The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation recently released its official statement on prohibited practices for Illinois aestheticians and cosmetologists. The statement reads as follows:
The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation, frequently receives inquiries regarding whether certain procedures can be performed by a cosmetologist or an esthetician within the scope of their licensure. While the Department does not issue “advisory opinions” or dispense legal advice, the public’s interest in these procedures merits this statement from the Department. Parties seeking a legal opinion should consult with their own attorney. Cosmetologists and estheticians are prohibited from using any technique, product, or practice intended to affect the living layers of the skin. (Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Act of 1985; 225 ILCS 410/3-1 and 410/3A-1.)
The following procedures constitute the practice of medicine and are not within the scope of practice of a cosmetologist or an esthetician:
 Botox;
 Chemical peels;
 Collagen injections;
 Colonics;
 Liposuction; and
 Microdermabrasion, except superficial or light microdermabrasion intended to only remove dead skin cells, oil, and other debris from the surface of the skin.
 Dermaplaning
 Microblading
 Microneedling
 Radio Frequency
In the event that any of the above procedures are delegated by a licensed physician, an individual may not hold himself or herself out as a cosmetologist or an esthetician while performing the delegated procedure. An individual may not indicate in any manner that any such procedure delegated by a licensed physician is part of the practice of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation cosmetology or esthetics. The person receiving services must be a patient of the physician (there must be a physician-patient relationship), the physician must examine the patient and determine the appropriateness and the course of treatment, and the person receiving the physician delegation must carry out the course of treatment as instructed.
Please also see the Department’s Statement Regarding Lasers.