Focus Awards Level 4 Skin Peels & Microneedling Combo Course
The Focus Awards Level 4 Skin Peels & Microneedling Combo Course combines two Ofqual-regulated qualifications in one advanced skin training programme.
You will study professional skin needling and chemical skin peeling through online tutor-led theory, home study, portfolio work, two practical training days and formal assessments.
The course is designed for qualified beauty therapists, learners holding the relevant Facial Anatomy & Physiology qualification and experienced practitioners who meet the Recognition of Prior Learning requirements.
Qualifications Included
After successfully completing all required learning, portfolio work and assessments, you will receive two separate qualifications:
- Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Skin Needling Treatments
- Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Chemical Skin Peeling Treatments
Both qualifications are Ofqual regulated.
Skin Needling Training
Skin needling, also known as microneedling, uses a professional device to create controlled microchannels within the skin.
The treatment is designed to support the skin’s natural healing response and encourage collagen and elastin production.
Skin needling may improve the visible appearance of:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Selected types of visible acne scarring
- Enlarged-looking pores
- Uneven-looking skin texture
- Superficial pigmentation
- Reduced-looking skin firmness
- Dull or ageing-looking skin
Treatment suitability, recovery and results vary between clients.
Chemical Skin Peeling Training
Chemical skin peeling involves applying a carefully selected acid solution to create controlled exfoliation.
The treatment is designed to support cell renewal and may improve the visible appearance of:
- Uneven-looking skin tone
- Fine lines
- Superficial pigmentation
- Sun-damaged-looking skin
- Dull or rough-looking skin
- Uneven-looking skin texture
- Overall skin clarity
Each peel must be selected and applied according to the client’s skin, the product instructions and the professional treatment protocol.
What You Will Learn
- Principles of skin needling
- Principles of chemical skin peeling
- Advanced skin Anatomy and Physiology
- Health, safety and infection prevention
- Client consultation
- Skin analysis
- Client suitability
- Treatment planning and adaptation
- Indications and contraindications
- Safe use of professional skin needling equipment
- Needle-depth selection
- Peel selection and acid characteristics
- Understanding pH and pKa
- Skin needling treatment protocols
- Chemical peel treatment protocols
- Wound healing and collagen stimulation
- Homecare and aftercare
- Treatment-programme planning
- Professional standards
- Client record keeping
Client Consultation and Skin Analysis
A detailed consultation and skin analysis must take place before either treatment is performed.
You will learn how to review:
- The client’s treatment goals
- Current skin concerns
- Skin type and visible condition
- Relevant medical information
- Medication
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Current skincare products
- Previous skin treatments
- Previous reactions
- Contraindications
- Expected treatment outcomes
- Consent and treatment records
The consultation helps determine whether treatment is suitable or whether it should be adapted, delayed or declined.
Skin Needling Devices and Needle Depth
You will learn how to prepare and use professional skin needling equipment safely.
The training covers:
- Device preparation
- Needle cartridge selection
- Needle-depth selection
- Speed and pressure control
- Controlled working methods
- Monitoring the skin response
- Safe cartridge handling
- Cleaning and protecting the device
- Safe disposal of used cartridges
You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the device and cartridges used in your professional practice.
Peel Selection, pH and pKa
The chemical peeling module develops your understanding of acid characteristics and product selection.
You will study:
- Different types of peel ingredients
- Acid characteristics
- The role of pH
- The role of pKa
- Product strength
- Application methods
- Treatment timings
- Neutralisation requirements
- Safe product removal
Peels must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the client’s individual treatment plan.
Health, Safety and Infection Prevention
Strict hygiene and infection-prevention procedures are required for both treatments.
The programme covers:
- Preparing a hygienic treatment environment
- Hand hygiene
- Personal protective equipment
- Preventing cross-contamination
- Using sterile and single-use items
- Safe product handling
- Safe needle cartridge handling
- Sharps disposal
- Cleaning equipment and surfaces
- Maintaining accurate client records
Homecare and Treatment Programmes
Clients must receive clear aftercare guidance following skin needling or chemical peeling.
You will learn how to explain:
- Expected short-term skin responses
- How to care for the skin after treatment
- Which skincare products may be suitable
- Which products or activities should be avoided
- Sun-protection requirements
- When normal skincare may be resumed
- When another treatment may be considered
- When the client should seek further advice
You will also learn how to plan treatment programmes according to the client’s skin, goals and response.
Course Delivery and Assessments
The programme is delivered through blended learning.
The course includes:
- Online tutor-led theory
- Independent home study
- Two practical training days
- Portfolio completion
- Skin needling practical assessment
- Chemical peeling practical assessment
- Theory assessments
Learners must successfully complete all online learning, portfolio work and assessments to achieve both qualifications.
Most learners complete the programme within approximately six to twelve weeks, depending on individual progress.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold a recognised Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification
- Have successfully completed the Focus Awards Level 4 Award in Facial Anatomy & Physiology
- Have at least two years of practical experience in skin needling and/or chemical skin peeling and meet the Recognition of Prior Learning requirements
Evidence of qualifications or practical experience must be provided before enrolment.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Experienced practitioners may be considered through the Recognition of Prior Learning process.
Applicants may be required to:
- Provide evidence of relevant professional experience
- Provide evidence of underpinning knowledge and skills
- Attend a centre interview
- Demonstrate practical competence
- Meet the centre’s assessment requirements
- Meet the applicable Focus Awards requirements
Acceptance through Recognition of Prior Learning is subject to assessment by the training centre and is not automatic.
Products, Equipment and Models
No take-home kit is included with the course.
All professional products, consumables and equipment required during practical training are provided by the academy.
Learners are responsible for sourcing suitable models for the practical training days.
Friends, family members or suitable models found through local community groups may be considered, subject to the course’s suitability requirements.
Career Opportunities
After successful completion, the qualifications may support progression into professional advanced skin services.
Possible routes include:
- Working as an advanced skin therapist
- Working within a beauty or aesthetics clinic
- Adding skin needling to an existing treatment menu
- Adding chemical skin peels to an existing treatment menu
- Developing an independent aesthetics business
- Working within a medical aesthetics environment where suitably qualified and insured
You must arrange suitable professional insurance and meet any applicable licensing, premises, equipment and waste-disposal requirements before offering treatments.
Focus Awards Level 4 Combo Course Details
Qualifications: Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Skin Needling Treatments and Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Chemical Skin Peeling Treatments.
Regulation: Both qualifications are Ofqual regulated.
Course Delivery: Online tutor-led theory, home study, two practical training days, portfolio work and formal assessments.
Course Duration: Most learners complete the programme within approximately six to twelve weeks, depending on individual progress.
Practical Training: Two practical training days.
Assessments: Portfolio completion, practical assessments and theory assessments.
Course Kit: No take-home kit is included. Professional products, consumables and equipment are provided during training.
Model Requirement: Learners are responsible for arranging suitable models for the practical training days.
Course Price: £1,995.
Insurance: Learners must confirm the prerequisite and qualification requirements of their chosen insurer before enrolling.
Focus Awards Level 4 Skin Peels & Microneedling Combo Course FAQs
Which qualifications will I receive?
After successful completion, you will receive the Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Skin Needling Treatments and the Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Chemical Skin Peeling Treatments.
Are both qualifications Ofqual regulated?
Yes. Both Level 4 qualifications included in the combo programme are Ofqual regulated.
What qualifications do I need before enrolling?
You must hold a recognised Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification, have completed the Focus Awards Level 4 Award in Facial Anatomy and Physiology, or be accepted through Recognition of Prior Learning.
Can experienced practitioners apply without a Level 3 qualification?
Practitioners with at least two years of relevant experience may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning. Acceptance is subject to evidence and the centre's assessment requirements.
How is the course delivered?
The programme combines online tutor-led theory, home study, portfolio completion, two practical training days and formal theory and practical assessments.
How long does the course take?
Most learners complete the programme within approximately six to twelve weeks, depending on individual progress and completion of the required assessments.
Do I receive a course kit?
No take-home kit is included. All professional products, consumables and equipment required during practical training are provided by the academy.
Do I need to bring models?
Yes. Learners are responsible for sourcing suitable models for the practical training days.
What should I wear?
Students should wear a professional beauty tunic, scrubs or suitable all-black clothing during the practical training days.
Can I work professionally after completing the course?
The qualifications may support professional skin needling and chemical peel work after successful completion. You must arrange suitable insurance and meet any applicable professional requirements.
Can I record the practical demonstrations?
Approved demonstrations may be recorded for personal learning and revision. Permission must be obtained, and the privacy of tutors, students and models must be respected.
What if I change my mind or want to change courses?
Course bookings are non-refundable. Course credit may be offered for a transfer, subject to the academy's terms and conditions.
Focus Awards Level 4 Skin Peels & Microneedling Combo Course Details
| Glasgow Course Duration | 4-6 weeks with home study and onsite assessments |
|---|---|
| Glasgow Model Requirement | No model required |
| Aberdeen Course Duration | 4-6 weeks with home study and onsite assessments |
| Aberdeen Model Requirement | No model required |
Please note: Contact us for more details.





