Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsExpertiseServicesWhere Estheticians WorkTraining and LicensingAt Your Appointment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Expertise
Services
Where Estheticians Work
Training and Licensing
At Your Appointment
Anesthetician(also spelled aesthetician) is a state-licensed skin care professional who has been trained through apprenticeships or formal esthetics programs to perform treatments that promote skin health and beauty. These include facials, superficial chemical peels, body treatments, and waxing.
With more people seeking non-invasive treatments to help them look more youthful, this occupation is on the rise. There are more than 60,000 estheticians in the United States, and the demand for them is growing faster than the national average.
What Estheticians Do (and Don’t Do)
Estheticians, also called skin care therapists, specialize in treatments, therapies, and procedures that help the skin, such as:
This includes the skin of the face and neck, as well as the hands, feet, and entire body.
Although the term “medical aesthetics” is commonly used, esthetics is not a medical practice. As such,estheticians are not allowed to do certain things, including:
Estheticians are limited to performing treatments that work on the superficiallayers of the skin. Therefore, they can’t give any types of injectables likeBotox(a procedure that treats wrinkles) orfacial fillers(non-surgical facelifts), nor can they do deep chemical peels.
A licensed medical professional, such as adermatologist, is qualified to diagnose skin conditions and perform a wide range of invasive and non-invasive procedures.
An esthetician is not a medical healthcare provider and must limit their services to superficial skin care treatments. In addition, unlikedermatologists, who are medical doctors, they cannot diagnose skin conditions or prescribe medication.
Esthetician Services
Many estheticians specialize in certain areas, and every spa will have different offerings on its menu. However, there are some fundamental treatments estheticians provide.
Facials
The facial is an esthetician’s signature treatment. A basic facial consists of:
An esthetician may also treat you to a facial massage, arm and shoulder massage, and apply specialty products during a facial.
Facials are tailored to suit your skin’s needs and your personal preferences. Every esthetician has a unique method as well.
Extractions
Extractionsare when an esthetician removesblackheadsfrom your skin. They usually include this process with most facials.
After your esthetician manually removes blackheads, they cleanse dead skin cell blockages and oil from your pores.
Extraction makes an immediate improvement in the look and feel of the skin. It can also help preventinflammatory acne(blemishes that are infected with bacteria) from developing in the future.
Acne Treatment
Exfoliatingprocedures, along with extractions andover-the-counter (OTC) acne products, can often clear upmild acneand blackheads. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells using scrubs or chemicals.
Estheticians don’t “pop” inflamed pimples, since this can make swelling and redness worse and may lead to infection or scarring.If your acne ismoderatetosevere, adermatologist should treat it.
If you receive medical treatment for acne, talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of complementary esthetician care to be sure it’s safe in your situation.
Often, people see an esthetician for treatments that can be used withprescription acne medications. Estheticians can also help you choose skin care products that help combat acne treatment side effects, like extra dry skin.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasionis a specialty treatment some estheticians offer. Superfine crystals (or a diamond-tipped wand) are passed over the skinduring a treatment, gently removing dead cells.
This treatment offers numerous benefits, including:
Superficial Chemical Peels
Superficial chemical peels use analpha hydroxy acid(most oftenglycolic,lactic, orsalicylic acid) to rapidly exfoliate the skin and give it a healthy glow.
People sometimes call these “lunchtime peels” because they require no downtime. You can have them done over your lunch hour and return to work immediately.
Body Wraps, Masks, and Scrubs
Estheticians don’t just work on the face; they care for the skin on the entire body. Treatments for the body may include:
Salt and scrubs exfoliate, while masks and wraps help soften and brighten your skin. On top of leaving your skin feeling silky smooth, these treatments can be relaxing.
Hair Removal
Many estheticians specialize in hair removal. If you’ve got unwanted hair, an esthetician can get rid of it throughseveral methods, including:
An esthetician can remove hair from just about anywhere, including your pubic area, back, chest, and face. Bikini waxes (removal of pubic hair visible when wearing a swimsuit bottom) and Brazilian waxes (full removal of pubic hair) are common hair removal services, along with brow shaping.
Airbrush Tanning
Not all estheticians offer this service, but it’s become more popular since people have become more aware of the dangers of tanning. During the process, an esthetician sprays your skin with an ultra-fine mist ofsunless tanningproduct. Once dry, you’ll have a convincing “tan” that lasts for up to two weeks.
Airbrush tanning may be a safer way to get a golden glow, but it does have some potential risks, including causing damage to skin cells, rashes, cough, dizziness, and fainting.
Makeup Application
You might book an esthetician to get your makeup done for a special event like a wedding or prom.
There’s no need to supply your own makeup. Estheticians work from their makeup kit using clean application tools for your protection.
Schedule well in advance of your event if you’re interested in this service. Good makeup artists get booked quickly, especially during the busy spring and summer months.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacingis a facial rejuvenation technique that uses a laser to improve the skin’s appearance or correct minor facial flaws.
There are two types oflaser resurfacing:
Laser resurfacing can improve skin tone and lessen the appearance of fine lines, but it can’t eliminate sagging skin or heavy wrinkles.
LED Light Therapy
LED light therapyis a non-invasive treatment that may help reduce fine lines or skin problems like mild acne,rosacea,psoriasis, andeczema. It may also help improve sun-damaged skin or prevent or slow hair loss.
Different colored LED lights are used for different reasons:
The effects of the LED light therapy are not permanent. Maintenance procedures are generally needed.
Thermage and CoolSculpting
Thermageis a proprietary, non-invasive, skin-tightening technique that uses high radiofrequency (RF) waves that heat the underlying dermis and subcutaneous tissues. This stimulates the production of collagen as skin fibers are disrupted, a process that will continue as the skin heals itself and rebuilds the collagen scaffolding underneath.
On the flip side,CoolSculptingis a proprietary technique that uses cold to get rid of excess subcutaneous fat and contour the skin. Also referred to ascryptolysis, CoolSculpting applies temperatures as low as 12 F (-11 C) to the skin using a handheld device. This causes death to subcutaneous tissues without apparent damage to the overlying skin.
Estheticians may provide services in:
Some estheticians work closely with dermatologists. Doctors may refer people to an esthetician or have one on staff who works with them at their office.
In a medical setting, estheticians perform procedures that complement a dermatologist’s treatments.
Estheticians require licensure in all 50 states.Depending on the state’s requirements, they first have to complete 300 to 1,500 hours of training in an accredited cosmetology program.
Those who want to work in a doctor’s office, medical spa, cosmetic surgery clinic, or a hospital can specialize in medical esthetics.Oncologyesthetics requires advanced study for how to safely provide services for people undergoingcancer treatmentsthat may affect the skin, such as dryness and rashes.
After they complete training, estheticians also need to pass both a written and a practical (hands-on) exam. The state’s Board of Cosmetology or Department of Health licenses estheticians.
After obtaining a license, a good esthetician also completes many hours of post-graduate education to stay abreast of the latest developments in skincare. A few states recognize master estheticians, or those who have completed advanced training.
How Much Money Do Estheticians Make?According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, skincare specialists (including estheticians) in 2023 had an average annual salary of $51,100.The salary depends on the location and the specific type of work an esthetician does.
How Much Money Do Estheticians Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, skincare specialists (including estheticians) in 2023 had an average annual salary of $51,100.The salary depends on the location and the specific type of work an esthetician does.
Tips for Your Esthetician Appointment
To get the best results and enjoy your treatment, you’ll need to find the right esthetician for you. Note that the services estheticians offer can vary, as can their fees, so ask about these things in advance.
Look For a Specialist
Look for someone knowledgeable in the treatment that’s most important to you. Ideally, that person performs the service often. For example, if you’re looking for facial rejuvenation and the esthetician spends the bulk of their day doing body treatments, they may not have the experience to help you get the best results.
Ask an esthetician about their specialties and their most performed treatments before booking.
What Is a Master Esthetician?A master esthetician is a professional who has undergone extra training. These professionals are licensed to perform advanced procedures like medium-deep chemical peels, lymph node drainage, and specific laser treatments. Only Washington DC, North Dakota, Utah, and Virginia recognize this licensure.
What Is a Master Esthetician?
A master esthetician is a professional who has undergone extra training. These professionals are licensed to perform advanced procedures like medium-deep chemical peels, lymph node drainage, and specific laser treatments. Only Washington DC, North Dakota, Utah, and Virginia recognize this licensure.
Comfort Is Key
Esthetician services are up-close and personal, and nearly everyone requires some level of undress. Find someone you feel comfortable with and don’t hesitate to specifically request them every time you visit.
Cost
The cost of esthetician services will vary due to factors like your location and the procedure you receive. It also will depend on whether your health insurance will cover all or part of the expense.
A more complex procedure, like chemical peels or a microdermabrasion, can cost between $1,575 and $3,275 for someone living in Chicago, and up to $4,785 in the Los Angeles area.But a simple facial at a spa is likely to cost $100 or less.
Summary
Estheticians are skin care professionals who offer cosmetic treatments, such as facials, acne treatment, skin exfoliation and peels, spray tanning, hair removal, and makeup application. They are not medical professionals and may not diagnose, prescribe, or treat health conditions. However, sometimes they work in collaboration with dermatologists.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Skincare specialists.Wiley University Services.Esthetics career.Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J, Gerber M.Treatment modalities for acne.Molecules. 2016;21(8):1063. doi:10.3390/molecules21081063American Academy of Dermatology Association.Pimple popping: why only a dermatologist should do it.Pelletier-louis ML.Chemical peels and management of skin aging.Ann Chir Plast Esthet. 2017;62(5):520-531. doi:10.1016/j.anplas.2017.07.001Gallagher M.Exposure to dihydroxyacetone in sunless tanning products.Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association. 2018;10(1):11-17. doi: 10.1097/JDN.0000000000000366Heidari Beigvand H, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020;11(2):212-219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35Ablon G.Phototherapy with light emitting diodes.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):21-27.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Non-surgical skin tightening.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Non-invasive body contouring technologies.Associated Skin Care Professionals.Skin care state regulation guide.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Cosmetic Surgery Pricing Calculator.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Skincare specialists.Wiley University Services.Esthetics career.Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J, Gerber M.Treatment modalities for acne.Molecules. 2016;21(8):1063. doi:10.3390/molecules21081063American Academy of Dermatology Association.Pimple popping: why only a dermatologist should do it.Pelletier-louis ML.Chemical peels and management of skin aging.Ann Chir Plast Esthet. 2017;62(5):520-531. doi:10.1016/j.anplas.2017.07.001Gallagher M.Exposure to dihydroxyacetone in sunless tanning products.Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association. 2018;10(1):11-17. doi: 10.1097/JDN.0000000000000366Heidari Beigvand H, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020;11(2):212-219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35Ablon G.Phototherapy with light emitting diodes.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):21-27.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Non-surgical skin tightening.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Non-invasive body contouring technologies.Associated Skin Care Professionals.Skin care state regulation guide.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Cosmetic Surgery Pricing Calculator.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Skincare specialists.Wiley University Services.Esthetics career.Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J, Gerber M.Treatment modalities for acne.Molecules. 2016;21(8):1063. doi:10.3390/molecules21081063American Academy of Dermatology Association.Pimple popping: why only a dermatologist should do it.Pelletier-louis ML.Chemical peels and management of skin aging.Ann Chir Plast Esthet. 2017;62(5):520-531. doi:10.1016/j.anplas.2017.07.001Gallagher M.Exposure to dihydroxyacetone in sunless tanning products.Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association. 2018;10(1):11-17. doi: 10.1097/JDN.0000000000000366Heidari Beigvand H, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020;11(2):212-219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35Ablon G.Phototherapy with light emitting diodes.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):21-27.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Non-surgical skin tightening.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Non-invasive body contouring technologies.Associated Skin Care Professionals.Skin care state regulation guide.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Cosmetic Surgery Pricing Calculator.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Skincare specialists.
Wiley University Services.Esthetics career.
Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J, Gerber M.Treatment modalities for acne.Molecules. 2016;21(8):1063. doi:10.3390/molecules21081063
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Pimple popping: why only a dermatologist should do it.
Pelletier-louis ML.Chemical peels and management of skin aging.Ann Chir Plast Esthet. 2017;62(5):520-531. doi:10.1016/j.anplas.2017.07.001
Gallagher M.Exposure to dihydroxyacetone in sunless tanning products.Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association. 2018;10(1):11-17. doi: 10.1097/JDN.0000000000000366
Heidari Beigvand H, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020;11(2):212-219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35
Ablon G.Phototherapy with light emitting diodes.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):21-27.
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Non-surgical skin tightening.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Non-invasive body contouring technologies.
Associated Skin Care Professionals.Skin care state regulation guide.
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Cosmetic Surgery Pricing Calculator.
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