In 1970, Joel Gerson began teaching esthetic skin care and facial treatments in New York City. He soon realized an inadequacy of educational materials available for the training of estheticians. He was unable to find a practical "how to" book, or a comprehensive course of study, that was both easy to understand and thorough in its contents.
So, in 1977 he decided to write the textbook that would provide the curriculum materials, including "step-by-step" illustrations needed by teachers and students. The most important undertaking of his professional career, was writing the Standard Textbook for Professional Estheticians, published by Milady. Creation of this textbook also paved the way for state regulatory boards and regulation of estheticians through licensure.
In the 1999 revised edition, Susanne S. Warfield, the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations (NCEA) founder, become the first co-author of two chapters: “Sterilization, Disinfection and Safety in the Salon”, and “Estheticians Working with Physicians”. Since then, many other contributors have played an important role in updating this textbook, known now as “Standards Esthetics Fundamentals.”
In October 2016, the NCEA honored Gerson with a "Memory Book" of the NCEA Gerson Award winners.
"This book of NCEA Gerson Award Winners represents only a fraction of what you have contributed to the skin care industry over the last several decades. Your visionary creation of the Standard Textbook for Estheticians has led to thousands of Estheticians obtaining licensure in the United States.
As memory fades and the years go by, please look at this book to remind yourself of what you have meant to so many of us. The incredible sacrifices and contributions you have made to shape what the Esthetician is today, and where we came from.
The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations (NCEA) and its founder, Susanne S. Warfield, wanted to honor you and your legacy that will long survive you."
The NCEA and the entire beauty industry remember the profound impact that Gerson had on aesthetics and his memory lives on.