ASCP Code of Ethics for Skin Care Professionals
As a member of Associated Skin Care Professionals, I will appropriately use my membership, and the logos, materials, and resources it provides, to establish my credibility and market my practice. I pledge my commitment to the highest principles of the esthetics profession, as outlined here:
1. Commitment to High-Quality Care
I will serve the best interests of my clients at all times and provide the highest quality esthetic treatments and techniques possible. I recognize that the obligation for building and maintaining an effective, healthy, and safe relationship with my clients is my responsibility.
2. Commitment to Do No Harm
I will not work outside my scope of practice, as defined by state and federal laws and regulations. I will not apply contraindicated products or techniques without a written referral from the client’s primary care physician and will cooperate with health-care professionals in a friendly and professional manner. I will conduct a thorough consultation and skin analysis for each client and evaluate their health history to rule out contraindications or determine appropriate treatment adaptations. I will refer the client to another provider if I see signs of, or suspect, an undiagnosed condition that skin care services may be inappropriate for, or if the client requires work beyond my own abilities, scope of practice, or training. I understand the importance of ethical touch and will conduct treatments with the sole objective of benefitting the client.
3. Commitment to Honest Representation of Qualifications
I will only provide treatments and techniques for which I am fully trained, and will represent my education, training, qualifications, and abilities honestly. I will not work outside the commonly accepted scope of practice for estheticians. I will only provide treatments and techniques for which I am fully trained and hold credible credentials. I will maintain my professional knowledge, including my knowledge of the physiological effects and contraindications of the treatments I offer. I will carefully evaluate the needs of each client and will refer the client to another provider if the client requires work beyond my own abilities, scope of practice, or training. I will not use the trademarks and symbols associated with a particular system or group without authentic affiliation. I will acknowledge the limitations of skin care by refraining from exaggerating the benefits of esthetic services and related services throughout my marketing.
4. Commitment to Uphold the Inherent Worth of All Individuals
I will demonstrate compassion, respect, and tolerance for others. I will seek to end discrimination, misunderstandings, and prejudice. I understand there are situations when it is appropriate to decline service to a client because it is in the best interests of a client's health, or for my personal safety, but I will not refuse service to any client based on disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, physical build, or sexual orientation; religious, national, or political affiliation; social or economic status.
5. Commitment to Respect Client Dignity and Basic Rights
I will demonstrate my respect for the dignity and rights of all individuals by providing a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for treatments, using appropriate techniques, giving clients recourse in the event of dissatisfaction with treatment, and upholding the integrity of the esthetician-client relationship.
6. Commitment to Informed Consent
I will recognize a client's right to determine what happens to his or her body. I understand that a client may suffer emotional and physical harm if an esthetician fails to listen or perform an in-depth consultation and skin analysis to the client and imposes his or her own beliefs on a situation. I will fully inform my clients of choices relating to their care and disclose policies and limitations that may affect their care. I will not provide esthetic treatments without obtaining a client's informed consent (or that of the guardian or advocate for the client) to the treatment plan.
7. Commitment to Confidentiality
I will keep client communication and information confidential and will not share client information without the client's written consent, within the limits of the law. I will ensure every effort is made to respect a client's right to privacy and provide an environment where personal health-related details cannot be overheard or seen by others..
8. Commitment to Personal and Professional Boundaries
I will refrain from and prevent behaviors that may be considered sexual in my esthetic practice and will uphold the highest professional standards. I will not date a client, engage in sexual intercourse with a client, or allow any level of sexual impropriety (behavior or language) from clients or myself. I understand that sexual impropriety may lead to sexual harassment charges, the loss of my esthetic license, lawsuits for personal damages, criminal charges, fines, attorney's fees, court costs, and jail time.
9. Commitment to Honesty in Business
I will know and follow good business practices with regard to record keeping, regulation compliance, and tax law. I will set fair fees and practice honesty throughout my marketing materials. I will not accept gifts, compensation, or other benefits intended to influence a decision related to a client. If I use the Associated Skin Care Professionals logo, I promise to do so appropriately to establish my credibility and market my practice.
10. Commitment to Professionalism
I will maintain clear and honest communication with clients and colleagues. I will not use recreational drugs or alcohol before or during treatments. I will project a professional image with respect to my behavior and personal appearance in keeping with the highest standards of the esthetic profession. I will not actively seek to take someone else's clients, disrespect a client or colleague, or willingly malign another esthetician or other allied professional. I will actively strive to positively promote the esthetic profession by committing to self-development and continually building my professional skills.