The beauty industry rarely stands still, and neither does Mark Balanon. After more than 18 years as a licensed cosmetologist and barber, he has watched the tools of the trade transform again and again. His latest chapter in that evolution: hands-on training with XERF, one of the most advanced non-invasive skin-tightening systems on the market today.
For Balanon, Director of Operations & Facilities at Milan Institute and Milan Institute of Cosmetology, the training wasn’t just another certification. It was a glimpse into where esthetics is headed, and a reminder of why he got into this work in the first place.
“As a licensed cosmetologist and barber for more than 18 years, one thing I’ve learned is that our industry is always evolving,” Balanon said. “New technology, new techniques, and new trends continue to shape the way we care for our clients, which is why I believe learning should never stop.”
A Firsthand Look at the Future
XERF, a structural skin-tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to firm and rejuvenate skin without needles, numbing, or downtime, represents the kind of high-end technology that once lived only in elite medical spas. Now it is part of the training conversation at Milan Institute.
“Having the opportunity to train on the XERF system has been an exciting experience,” Balanon said. “It’s a simple, non-invasive treatment that provides skin tightening without surgery or significant downtime, making it an excellent option for clients who want natural-looking rejuvenation.”
He is quick to point out who stands to benefit most. “From what I’ve seen, XERF is a great option for individuals who are beginning to notice mild to moderate skin laxity and want to improve firmness without invasive procedures,” he explained. “The treatment is comfortable, fits easily into a busy lifestyle, and supports gradual, natural-looking results over time.”
Why Never-Ending Education Is the Point
If there’s a throughline in Balanon’s career, it’s a conviction that a beauty professional’s education is never truly finished. That belief is exactly what Milan Institute is built to nurture.
“Continuing education is one of the most important investments beauty professionals can make,” Balanon said. “The more knowledge and hands-on training we receive, the more confidently we can recommend safe, effective treatments that meet our clients’ individual goals. Staying current with advancements like XERF allows us to provide modern services while continuing to grow as professionals.”
That access to premium, real-world technology is what makes the moment feel different. Through Milan Institute’s connection to its sister company, RenewMD MedSpa, students and staff are exposed to the same advanced treatments being offered to paying clients. The XERF system is now available at four RenewMD MedSpa locations: Fresno, California; Palm Desert, California; Reno, Nevada; and El Paso, Texas.
“After completing the training and seeing the technology in action, I’m impressed with both the simplicity of the treatment and the outcomes it can help achieve,” Balanon said. “It’s exciting to be part of an organization that continues to invest in new technology and ongoing education, because in the beauty industry, learning truly never ends.”
The Milan Institute Advantage
That kind of exclusive, hands-on access to high-end treatments like XERF is what sets Milan Institute apart, and it’s a preview of the future of esthetician training: modern, practical, and built around the technologies clients are actually asking for. For aspiring beauty professionals, it means graduating not just with fluency in the tools that will shape the next era of skincare.
See It for Yourself
The best way to understand what makes Milan Institute different is to experience it in person. To learn more about Milan Institute and the esthetician program, book a tour of campus today.