What is an Esthetician? Job Training & Licensure

While the right clothes and a good hairstyle can do wonders for a person's appearance, nothing can make up for a lack of healthy, glowing skin. Esthetics and skin care specialists are cosmetology professionals that work to improve the feel and appearance of their clients' skin. They are commonly employed in spas, salons, and cosmetics departments and may provide a number of services depending on where they are employed. Those in spas and salons commonly perform exfoliating treatments, facials, peels, waxing, and sometimes laser hair removal. Estheticians who work at cosmetology counters help customers pick out cosmetics that are appropriate for their skin, and they apply makeup to customers' faces.

An esthetician or skin care specialist is someone that fully understands the importance of skin care. Estheticians work with clients to treat and care for facial skin, including treatments that help maintain the skin and prevent future problems. Although the role of a skin care specialist varies, there are a few common tasks that will be performed in a salon or spa, such as:

• Work with Clients to Determine Skin Problems and Needs
• Discuss Treatment Options with Clients
• Perform Facials
• Perform Chemical Peels
• Remove Blackheads and Clear Clogged Pores
• Remove Unwanted Hair

• Shape Eyebrows
• Dye Eyebrows and Eyelashes
• Provide Facial Massages
• Work with Clients on Makeup Techniques (including recommendation of products that are best for them)
• Apply Lotions and Creams

Workplace and Job Outlook

All states require esthetics and skin care workers to have a license in order to legally work. These licenses are earned after graduating from a recognized certificate or associate degree program in skin care or esthetics. These educational programs discuss skin care science and teach students the appropriate technique for different skin care treatments. They are offered by cosmetology schools, community colleges, and vocational-technical schools. After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the state's licensing exam in order to begin working. These exams typically include both written and practical test components.

In general, an esthetician will work in a salon or beauty spa, although sometimes they can be found in medical offices, working with patients pre- and post-facial surgery. Most estheticians will wear a lab-type coat to work as well as gloves in order to effectively and hygienically work with the chemicals and herbs that are in products they are using.

In a typical day on the job, a skin care specialist will spend a majority of their time sitting down, working on clients. They will, however, be moving a bit to get new products, as well as reach around them for tools and other necessary items. Estheticians that specialize in one particular service, such as makeup, may travel for their jobs to work with television or movie stars or to help prepare a bride and bridesmaids for an on-location wedding.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a skin care specialist is $14.03 an hour or $29,190 annually. The top 10 percent, however, made $24.57 per hour or $51,110 per year, according to May 2011 numbers. As you can see, the level of pay can vary greatly and offers room for advancement within the profession. Getting the proper certifications and continuing your education in the field can make a great difference in your pay.

Although the skin care profession is expected to grow as fast as average for all other occupations, the states with the highest employment of skin care specialists includes California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Massachusetts.

Source

California Employment Development Department (2012)

Colleges Offering Esthetician Programs:

Visitors to our site request information on esthetician programs from these 5 schools more than any others. Programs include aesthetics skincare, therapeutic massage and skin care, manicures, pedicures, and more.