Cosmetology Estheticians- New Avenues in Beauty Industry

Esthetics is a branch of cosmetology that refers to the study, care and treatment of skin. Estheticians are licensed professionals who perform personal appearance functions that deal with improving clients’ skin and personal appearance. They work at spas, salons, holistic centers and clinics, and apply a variety of therapeutic techniques to treat skin. Professionals can perform facials, waxing, laser hair removal, extractions, paraffin treatments, lymphatic massage, chemical masks and peels, spa body treatments, skin analysis, make up application and more. Some growing specializations in recent years are foot reflexology, aromatherapy and medical aesthetology. Plus, Estheticians should be able to identify any additional problems through effective communication with clients. Estheticians and skin care specialists also advise their clients regarding skin care and what products are suitable for their skin type. Most Estheticians also generate significant income by selling skin care and other beauty products to their clients, as they have specialized training and knowledge about the latest products.

Estheticians should be neat and have a professional appearance; and be able to maintain a clean and professional work area. They should be effective in time management, not only theirs but also their clients. As mentioned earlier, strong interpersonal and communications skills are a must. Individuals starting their own businesses should also possess a sound background in business management and marketing.

Esthetician Operator programs vary by state, with most requiring the completion of a total of 750 hours of study in areas including body treatments, makeup, skin analysis, anatomy, chemistry and salon business systems. They need to pass both theoretical as well as practical exams before being licensed. This license needs to be renewed every two years by completing 6 hours of required Continuing Education; keeping up with the latest techniques and practices in this changing field is of fundamental importance. Moreover, it is significantly easier to find employment if one is certified in more than one field, say esthetician operator and certified massage therapist, than with only an esthetician operator certification.

Since many will ultimately be self-employed, estheticians also need an understanding of sound business practices. They will need to know how to market services, manage inventory, retain clients, while at the same time attracting new ones; and build a stable profit margin. Estheticians can also work outside the personal appearance field as educators; product trainers; demonstrators or sales representatives for product manufacturers; and as makeup artists in television studios, movie sets, fashion shows; and as wedding consultants. Medical estheticians need additional training after being licensed in the beauty aspect of this field, especially in laser operations such as microdermabrasion; lymphatic system drainage; and pre- and post-op medical procedures. Being licensed as a medical esthetician opens many more doors to jobs in medical or hospital settings. The explosive growth over the last few years in plastic surgery has also fueled a growing demand for medical estheticians.

Even as job losses and unemployment rates increase in many industries throughout the state, beauty and skin care specialists are always in demand. Another primary force powering growth in this field is increased public concern regarding skin aging, which in turn promotes the utilization of skin care services to avert this process, or at least, delay the inevitable. Moreover, a growing population with increasing incomes is spurring an increase in demand for esthetic services.

Working as an esthetician offers great opportunities to move ahead in the beauty industry. As you gain work experience, you can go on to perform larger roles in various beauty settings. With proper education and training, you can improve your chances of earning a decent salary; and at the same time, creating better opportunities for yourself to work in a variety of beauty and medical practices.