How to become an aesthetician: the non-medical route at London School of Beauty

You do not need a medical background to start training as an aesthetician. At London School of Beauty, beginners can build their skills through Level 2 facial training, develop their knowledge at Level 3, and apply for relevant Level 4 courses when they meet the entry requirements.

Your starting point depends on what you have already studied and the treatments you want to offer. If you are new to beauty, start with the foundations. If you already hold qualifications, ask our admissions team to review them before booking another course.

What does an aesthetician do?

An aesthetician works in skincare, helping clients care for their skin through consultations, facial treatments and aftercare advice. The treatments you can offer depend on your qualifications and training. This guide covers the non-medical training route at LSB.

Beauty therapy is a broader field that can include services such as waxing, nails and massage alongside facials. If skincare is your main interest, a specialist facial route may suit you. If you want to offer a wider range of services, a broader beauty therapy course may be a better starting point.

Step 1: Build your facial skincare foundations

The Level 2 Facial Massage and Skincare course is designed for beginners. You must be at least 18 and have a suitable level of English. You do not need previous beauty experience.

You study skin analysis, consultation and facial techniques, with practical assessment and portfolio work. This gives you a foundation for further facial training and helps you understand what working with clients involves.

If you are considering a broader qualification, read our comparison of Level 2 Beauty Therapy and Level 2 Facial Massage and Skincare. Choose according to the skills you want to develop, rather than the course title alone.

Step 2: Develop your skills at Level 3

LSB’s Level 3 Facial Electrotherapy course builds on Level 2 facial knowledge. It covers electrical facial treatments and includes the Level 3 Award in Anatomical and Physiological Knowledge of Body Systems.

The course combines practical learning with theory, assessment and portfolio evidence. You need an existing Level 2 facial or beauty qualification to join.

Check the anatomy and physiology qualification carefully when planning your training. Ask what award is included and how it is assessed. A course that mentions anatomy in its syllabus does not necessarily award the same qualification as a dedicated anatomy and physiology course.

Can you study Levels 2 and 3 together?

Yes. LSB offers a combined Level 2 and 3 Facials and Skin Care course with Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology, designed for beginners.

This brings facial foundations, facial electrotherapy and anatomy and physiology into one programme. It may suit you if you already know you want to specialise in skincare. Compare its attendance requirements with studying the stages separately, and allow time for home study and assessments.

Step 3: Choose your Level 4 specialism

Once you have the relevant foundation qualifications, you can ask admissions to assess your eligibility for advanced training. Completing a particular level does not automatically qualify you for every course at the next level: the subjects studied matter too.

Chemical peels and microneedling

The ITEC (VTCT) Level 4 Combined Chemical Peel and Microneedling course covers these two treatment areas, including consultation, treatment planning and aftercare. Completion involves practical and theoretical assessment and a portfolio.

For the non-medical entry route, you need relevant accredited Level 2 and Level 3 beauty or facial qualifications. Send admissions your certificates so the team can check their suitability for this course.

Laser and IPL

The VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Laser and IPL Treatments is a separate specialism covering hair removal and skin rejuvenation.

The facial entry route requires Level 2 Facials, Level 3 Facials and Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology. If you hold broader beauty qualifications or trained elsewhere, ask the team to confirm how your previous study meets the requirements.

You do not need to book every advanced course at once. Choose the treatment area that fits your interests and intended work, then plan further training as your experience develops.

Where should you start?

How long does it take, and what will it cost?

There is no single duration or price for the whole pathway. Your plan depends on your starting qualifications, the courses you choose, available start dates and the time needed to complete assessments.

Use the linked course pages to check current fees and attendance schedules. Ask admissions to help you compare the complete study commitment, including independent learning, practical work and portfolio requirements.

Taking your first steps into work

Think about the work you want to do while choosing your training. Read job descriptions for facial therapists or the treatment specialism that interests you, and note the qualifications and experience employers request.

Keep evidence of your assessed work and tutor feedback. Use it to identify where you are confident and where you need more supervised practice. Completing a qualification does not guarantee a job. Employers may also ask for treatment experience, so check what the roles you want actually require.

Questions about becoming an aesthetician

Do I need a medical background to study at LSB?

There are non-medical entry routes into the facial and advanced courses described here. Each course has its own requirements, so check the relevant course page and ask admissions to review your background.

Can I go straight to Level 4 as a complete beginner?

The non-medical routes described above require relevant prior qualifications. Start by discussing your foundation training rather than booking an advanced course without an entry check.

I already studied beauty therapy. Must I start again?

Not necessarily. Send your certificates to admissions. The team can advise which existing qualifications are relevant and whether you need further study before your chosen course.

Can I study alongside work?

Several LSB facial courses have part-time schedules. Check the current timetable and allow for study and assessment outside classroom hours before committing.

Plan your route with London School of Beauty

Tell us what you have studied, which treatments interest you and when you can attend. We can help you compare the relevant LSB courses and identify your next step.

Contact London School of Beauty or email admission@beauty-school.co.uk with your background and course interests.