What Is An Esthetician? Your Roles, Responsibilities, and More!

What Is An Esthetician?

Choosing which path to follow in your future beauty career is challenging. There are so many different titles and specializations!

Estheticians focus on specific client concerns that encompass a variety of techniques.

We’re looking at what it means to be an esthetician today and what it takes to succeed in the field.

What the career of an esthetician may cover

Estheticians are technicians trained in various modalities focused on skin beautification. They aren’t medical doctors. Instead, they provide services that treat cosmetic skin concerns. This simply means their work impacts the skin's surface and just below, and can have an incredible impact on a client’s confidence and wellbeing!

Their suite of services are non-invasive but can have lasting positive impacts on the skin’s health.

Diagnose and help relieve skin concerns

Skilled practitioners can help diagnose some skin conditions in the salon. They can’t tell clients what’s causing their recurring rash or cystic acne, and those still need a medical opinion. However, an esthetician can play an important role in treating symptoms.

Many of the techniques used in a spa are ideal for acne treatment, age spots, and facial hair removal. Estheticians are adept at managing different skin types, from dry to oily, and offer body treatments for fine lines and wrinkles.

Help clients feel more confident and comfortable about themselves

Working with clients on their skin’s health helps to improve self-confidence. By reducing the appearance of scarring, aging, and sun damage, they can take years off of your complexion. 

Education is another vital part of the estheticians' job. They’re trained to give clients the tools to maintain skin over time. Many spas sell skin care products alongside treatment services.

With regular treatment, clients see long-term progress as a way of life. It’s not just about pampering. It’s about walking out the door, ready to face the world!

Starting your own business after you gain experience

If you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit, becoming an esthetician is a strong choice. You’ll have the tools and skills to build your own business. Especially once you’ve built a client base that trusts you, the next step can be opening a salon.

Services commonly offered by estheticians

States require different licenses to perform specific treatments. But, around the country, specific services fall directly under estheticians’ care. No matter where you are, these are standard offerings. 

Facials and skincare treatments

Facials hydrate and exfoliate, revealing the healthy, glowing skin underneath. Primarily surface-level, they help treat dry or oily skin, leaving clients feeling pampered and relaxed.

Chemical peels, especially light and medium depth, are also typically offered. Peels work with acidic ingredients to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells. While not risk-free, they’re a quick way to refresh the body and treat acne scars and wrinkles.

More advanced treatments like microdermabrasion and dermaplaning take a different approach. They remove unwanted facial hair and the surface layer of skin at the same time. Coupled with a facial, clients are left with fresh, dewy complexions. Some also provide lymphatic drainage massage as part of their services.

Technology helps estheticians provide even more services. Facial steaming, LED treatments, and others bring advanced treatments to the salon. 

Hair removal

Unwanted body hair is one of the major concerns that bring clients to estheticians. Most home remedies like shaving and depilatory creams remove hair from just below the surface. Estheticians go a step further and remove it by the root through various techniques. 

Waxing is a common service and can be done anywhere there’s unwanted hair. Everywhere from eyebrows to down below, it provides lasting, smoother skin. From hard and soft waxes to sugaring and threading, they’re experts in getting rid of those pesky hairs.

Depending on state requirements, they may also have access to laser hair removal. While it’s more costly than other approaches, it’s longer lasting. Home devices are all the rage, but having a professional handle the delicate bits is still the best approach.

Injectables and medical aesthetics (depending on state & licensing)

Med spas provide esthetic care along with specialized treatments. Only medically licensed doctors and nurses can perform these techniques in some states. 

Injectables work wonders on fine lines and wrinkles. They plump and tighten loose areas by placing serums under the skin’s surface. They can even take the place of invasive face and butt lifts. 

Medical aesthetics encompass deeper facials and, in some states, laser and LED treatments. Because of the higher associated risk, more training and medical supervision is necessary.

Makeup application

Some estheticians specialize in makeup applications for special events. Frequently, these artists also do eyelash extensions and lash lifts. Beyond that, they’re frequently engaged in work in the film and television industry. While artistic makeup is the bulk of the business, FX makeup takes additional training.

Where do estheticians commonly work?

With an esthetician license in hand, there are plenty of work opportunities. Salons and spas are the most common places you’ll find work. Generally, you won’t find cosmetologists and estheticians in the same location as they need different setups.

Med spas and clinics also provide opportunities and may build a career in more clinical settings. Instead of superficial skin treatments, they’re more likely to work with a dermatologist to complement medical therapy.

What’s the average salary for an esthetician?

Salaries for estheticians have a reasonably wide range across the country. Depending on years of experience, location, and services offered, you’ll see between $30,000 and $90,000! The national average sits right around $50,000 per year.

It stands to reason that if you’re working in a large city with a high average income, you’ll see an increase. The market in these areas will bear a higher pricing structure. In less populated areas, you’ll likely see lower salaries. 

Bosses in Beauty is here to support future and current estheticians

With years of experience in various markets, Bosses in Beauty is here to support you in your journey. Whether you’re just beginning your career or running your own spa, we’re here to help! 

Check out the resources on our website and enroll in one of our business-building courses today!