If you’re looking into skincare or thinking of a career in the beauty industry, you have probably wondered: what does an esthetician actually do? Estheticians are trained skincare pros who help clients get and keep healthy-looking skin through treatments, guidance, and a ton of individualized care, helping to improve skin conditions and help them look and feel their best.
At Austin Kade, we turn students into skin care professionals every day. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what estheticians do, where they work, and how you can become one.
What is an Esthetician Anyway?
An esthetician is a licensed pro who’s been trained in all aspects of skincare treatments and cosmetic services. Their main goal is to help people improve the health and look of their skin, especially on the face.
Unlike cosmetologists, who do hair, nails, and skin, estheticians specialize specifically in skincare making them the go-to experts when it comes to facials, exfoliation and hair removal services.
They’ve been trained to:
- Skin analysis and making recommendations
- Recommend treatments and products that work for their clients
- Carry out non-medical skincare procedures
What Do Estheticians Do?
Esthetician job duties vary depending on where they work, but most days usually involve a mix of hands-on treatments and real client interaction.
A typical days work may include:
- Chatting with clients about their skin concerns and recommending treatments
- Performing facials, peels or exfoliating treatments
- Giving advice on skincare products and routines
- Educating clients on how to keep their skin healthy
- Keeping all the equipment tidy and in top condition
Estheticians also build lasting relationships with their clients, helping them feel confident and happy in their own skin.
Common Skincare Treatments You Can Expect From Estheticians
Estheticians offer a whole range of services designed to clean, exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin.
Some of the most common treatments include:
- Facials – Deep cleansing and hydration for all skin types
- Chemical peels – Treatments that exfoliate and improve the look of your skin
- Microdermabrasion – A non-invasive exfoliating treatment
- Hair removal – Waxing or sugaring to get a smooth finish
These skin and body treatments can really help with issues like acne, dryness, aging and uneven skin tone.
Where Do Estheticians Work?
Estheticians have loads of options when it comes to where they work – and they can choose something that suits them.
You can find estheticians working in:
- Day spas and salons
- Medical spas
- Dermatology offices
- Resorts and wellness centers
Some estheticians even choose to become independent running their own business or offering mobile skincare services.
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Good Esthetician?
To succeed as an esthetician, you’ll need a combination of technical knowledge and people skills.
Key skills include:
- A good understanding of skincare and products
- Attention to detail – they need to make sure everything is spot on
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Ability to recommend and sell products
- A genuine passion for helping others feel their best
Because estheticians work so closely with their clients, building trust and giving them an amazing experience with improved skin health is as important as your technical skills.
Esthetician vs Dermatologist: What’s the Main Difference?
While both estheticians and dermatologists work with skin, their roles are totally different.
- Estheticians focus on cosmetic skincare and ongoing maintenance
- Dermatologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat serious skin diseases
Estheticians can’t prescribe medication or do medical treatments, but they play a vital role in preventing skin problems and keeping skin healthy.
How to Become an Esthetician
If you’re interested in this career, becoming an esthetician starts with proper training and getting the right qualifications.
The typical path is:
- Find a good esthetician school to study
- Get some hands-on experience doing skincare treatments
- Pass your state licensing exam
In Idaho, estheticians need to meet state requirements to get their license before they can work with clients.
If you want to start your journey, explore the esthetician training program at Austin Kade Academy to learn the skills and experience you need for a successful career in skincare.
A career as a licensed esthetician is perfect for people who are passionate about beauty, skincare and making others feel their best. Whether you want to work in a spa or start your own business, this field offers loads of creativity, flexibility and real impact in people’s lives.
