An esthetician is a state-licensed professional who specializes in cosmetic skincare treatments designed to maintain and improve the skin’s external appearance. Their work centers on providing services and guidance to clients seeking to enhance the health and aesthetic quality of their skin. These professionals possess a focused knowledge of skin anatomy, cosmetic ingredients, and non-invasive procedures.
Common Esthetician Services
Facials and Skin Analysis
A primary service is the facial, a multi-step treatment tailored to a client’s skin needs. The process begins with a detailed skin analysis to identify skin type, conditions, and any specific issues. Based on this assessment, they perform a deep cleansing, exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, and manual extractions to clear clogged pores. The treatment includes a facial massage to improve circulation, followed by applying a customized mask, serums, and moisturizers.
Hair Removal
Estheticians are trained in various methods of temporary hair removal. Waxing is the most common technique, using hard wax for sensitive areas like the face and bikini line, and soft wax for larger areas like the legs and back. Some estheticians receive advanced training in other methods like threading, which uses a twisted cotton thread, or sugaring, an ancient technique using a natural paste.
Body Treatments
Estheticians also perform body treatments aimed at exfoliating and hydrating the skin. Body scrubs, for instance, use abrasive materials like salt or sugar mixed with oils to slough off dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth. Body wraps are another service where the client’s body is coated in a nourishing ingredient like algae or mud and then wrapped to promote absorption. These treatments help improve skin texture and appearance.
Makeup Application
Estheticians may also offer professional makeup application for special events. Their understanding of facial structure, skin tone, and product formulation allows them to create a look that enhances a client’s features. This service begins with skin preparation to ensure a smooth canvas. They also advise clients on suitable products and application techniques for their skin type.
Advanced Treatments
Estheticians with additional training can offer more advanced, non-invasive treatments. Chemical peels involve applying a solution that causes the top layer of skin to exfoliate, revealing smoother skin underneath. Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation that uses a minimally abrasive instrument to gently sand the skin, treating light scarring, discoloration, and sun damage.
Typical Work Environments
Many estheticians are employed in day spas and salons, which offer a broad range of relaxation and beauty services. In these environments, an esthetician’s work is part of a larger wellness experience, integrating skincare with services like massage therapy. The focus is on classic facials, waxing, and body treatments in a tranquil atmosphere.
A growing number of estheticians work in specialized settings like skincare clinics or medical spas (medispas), which operate under the supervision of a physician. Here, they may perform more advanced procedures for clients seeking targeted solutions for concerns like aging or acne. Some also find employment in dermatology offices, providing complementary cosmetic services, while others choose freelance work.
Key Skills for Success
A deep understanding of skin anatomy, physiology, and cosmetic chemistry is necessary to analyze a client’s skin and select appropriate treatments. Meticulous sanitation and sterilization protocols are also required to ensure client safety, involving the proper cleaning of tools, equipment, and the workspace.
Soft skills are also necessary to define the client experience. Strong verbal communication is needed for consultations, explaining procedures, and providing skincare advice. Empathy and a gentle, confident touch help build trust and ensure the client feels comfortable. Attention to detail is needed for everything from precisely shaping an eyebrow to noticing subtle changes in a client’s skin over time.
How to Become an Esthetician
Prospective estheticians must complete a state-approved esthetics or cosmetology program. These programs provide knowledge in skin science, safety protocols, and hands-on training in services like facials and waxing.
Each state mandates a specific number of training hours, ranging from 300 to over 1,000 hours, before a candidate is eligible for licensure. After completing the training, graduates must pass a state board licensing examination. This exam includes a written component for theoretical knowledge and a practical, hands-on component to demonstrate skills, after which they are awarded a license to practice.
Esthetician vs. Other Professionals
The most significant distinction is between an esthetician and a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who has completed medical school and a residency in dermatology. They are qualified to diagnose and treat medical skin conditions, prescribe medications, and perform surgical procedures. An esthetician is a licensed cosmetic professional who cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medication; their work is limited to improving the skin’s aesthetic appearance.
There is also a difference between an esthetician and a cosmetologist. While both are licensed professionals, a cosmetologist holds a broader license that covers hair, nails, and basic skincare. An esthetician has a specialized license and has undergone more intensive training focused solely on skincare. This specialization allows them to offer a wider range of non-medical skin treatments.