The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

Cosmetology Academy goes healthy with green products

The next time you want to indulge in a facial, just think of it as making a trip to the doctor.

Esthetic students at the Cosmetology Academy are training to recognize the warning signs of harmful skin conditions seen among clients, often leading to eczema and melanoma.

“I always check. You could save someone’s life,” student Denae Farley said.

Farley recently spotted a suspicious sunspot on her customer Dr. Benjamin Partee, dean of educational programs at City College.

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Farley found the spot with a magnifying light, which she uses to check for signs of discoloration and hyperpigmentation on every client.

She immediately encouraged Partee to have his dermatologist check out the spot.

According to Farley, esthetics is not just about makeup. In fact, Farley and her classmates undergo a rigorous curriculum, which includes lessons in anatomy, skin physiology and chemistry.

“I feel it’s important for my students to learn about the organic products,” said evening esthetician Melissa Mellott.

City College students are also the first and only to study DNA Skin Care, a green line started by local biochemist and homeopathic Dr. Noel Aguilar.

Mellott is the first professor to introduce the DNA Skin Care line into her curriculum.

Aguilar, a Santa Barbara local, often visits the academy to share his knowledge and experience with students.

Once a month, students also attend training sessions at the DNA Health Institute in Ventura. Aguilar and his team offer students hands-on experience with stem cell facials and chemical peels.

“We’re so fortunate to have a local doctor teach here,” Mellott said. “Being part of a community is important to us.”

Mellott teaches her students how to network among local spas with the community aspect in mind.

Upon graduation, students have the whole DNA line memorized. Graduates are often hired at local spas like Evolutions, Zen Spa, and Skin Essentials, where the DNA line is used frequently.

In terms of quality, students attending classes highly recommend the Cosmetology Academy over the Paul Mitchell school downtown.

“It’s way cheaper. And the rate of passing the state board exam at Paul Mitchell is way lower,” said Rachel Jackson, a cosmetology student.

Esthetic student Kelsey Jennings said the Paul Mitchell School relies mostly on their advertising and marketing strategies.

Students are only allowed to use Paul Mitchell products.

“There’s a lot of other things out there than Paul Mitchell,” said Jennings.

The Cosmetology Academy sells both Murad and Dermologica products. Students also have the opportunity to learn about chemical-free products like DNA Skin Care, whose Sunsation Sun block is recognized by Reef Check International as the only sun block allowed in registered reefs.

“Not only are you learning about great products, but you are getting tips for life on how to be healthy,” Jennings said about the Esthetics program.

To learn more, visit the Academy’s student blog

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