Basic Esthetics in Utah: What Changed in 2026?

If you’re researching Basic Esthetics in Utah, you may still find older websites, articles, and program information referring to a 600-hour Basic Esthetics program. That information reflects Utah’s former licensing pathway. Utah’s esthetics licensing structure changed significantly beginning January 1, 2026, affecting how new students pursue esthetics licensure in the state.

For prospective students beginning their education now, Renaissance Academie focuses its skincare education on our 1,200-hour Master Esthetics program.

What Changed to Basic Esthetics in Utah in 2026?

Before 2026, Utah students could complete a 600-hour esthetics school program and pursue an esthetics license. This pathway was commonly referred to as Basic Esthetics.

Utah changed that licensing structure effective January 1, 2026.

Under current Utah law, the Division of Professional Licensing generally may not issue a new legacy esthetics license after January 1, 2026. An exception exists for qualifying individuals who had already enrolled and started an esthetics program at a licensed school, or registered an eligible esthetics apprenticeship, on or before January 1, 2026.

This means the former 600-hour Basic Esthetics pathway is not a current enrollment option at Renaissance Academie for new students beginning their education in 2026.

What Happens to Students Who Started Basic Esthetics Before January 1, 2026?

Utah created a transition provision for students who were already in the process of completing their esthetics education when the law changed.

Qualifying students who enrolled and began an eligible esthetics program on or before January 1, 2026 may still be able to complete the applicable requirements and pursue the legacy esthetics license.

Students who began training under the previous requirements should work directly with their school and the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) to make sure they understand the requirements that apply to their individual situation.

Can Existing Estheticians Still Keep Their License?

Yes. The 2026 change did not simply eliminate existing esthetics licenses.

Individuals who already hold the applicable Utah legacy esthetics license may continue to renew and practice within the scope of that license, subject to Utah licensing laws and renewal requirements.

The major change affects the pathway for new students beginning esthetics education after January 1, 2026.

What Is Master Esthetics?

Master Esthetics remains a current Utah licensing pathway and is the primary esthetics program offered at Renaissance Academie.

RACE’s 1,200-hour Master Esthetics program provides comprehensive skincare education that includes foundational esthetics concepts along with more advanced techniques and technologies.

Depending on curriculum, state scope of practice, supervision requirements, and school policy, Master Esthetics training may include topics such as:

• Skin analysis and professional skincare
• Facial and body treatments
• Hair removal
• Advanced exfoliation
• Microdermabrasion
• Dermaplaning
• Chemical exfoliation and peels
• Advanced esthetics equipment and modalities
• Laser and light-based concepts and procedures
• Body treatments
• Lash and brow services
• Professional product knowledge
• Client consultation
• Infection control and safety
• State licensing preparation
• Career and business development

Students also have opportunities to build hands-on experience while working with clients under appropriate supervision in RACE’s student spa.

Basic Esthetics vs. Master Esthetics: What Is the Difference Now?

Historically, Utah offered both a 600-hour Basic Esthetics pathway and a more comprehensive Master Esthetics pathway.

The biggest difference in 2026 is that new students are generally no longer choosing between those two programs as separate licensing pathways.

For students beginning at Renaissance Academie today:

Former Basic Esthetics

• Historically a 600-hour program
• Led toward Utah’s esthetics license under the previous licensing structure
• No longer offered by RACE as a new enrollment pathway

Master Esthetics

• 1,200-hour RACE program
• Includes foundational and advanced skincare education
• Remains a current pathway for students pursuing Master Esthetics licensure in Utah
• Offers broader training in professional and advanced esthetics services

For someone beginning an esthetics education today, Master Esthetics provides a more comprehensive path into professional skincare training.

Why Did Utah Change the Esthetics Licensing Structure?

Utah has made several updates to beauty-industry licensing and training requirements in recent years. These changes affect multiple professions and are intended to update the way beauty services, professional training, licensing, and scopes of practice are organized within the state.

Because licensing laws can change, prospective students should rely on current information rather than older program descriptions found online.

Renaissance Academie works to keep its program information aligned with current Utah requirements and encourages students to verify licensing requirements through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing when they have questions about their individual situation.

What Does Renaissance Academie Currently Offer for Esthetics Students?

Renaissance Academie currently offers a 1,200-hour Master Esthetics program in Provo, Utah.

Students can develop professional skincare skills through a combination of education, hands-on practice, client experience, instructor support, and state licensing preparation.

RACE also offers flexible scheduling and distance-education options for eligible portions of the program, helping students build an education plan that can better fit work, family, and other responsibilities.

Financial Aid may be available to those who qualify.

Because tuition, schedules, start dates, and program delivery options may change, prospective students should review RACE’s current Master Esthetics program information rather than relying on older Basic Esthetics materials.

Is Master Esthetics Right for You?

Master Esthetics may be worth exploring if you are interested in:

• Professional skincare
• Advanced facial treatments
• Corrective skincare
• Spa or med-spa environments
• Advanced esthetics technology
• Building long-term skincare expertise
• Developing hands-on experience with real clients
• Preparing for Utah Master Esthetics licensure

Choosing a beauty school is about more than simply completing required hours. Consider the quality of hands-on education, instructor support, licensing preparation, schedule flexibility, student experience, and the environment where you will be learning.

Explore Master Esthetics at RACE

If skincare is where you see your future, we would love to help you explore what the current Master Esthetics pathway looks like.

Renaissance Academie is located in Provo, Utah and offers hands-on beauty education designed to help students build technical skills, professional confidence, and preparation for their next step in the beauty industry.

Explore the Renaissance Academie Master Esthetics Program to see current curriculum, schedules, program costs, start dates, and Financial Aid information.

You can also schedule a campus tour to explore our classrooms and student spa, meet the RACE team, and get your questions answered in person.

Licensing requirements and scopes of practice are established by the State of Utah and may change. Students should consult the Utah Division of Professional Licensing for current requirements applicable to their individual circumstances.