Skin Care, A Beginner's Guide

Welcome to GP Healthcare Alliance’s Skin Care, A Beginner’s Guide course.

This course is designed to provide basic skin care information for all; it can be used as a basis for knowledge to build-upon for students of beauty treatments and a starting point for new clinical staff members who may be working within General Practice and wish to explore skin conditions, such as Acne, Eczema and/or Psoriasis at a later date, or following on from this course (courses will be/are available, please check regularly for new courses). This course can also be utilised to provide customers/patients with advice and guidance to improve their knowledge of skin care, for Beauticians/Clinicians within Primary Care working Globally and could take up to 1 hour to complete for a novice, based on your prior knowledge and experience, it may take you less time. The aim of this training is for the learner to be able to understand and manage good skin care routines and know why they are particularly important.

All guidelines provided in the lessons within this course are correct and current at the time of writing. You will need to ensure that you follow any work-place protocols and regulations within your area of practice.

It would be beneficial to have a note pad at the ready, but please do not worry if you have not, there are downloadable files for your reference! Some of the tables and examples provided have not got audio support as they will be included in the PDF at the end of each lesson, which can be increased in size within this format if needed for eye comfort.

Learning Objectives:

To learn about skin structure, including skin layers, how they work and the various skin types.
To explore what skin care advice would be useful to you and/or provide to customers/patients, in order for them to look after their body’s largest organ.
Learn healthy self-care regimes to encourage ongoing healthy skin, impacting upon overall health.

There is an end of course Assessment.

This is where you will be able to show off all the information that you have learnt, so making notes would benefit you for a quick recap! You will need a pass rate of 80% or more to pass and be able to obtain your certificate, which can be downloaded and printed.

Please be aware that all content within this course is copyright protected

Please scroll down each screen and click ‘continue’ where indicated, also be aware of the arrows or the relevant numbers on the bottom of the screen to ‘click on’ as needed.

Where possible we have provided audio support to utilise if preferred and/or required but please be aware that there are examples for you to peruse also.

When you are ready to begin, click the “Start Course” button.

Welcome to GP Healthcare Alliance’s Skin Care, A Beginner’s Guide course.

Current Status

Price

£20.00

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Average time to complete: 1 hour
100% online
Downloadable resources included
Free CPD-accredited certificate to evidence professional development

Good skincare starts with understanding the skin itself. Knowing how the skin is structured, what different skin types need and how everyday habits affect it can make it easier to develop routines that support healthy-looking skin.

This CPD-accredited online skincare course for beginners provides an accessible introduction to skin anatomy, skin types and basic skincare routines. It is suitable for people beginning their learning in beauty or healthcare, professionals who may provide basic skincare guidance, and anyone interested in developing their own understanding of skin health and care.

Why this course matters

Provides a foundation in skin anatomy and the functions of the skin
Helps learners recognise different skin types and their individual characteristics
Builds understanding of cleansing, moisturising, protection and everyday skincare
Encourages appropriate product and hygiene practices to help protect the skin barrier
Provides useful background knowledge for further learning about common skin conditions
Supports more informed conversations about basic skincare with clients, customers or patients

What you will learn

The structure and main functions of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis
How hair follicles, sebaceous glands and other skin structures contribute to skin function
The characteristics of normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin
The basic principles of cleansing, moisturising and protecting the skin
How hygiene, products and everyday habits can influence skin health
How to build a simple skincare routine appropriate to different skin needs

Who this course is for

This online basic skincare training course is suitable for:

Anyone wanting to understand the fundamentals of skincare
Students beginning beauty, aesthetics or skincare-related training
Beauticians and beauty professionals looking to refresh their foundation knowledge
New healthcare and primary care staff developing an interest in skin health
Professionals who may provide general skincare information to clients, customers or patients

No specialist skin or dermatology knowledge is needed. The course is designed as an introductory starting point.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Describe the basic structure and key functions of the skin
Explain how the skin helps protect the body and maintain its natural barrier
Recognise the characteristics of the five skin types covered in the course
Identify basic skincare considerations for different skin types
Describe the main elements of a simple daily skincare routine
Recognise everyday hygiene and lifestyle considerations that can support skin care

Full course description

Getting to know your skin

The course introduces the basic structure and function of the skin, including how the different layers help protect the body, regulate temperature and support sensation. It also looks at hair follicles and sebaceous glands to provide useful background knowledge for understanding skin health and common concerns.

Understanding different skin types

You will explore the main characteristics of normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. The course considers how different skin types can present and why skincare routines and product choices may need to be adapted to suit individual needs.

Building a basic skincare routine

The course covers the foundations of a simple skincare routine, including cleansing, moisturising and protecting the skin. It also considers how consistency, suitable products and avoiding overly harsh skincare practices can help support the skin barrier.

Everyday habits and healthy skin

Practical guidance is included on everyday habits that can influence skin health, from keeping skincare tools and towels clean to patch testing new products and using sun protection. Learners are also encouraged to recognise when persistent or worsening skin concerns may need professional advice.

Assessment and certification

At the end of the course, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding. You will need to achieve a result of 80% or higher to pass. On successful completion, you will receive a downloadable certificate.

Professional responsibility and scope

This course is designed to support knowledge and understanding but does not in itself confirm competence.

Competency should be assessed within your workplace
Practice should align with local protocols, current guidance, and professional standards
You are responsible for applying learning appropriately within your role

Average time to complete

Approximately 1 hours, depending on your prior knowledge and experience. The course is fully self-paced, allowing you to complete it in stages. You can revisit any sections that you’re unsure of.

Course Content

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I buy this course for someone else?

Yes. To do this, register using their email address and the name they would like to appear on their certificate.

For example, you might know them as Kate, but they may need their certificate issued in their full birth name, Katherine. It’s best to check these details with them first.

Once the purchase is complete, they will receive the automatic course link by email.

Can I complete the course in my own time, and how long do I have to access it?

All of our online courses are self-paced, so you can complete them at a time that suits you. Your progress is saved at the end of each lesson, allowing you to return and continue later.

You will have six months from the date of enrolment to complete the course. After six months, the course will no longer be available.

Some courses, such as Basic Life Support, must be completed annually by clinical staff. A new course will therefore need to be purchased each year to ensure the training reflects the most up-to-date guidance.

Can I access the training material after completing the course?

Yes. The course materials are available to download during your access period, so you can keep a copy for future reference. Your course access will remain active for six months from the date of enrolment, after which the course will no longer be available.

Which payment methods do you accept?

We accept card payments via Stripe. You can pay using a debit or credit card (such as Visa or Mastercard).

When will I get my certificate?

As soon as you have passed the end-of-course assessment and achieved the required pass rate of 80% or more, your certificate will be available to download from the top of the course page.

Do you offer refunds if I no longer need the course?

Refunds may be available if you have not logged into your account.

Once you have logged in, you will have access to the course materials and downloadable content, and a refund will no longer be possible.

What should I do if I can't log into my account?

When registering, please make sure you enter the correct email address, as login issues are often caused by an incorrect email being used. It can help to copy and paste your email address to avoid mistakes.

If you are unable to log in, click ‘Forgotten password’ and follow the instructions to reset your password via the email link sent to you.

If you continue to experience issues, please contact GPHA-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk and we will endeavour to respond within two working weeks.

£20