ACTION REQUIRED: Michigan Proposes Rules to Limit Esthetics Services

UPDATE: Michigan Extends Commentary Period Regarding Esthetics Rules Changes

Michigan esties, ASCP has promising news! We learned that the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (Department) did not make a final decision at its May 1 meeting on the proposed rules (page 37 of linked document) that would prohibit certain esthetics services. The Department may reconsider the rules at its August 7 meeting.

ASCP also learned the deadline to submit public comments has been pushed from May 2 to May 5. We strongly encourage you to elevate your voice and inspire your fellow estheticians to email concerns to BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov.

The more voices the Department hears, the better chance we have of convincing them that this rule proposal, detailed in full for you below, is a step in the wrong direction. ASCP thanks those who have already taken the time to contact the Department to stop this rule from passing. It’s so important for policymakers to hear from people who will be impacted by regulations, namely key stakeholders like you.


Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (Department) proposed rules (page 37 of linked document) that would prohibit certain esthetics services, thereby limiting the scope of practice for licensed estheticians, students, and apprentices. Those proposed rules would exclude high-end services that could negatively affect your income and bottom line.

Do you think Michigan is making a misstep by limiting its esthetics scope of practice? Or is this the right direction proposed by the Department?

ASCP encourages you to take just five minutes to elevate your voice and submit written comments to the Department at BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov before May 2 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. You can also join ASCP’s Government Relations Director at the May 1 Department meeting to voice your concerns about the proposed rules explained below.

While some states are broadening the scope of practice for esthetics and allowing licensed estheticians to perform advanced services, Michigan’s proposed rules would prohibit:

  • Performing microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, hydrodermabrasion, and Botox injections.
    • These services would be in scope solely for health professionals licensed under the Public Health Code, such as registered nurses.
  • Using any device, apparatus, or appliance to remove any layer of the skin below the stratum corneum.
  • Using any device, apparatus, appliance, product, technique, or practice to abrade, resurface, pierce, puncture, or inject any tissue or skin layer below the stratum corneum, except when performing electrology or when performing hair removal.
    • This means that microneedling or microblading, for example, would be prohibited.
  • Using a laser or ultrasound.
  • Cutting, shaving, or removing any layer of the skin or skin growths from a client’s body using a blade.
  • Using any color, tint, or chemical preparation on the eyelashes or eyebrows that will last longer than six weeks after application.

Read the ASCP advocacy letter we sent to the Department opposing the proposed rule changes.

Please note: We have recently updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Learn more...