In the growth of Naturopathic Aesthetics, we are fortunate to have access to a wide  amount of studies, research reviews, and even textbooks covering relevant topics such as cosmeceuticals, nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and even acupuncture. Having said that, despite this plethora of therapeutic options, the Naturopathic Doctor or healthcare provider looking to integrate an aesthetics component into their practice requires a place to start, especially from the viewpoint of assessing common aesthetic concerns. As such, the major goal for this course is to explore key components of aesthetic assessment, evaluation, and methods to better measure outcomes in the achievement of our patient’s cosmetic goals. 

We will review tools you can use in the building of your own preferred assessment approach. Some of the key assessment tools we will review include visual photo-numeric scales used to evaluate severity of wrinkling across specific facial locations; tips on how to take optimal before and after cosmetic clinical photographs; assessment for skin sensitivity; key aspects in assessing periorbital cosmetic concerns, including under-eye darkening; and an introduction to a questionnaire designed to more fully evaluate and determine a patient’s skin type, from which more individualized topical, lifestyle, and other treatment options can be made. 

In addition to the above, included with this course is a fully customizable sample Naturopathic Aesthetics Assessment form. This form blends key elements from a standard aesthetics assessment with many of the key tools explored throughout this course. It is designed for you to adapt and integrate into your personal aesthetics practice.     

Learning Objectives 

  • Understand the various processes which contribute to facial aging, including the common dermatological and structural changes which characterize it 

  • Understand the cosmetic-related uses for the Fitzpatrick Scale of skin phototypes

  • Explore the role, benefit, and usage of various assessment tools directed toward classification of features inherent in skin aging/facial photoaging and other common aesthetics concerns

  • Review the clinical application and benefits of assessment methods designed to evaluate global features of facial photoaging, and to track changes seen over time

  • Explore how to utilize established photo-numeric-based scales designed to visually determine severity of various cosmetic concerns, including wrinkling across various facial locations and aging-based facial changes 

  • Review and identify key components and methods of taking optimal before and after cosmetic clinical photographs 

  • Understand the utilization of an assessment scale specific for determining sensitive skin 

  • Understand the role and benefit of an assessment tool designed to establish a detailed evaluation of skin typing across various parameters, and how these skin types set the stage for an individualized treatment plan 

  • Identify and implement essential components of assessing the periorbital area from an aesthetics perspective, including assessments for of periorbital darkness

  • Explore the role and benefit of various Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) in relation to assessing and managing cosmetic concerns 

  • Awareness of the key features characterizing Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and familiarization with a related BDD screening tool 

  • Review the role and benefit of using stress assessment scales in the context of evaluating the impact of stress on skin concerns

  • Explore the components of a sample Naturopathic Aesthetics assessment form and treatment protocol form, as a means of fully integrating the assessment tools described throughout this course