
  • One (1) Player closing comments opportunity