Introducing the New Dermalogica Academy: Setting the Standard for Skin Care Education

LOS ANGELES, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Dermalogica's brand story takes the next step in its evolution as it opens its doors to the new Dermalogica Academy, the brand's first undergraduate curriculum to become a licensed skin therapist. Located in New York City, the Academy expands upon the brand's original vision, which led to its world-acclaimed postgraduate education facility, The International Dermal Institute (IDI) and Dermalogica, the number one professional skin care brand in the world.

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In 1983, Jane Wurwand, Founder and Owner of Dermalogica, first formed IDI in response to discovering a need for already licensed, working skin therapists in the United States to advance their training. As her postgraduate program exploded in popularity, Wurwand was inspired to create her own range of skin care products which were better suited for her curriculum, naming the new brand Dermalogica. Today, the long-awaited launch of the Dermalogica Academy completes the full complement of the brand's educational and training programs, from pre- and post-licensing education for therapists to learning every aspect of retail and marketing support for stockists.

"We are thrilled about the opening of the Dermalogica Academy as it represents the final piece that makes our brand, and its commitment to education, come full circle," states Wurwand. "The Academy will be the proving ground for new standards in undergraduate education. With our program, students will have a clear advantage not only in passing their Board exams, but also in succeeding in the industry upon receiving their license through extensive retail and in-store marketing training at our concept spaces and opportunities for continuing their education at IDI."

Transparency and customization define the new Academy location, carrying forward the key values which define all Dermalogica concept spaces and IDI training centers. With a maximum of 12 students per class, highly personalized teaching in an optimum learning environment will allow students to complete the New York State licensing requirements of 600 hours in less than 18 weeks.

"Future Skin Therapists are supervised by licensed educators when they treat clients," says Steven Frost, Dermalogica Academy Director. "The academy is more than a school; it operates as a real world skin treatment center introducing students to proven Dermalogica key concepts that will ensure continued success in the industry."

The Academy is divided into five separate learning centers: the classroom, the lab, MicroZone stations, Skin Bar and the Treatment Room. Students move into a hands-on mode by day two, beginning the process of working directly with the skin by learning and practicing initial techniques on fellow classmates. Four to five weeks into their studies, students interact with clients at the Skin Bar, and by week eight begin to give treatments to clients who visit the Academy at an outstanding value.

Dermalogica Academy is housed in a 6,000 square foot street level space located at 140 West 22nd Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues in the heart of Chelsea. The space is built to comply with strict Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) eco-requirements, making it the only LEED-certified trade school in New York City. The classrooms are virtually paperless, with interactive "smartboard" technology and iTouch, iPhone and iPad decks allowing students to keep their carbon footprint light.

For more information on Dermalogica Academy, visit www.dermalogicaacademy.com.

About Dermalogica®:

Dermalogica® revolutionized the skin care industry when it emerged into the marketplace in 1986. Today, Dermalogica® products are sold in 51 countries and are only available in select skin treatment centers on the recommendation of a qualified professional skin therapist. Dermalogica® is made in the USA, with its global operations based in Carson, just south of Los Angeles. To learn more about Dermalogica®, please visit www.dermalogica.com.

SOURCE Dermalogica