Many people want to help others, and an esthetician career is one of the options available to them. Estheticians, also known as licensed skin care professionals, help a wide range of people improve their appearance, self-confidence, and overall health. They can choose from a variety of career paths, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the field. Whatever career path is chosen, there are numerous opportunities in the growing demand for estheticians.
The majority of those who pursue an esthetician career end up working in a spa or salon, with some opting to open their own business. In this setting, estheticians are primarily concerned with non-medical skin care, massage, and the application and selection of cosmetics for clients. Because retail accounts for a large portion of most spa and salon revenues, an esthetician working in this field may want to take specialized classes or training in sales and product knowledge.
Careers as a medical esthetician are in high demand. Medical estheticians work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and specialized medical practices, and they typically have more training than a spa esthetician. Treatments provided by a medical esthetician vary depending on the location in which the practitioner works. A medical esthetician in a hospital’s burn unit may teach patients how to conceal burn scars with cosmetics, whereas a medical esthetician in a dermatologist’s office may perform treatments to restore patients’ skin to its best condition on a regular basis.
In the world of make-up artistry, there are still more esthetician jobs available. Some estheticians specialize in the application and selection of cosmetic products, which can lead to work in the film and theater industries, as well as freelance work for weddings, photographers, and other businesses. The many options available in esthetician careers are very similar to those available in cosmetology, so anyone interested in esthetician training should carefully examine both career paths to determine which is best for them.
Working as an esthetician or cosmetologist almost always necessitates specialized training, and the requirements for becoming an esthetician or cosmetologist vary by state in the United States. Almost everywhere in the United States, estheticians must be licensed by the state in which they work. Local cosmetology or esthetician schools usually provide training, which can take as little as two years to complete, with more specialized training also available. Local chapters of the United States Barber and Cosmetology Association frequently provide a list of schools where esthetician training can be obtained, and those interested in pursuing esthetician careers should speak with their local chapter first.