One of the things I love most about teaching esthetics is seeing how curious students are about what’s next in skincare. The industry is buzzing right now and honestly; it’s an exciting time to be learning skin.
As we move into 2026, regenerative beauty is taking center stage. We’re seeing a shift toward treatments that don’t just focus on the surface of the skin, but also support longevity, barrier health, and overall well-being. In class, those conversations are happening constantly. Students want to know what’s real, what’s hype, and most importantly how to talk to clients about it responsibly.
That shift is also reflected in what clients are asking for in the treatment room. More and more, they’re looking for straightforward routines that work with the skin rather than against it. This means hydrating, gentle products that support the skin barrier, multitasking formulas that simplify routines, and a move away from aggressive exfoliation or harsh ingredients. The focus has shifted toward building healthy, resilient skin that looks plump and balanced, not stressed or over-treated.
Here’s a peek into some of the emerging skin treatments and trends my esthetics students are asking about most.
Exosomes The Conversation Clients Are Already Having
Exosomes are one of those topics that comes up fast usually because a client mentions they’ve heard about them or they’re already using a product at home. In our program where estheticians are earning their license at L Makeup Institute, we talk about exosomes as a supportive technology, not a miracle cure.
Students are understandably curious. They ask smart questions.
- Where do exosomes come from?
- Are they ethical?
- Are they FDA approved?
- Who should not be using them?
Those questions matter. We focus on helping students understand the difference between stem cells and exosomes, where marketing sometimes blurs the line, and why safety especially for clients with a cancer history is part of the conversation.
When discussing products like Plated or Exoceuticals, I encourage students to frame them as boosters, not replacements. Exosomes can support a routine, but they don’t replace foundational skincare like sun protection or retinoids. Managing expectations is key. Some clients may notice calming or redness reduction quickly, while texture or tone changes can take four to six weeks. Teaching that when and how upfront builds trust.
Peptides The Aha Ingredient
Peptides usually trigger a big aha moment in class.
Once students realize peptides act like tiny messengers essentially telling skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin it clicks. This isn’t just about moisturizing anymore. It’s about signaling the skin to do what it already knows how to do just better.
We teach peptides from both angles skin science and client results. Students learn how to match peptide types to concerns collagen supporting peptides for aging skin calming peptides for sensitivity copper peptides for healing or acne prone skin. We also talk about formulation why serums and moisturizers matter more than cleansers and how to spot supportive ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
That balance between understanding the why and explaining the what is what makes a confident esthetician.
Red Light Therapy No Longer a Fringe Trend
Red light therapy comes up constantly especially when students hear clients asking does this actually work.
Today we frame red light therapy as a long-term skin health tool not a quick fix. Students most often associate it with reducing redness and inflammation, calming acne and supporting post procedure healing and that’s exactly where it shines.
Instead of overloading them with technical details the focus is on how to talk about it simply consistency matters results build over time and it works best as part of a bigger plan. That kind of guidance is what clients are really looking for.
Makeup Meets Skin Correcting Redness the Smart Way
Even though color correction is taught in depth in our makeup programs esthetics students still need to understand how skincare and makeup work together especially when redness or rosacea is involved.
If your skin has noticeable redness or you’re managing rosacea a green color corrector is your best friend. Green neutralizes red tones creating a balanced canvas for your foundation. Apply the corrector sparingly to the affected areas for a natural result.
I like using the Ben Nye Color Corrector Palette as an example because it’s professional comprehensive and includes a mint green shade specifically designed to neutralize redness. Knowing why this works and being able to explain it gives estheticians a real edge when advising clients.
Understanding both skincare and corrective makeup allows graduates to offer more complete solutions not just treatments.
Dermaplaning and HydraFacial When Technique Meets Customization
Dermaplaning is always a surprise. Students expect it to feel intense, but they’re shocked by how painless and honestly relaxing it is. Seeing how much dead skin and vellus hair comes off and how instantly smooth the skin looks makes the benefits obvious right away.
We also spend time teaching when not to perform certain treatments. Dermaplaning isn’t appropriate for active acne and HydraFacial has its own contraindications. Learning to assess the skin choose the right treatment or even combine treatments thoughtfully is a big part of professional growth.
Hands on practice really drives home concepts like exfoliation, timing product layering and customization. When students see how skin responds in real time the theory finally sticks.
Why This Matters for Future Estheticians
What sets LMI apart is that we don’t chase trends we teach students how to understand them. Exposure to emerging treatments early on helps students feel prepared not overwhelmed when clients bring in questions from social media or the latest beauty headlines.
If you’re considering a future in esthetics, I want you to know this confidence comes from knowledge consistency and knowing how to guide clients honestly. That’s what we focus on every day in the classroom preparing estheticians not just for today’s skincare trends but for where the industry is headed next.
And trust me it’s an exciting place to be.
