Using the term clinical?

Another esthetician mentioned to me that she was in a class this weekend (for another skin care line) which also uses the term "clinical" skin care. She was told by a lawyer who spoke for part of the class, that we as estheticians who are not affiliated with doctors ourselves, should not use the term clinical. I find this confusing because if I am using a skin care line which calls itself clinical, why would I have to leave that out? I am also a massage therapist and this has never been an issue in the massage field for me. Clinical simply defines an outcome based treatment rather than a spa/relaxing type of treatment. The term does not infer that I am working outside of my scope of practice. Does anyone else have an issue with this?

Lisa, I would be interested to know if you are aware of any problems with this term being used by estheticians. Thanks!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on March 27, 2013 at 10:38am

Hi Sandra - I agree with you above. I like the word clinical. For me it defines a result-oriented outcome. I think spa denotes more relaxing types of treatments without much change (besides softening and hydrating). I have not had any problems with the use of clinical. To me, medical-grade products might be out of your scope of practice if you were not within the doctor's office.

Permalink Reply by Susan Nathan on March 27, 2013 at 11:34am

Sandra,

That reservation is always in the back of my mind when I am creating advertising copy for my esthetician practice because I have heard the same kinds of advice you mention. However, I realize the medical profession does not own words. To me, clinical means clean versus foo-foo if you will. I have a 'Treatment Facial' on my menu which basically means I provide the skin improvement modalities without massage, steam, etc. Others call it an 'Express Facial.' As protection against complaints, I am devising a small, framed statement that describes my scope of practice, clearly stating I am not a medical facility but I am 'clinical' in relation to my approach to skin care--clean and precise. I do hold a degree in Microbiology which defines that aspect of my practice.

Permalink Reply by Susan Nathan on March 27, 2013 at 11:37am

And, yes, many of my clients have switched from a dermatologist to my practice because they prefer clinical over foo-foo. Ironic, huh? Maybe these derms should see a lawyer about being careful not to imitate what estheticians perform. I won't hold my breath for that.

Permalink Reply by Misty DeLaGarza on March 27, 2013 at 12:30pm

Instead of the word "clinical" I use corrective for all skin treatments/peels and relaxing for all foo-foo type facials.

Permalink Reply by Susan Nathan on March 27, 2013 at 1:21pm

Perfect phrasing. Thank you.

Permalink Reply by Devyn M. on March 27, 2013 at 3:52pm

People need to relax. Seriously. Now the word, clinical, is going to be an issue?? My goodness. I agree with you, Sandra. Just seems silly.