Esthetics/Skin Care
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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.
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.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that skin care specialists should have very fast job growth in the 2008-2018 period and that qualified applicants should have ample job opportunities. As facials, peels, and other treatments are popularized as a relaxing leisure activity, more people will be using these services. The middle half of skin care workers earn $21,000-41,000 a year.
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Accredited Schools Offering Esthetics/Skin Care Degrees By Location
Arizona
Learn more about Steiner Institute of Esthetics
California
Canada
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Idaho
Massachusetts
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Texas
Washington
Career Specializations
- Makeup Specialists: These skin care specialists focus entirely on the use of makeup to help customers improve their appearance. They often work in salons or at the cosmetics counter in large department stores.
- Laser Hair Removal Specialists: Some estheticians are specially trained in laser hair removal services. They use a laser to heat the hair follicle to prevent the future growth of hair.
- Cleansing and Facial Specialists: These workers specialize in applying exfoliating treatments, beautifying peels, and other facial treatments.
Degree Levels
- Certificate: 9 months-1 year to complete
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
The training you will need for a career as a skin care and esthetics specialist will depend on exactly which treatments you would like to give and where you would like to work. Most cosmetics counters, salons, and spas require that applicants have at least a certificate or associate degree in cosmetology, skin care, esthetics, or a related beauty area. These programs are offered by cosmetology schools, vocational schools, and community colleges.
During these programs, skin care students take courses in different esthetic treatments. For example, students may take classes in skin sanitation, facials, and back treatments; they also learn how to provide skin care services for particular skin issues, such as acne or rosacea. In micro-treatment courses, students learn how to perform peels and exfoliations for different problem skin areas, such as the lips, elbows, or chest. Most esthetics programs also train students in waxing. Other courses focus on makeup and cosmetics application. Classes in business skills and professional demeanor are also included in these programs, since skin care specialists work closely with clients and will need to develop a good rapport. Students who choose to pursue their skin care training in the form of an associate degree will also take general education courses in areas like math, English, and natural science.
All U.S. states require some type of license for skin care and esthetics workers. In order to earn a license, students must first graduate from an accredited certificate or associate degree program. They then must pass the state examination for their particular cosmetology area. This examination generally includes both a written part and a practical test, where students actually perform skin care treatments and services. (BLS)
Salary Information
Newly licensed estheticians with a certificate or associate degree can expect to earn about $21,000 a year. Those with professional experience and a large client base can earn $29,000-41,000 a year. The sectors employing the most skin care specialists are personal care services, physician offices, traveler accommodation, amusement and recreation industries, and health and personal care stores. Delaware, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, D.C., and Washington state are the areas with the highest average salary for skin care workers, with wages ranging from $40,000-46,000 a year. Hawaii, Utah, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Nevada are the states with the highest concentration of estheticians in the work force. (BLS)
Job Outlook
The job outlook for skin care and esthetic specialists is predicted to be excellent in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth should be at about 38 percent for skin care workers, which is much faster than the national average rate of 7-10 percent. In recent years, skin care treatments have grown in popularity as a relaxing and restorative service, and they have also increased in use for people with particular medical skin issues. The aging baby boom population will also be using more skin care services, to fight signs of aging and improve their skin's appearance.
Due to this large growth in new jobs, qualified estheticians should have no trouble landing entry-level positions. Skin care specialists trained in a variety of services will have more employment options. Job competition will still be tough for high-paying positions at high-end salons. (BLS)
Related Careers
Skin care specialists who have gained professional experience and business know-how may be interested in pursuing a career as a spa manager. Spa managers decide which services to offer at their business and hire cosmetology and beauty professionals to provide those services. A bachelor's or master's degree in hospitality, business administration, or a related area is usually required for these positions.
A career as a nail technician is another option, for those interested in the cosmetology field. Nail technicians improve the look and feel of clients' hands and feet. They may provide massages and exfoliative treatments, apply nail extensions, and color and polish nails. Nail technician training usually takes six months to one year to complete.
