Aestheticians are licensed professionals dedicated to skin health and beauty. They work with clients to address various skin concerns and help them achieve their desired appearance through specialized treatments and personalized advice.
What Is an Aesthetician?
An aesthetician is a trained and licensed skincare specialist who focuses on cosmetic treatments to improve the skin’s overall health and appearance. While the terms “aesthetician” and “esthetician” are often used interchangeably, “aesthetician” is sometimes associated with those who work in a clinical or medical setting. Both roles center on providing skincare services, but their work environments can differ.
It is helpful to distinguish aestheticians from other professionals. Dermatologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat skin diseases and prescribe medications. Cosmetologists have a broader focus that includes hair and nails in addition to skin. Aestheticians occupy a specific niche, concentrating on non-invasive cosmetic skincare treatments.
What Services Do Aestheticians Provide?
Aestheticians offer a wide array of services tailored to meet the individual needs of their clients, ranging from foundational treatments to more advanced procedures.
Facials and Skin Analysis
Providing facials is a primary service, involving customized treatments to cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the skin. A facial begins with a skin analysis to determine the client’s skin type and specific concerns. Based on this analysis, the aesthetician selects appropriate products and techniques, which may include steaming, extractions, and the application of masks and serums.
Hair Removal
Aestheticians are trained in various hair removal methods, with waxing being one of the most popular for the face and body. Other techniques include sugaring and threading, which provide alternatives for clients with different skin sensitivities. Some aestheticians pursue advanced training for laser hair removal, though this service depends on state regulations and may require medical supervision.
Exfoliation Treatments
To address concerns like fine lines and sun damage, aestheticians provide specialized exfoliation treatments. Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin that removes the outer layers, revealing smoother skin. Microdermabrasion is another technique that uses a minimally abrasive instrument to gently sand the skin, removing the thicker, uneven outer layer.
Body Treatments
Aestheticians also offer treatments for the body. Body wraps and scrubs are popular services that exfoliate and hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Back facials are another common offering, designed to address breakouts and congestion on the back and shoulders.
Makeup Application
Aestheticians are skilled in makeup application for special occasions such as weddings and proms. They help clients achieve a desired look, from natural to dramatic. Aestheticians can also offer makeup lessons, teaching clients techniques and helping them select products suited for their skin type.
Product Consultation and Sales
A part of an aesthetician’s role is educating clients about proper skincare. After a treatment, they recommend a home-care routine to help maintain and improve the results. This includes suggesting specific products and explaining how to use them effectively.
Where Do Aestheticians Work?
Aestheticians work in various environments, including day spas and salons where the focus is on providing a relaxing experience for clients. Another common workplace is a medical spa (medi-spa), which combines the feel of a traditional spa with procedures found in a medical clinic. In these facilities, aestheticians perform more advanced treatments and often work alongside medical professionals. Some also work directly in dermatology offices, assisting with patient care and providing complementary cosmetic services. Other aestheticians choose to open their own private practices, giving them the freedom to specialize. Freelance work is also an option, with aestheticians offering mobile services for events like weddings or providing on-set makeup application.
How to Become an Aesthetician
The path to becoming a licensed aesthetician begins with completing a state-approved esthetics or cosmetology program. These programs provide comprehensive training in skin science, anatomy, and a wide range of skincare techniques. A central requirement for licensure is the completion of a specific number of training hours, which varies significantly from one state to another, from 250 to over 1,000 hours. After completing the required training, candidates must pass a state board examination to earn their license. This exam consists of a written component that tests theoretical knowledge and a practical, hands-on component that assesses technical skills.
Key Skills for a Successful Aesthetician Career
To build a successful career, an aesthetician needs a combination of technical abilities and soft skills. This expertise allows them to accurately analyze a client’s skin and recommend the most effective treatments and home-care routines.
- A deep and continuously updated knowledge of skin science, anatomy, and product ingredients.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport with clients, listen to their concerns, and explain treatments clearly.
- Excellent manual dexterity and a keen attention to detail for performing precise treatments like extractions and waxing.
- Maintaining high standards of hygiene and sanitation is required to protect both the client and the practitioner.
Aesthetician Salary and Job Outlook
The earning potential for aestheticians can vary based on geographic location, experience, and work environment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for skincare specialists was $19.98 in May 2024. Income is often supplemented by tips and commission on product sales, and those working in high-end spas or medical settings may earn more.
The job outlook for this profession is quite positive. The BLS projects that employment for skincare specialists will grow 10 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an increasing public interest in wellness and is expected to create approximately 12,800 new job openings each year.