What Is An Esthetician? Plus, Do You Need A Facial?
If you have ever wondered about your skin type or have trouble deciding which skin care products to use, a visit to an esthetician can be helpful. Being an esthetician myself, I genuinely believe that seeing an esthetician is one of the best things you can do in your journey to healthier skin. You know they have something to do with facials, but what is an esthetician? Many people don’t understand what I do or how I can help. Read this guide to answer your questions on what an esthetician does and if you need a facial.
What Is An Esthetician?
An esthetician practices esthetics. Esthetics is a branch of anatomical science that deals with the overall health and well-being of the skin, the human body's largest organ.
An esthetician is a professional skin specialist devoted to the skin's health. They are trained to assess and enhance the skin through various treatments and services. Also, they provide preventative care for the skin and offer treatments to keep it healthy and luminous.
An esthetician is trained to detect skin problems that may require medical attention. As well as how to care for and improve the skin.
Types Of Estheticians
You will see the spelling of esthetician varies slightly. In the medical realm, the word is spelled aesthetician in reference to the original Greek word aethetikos. Many cosmetic surgeons, nurses, and clinical estheticians prefer the original spelling.
Recently, the letter a has been dropped because the word esthetician relates more to the newer spa culture and has become a more popular term.
Salon or day spa estheticians: are skin care specialists and consultants that perform facials, waxing, and body treatments—also known as skin therapists.
Medical Aesthetician: Assists physicians in esthetic treatments and surgical procedures.
How Is An Esthetician Different Than A Dermatologist?
Dermatologists and estheticians often collaborate, and their practices complement each other. Patients who see an esthetician may be referred to a dermatologist for care assessment and treatment of acne or other skin conditions. Likewise, a dermatologist may recommend a patient to visit an esthetician for maintenance and treatments.
So, what is the difference between the two, and how do you know who to see to help you have healthy skin?
Dermatologist
A dermatologist is a doctor who has completed four years of undergraduate work, four years of medical school, and several years of residency at a medical facility. As board-certified specialists, dermatologists are medical and surgical experts on skin, hair, and nail health concerns. They usually practice in medical offices or medical spas.
Dermatologists are trained to:
Diagnose and treat skin disorders and diseases such as acne, skin cancer, rosacea, psoriasis, and skin infections resulting from a virus.
Write prescriptions to treat skin disorders and diseases
Perform surgery on skin abnormalities
Perform cosmetic procedures such as lasers, injections and fillers, botox, and prescription-strength chemical peels.
When you should see a dermatologist:
Once a year, a skin exam for early detection and treatment of skin diseases.
If a rash is painful or spreading
If you have acne that isn’t clearing up after a couple of months of over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes
If you have skin cancer, psoriasis, rosacea, or skin infections
For more in-depth cosmetic procedures such as botox or laser hair removal
Esthetician
An esthetician is a skin care professional who has attended a trade school and passed a state board exam. Once all schooling and exams are completed, a license is given to practice in that state as an esthetician. Estheticians work in spas, salons, or medical settings under the direction of a dermatologist.
Estheticians are trained to:
Perform a skin analysis
Perform facials and skin cleaning
Microdermabrasion
Aromatherapy
Body treatments such as wraps and scrubs
Body waxing and hair removal
Makeup application
Superficial plant-based chemical peels
When you should see an esthetician:
To determine your skin type and establish an appropriate skin care routine
For facials, body treatments, and self-care
To maintain your skin following an assessment and treatment of a skin condition by a dermatologist
To seek advice and care for minor skin conditions
Esthetician Training And Certification
To be an esthetician, you need to be licensed in the state you are working. Each state has required hours of training that need to be completed. Most esthetician programs take three to six months to complete 250 to 1,500 hours of training, depending on the state.
After schooling is finished, a state-approved test and a state board exam with written and practical components must be passed. Once all the state requirements are met, a certified license will be given. An esthetician can only work if this license has been obtained.
During their training, estheticians learn how to care for and improve the skin through a comprehensive course load. A course typically includes time spent in the classroom as well as completing the required hours working in the student clinic observed by their teachers.
Classes typically cover the following topics: cosmetic sciences, human anatomy and physiology, safety and sanitation, hair removal, skin conditions and disorders, general sciences, skin science, business skills, skin analysis, skin care products, and more.
In case you are wondering, I am a licensed esthetician in the state of Kansas, Oregon, and Washington. I completed 1,000 hours of schooling and am certified by the State Board Of Cosmetology of Kansas, Oregon, and Washington Esthetics.
Where To Find An Esthetician Working
Depending on the focus and area of interest, estheticians may be found in:
Salons
Day spas
Wellness spas
Nail salons
Resort spas
Fitness studios
Gyms
Beauty supply stores
Under the supervision of dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons
What Does An Esthetician Do?
Many estheticians specialize in certain areas, and every spa will have different offering on its menu. Here are some fundamental treatments estheticians provide:
Facials
A facial is a professional service designed to improve and rejuvenate the skin. It is one of the most common and popular services an esthetician provides. A facial helps maintain the health of the skin and corrects skin conditions through deep cleansing, massage, the use of masks and other products, and various treatment methods.
Facial treatments include the following benefits:
Deeply cleanses the skin
Exfoliates
Increase circulation
Detoxifying
Relaxes the senses, nerves, and muscles
Stimulates the skin functions
Slows down premature aging
Treats conditions such as dryness, oiliness, and redness
Softens wrinkles and aging fine lines
Helps clear up blemishes and minor breakouts
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells which can improve the look of most skin types. An esthetician will exfoliate your skin by using skin care products that physically exfoliate. They are made with exfoliating ingredients such as jojoba beads, ground nuts, or various seeds.
Exfoliation can also be achieved through chemical exfoliants such as an alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid. These exfoliants work by loosening the bond between cells in the surface of the skin.
Extractions
An esthetician can perform extractions and are usually part of a facial. Your esthetician manually removes impurities like blackheads, helps unblock clogged pores, and refines pores. Extractions help cleanse blockages of dead skin cells and excess oil from your pores.
Manual extraction is often the only way to clear impurities and to clean out the pores. This is best done by a professional as training and caution are needed to do safely and efficiently. Extractions should only be performed by a professional and should only be done with prior instructions or training.
Acne Treatments
Acne facial treatments can significantly affect the skin’s appearance. Extractions and a good mask can improve the skin; getting an acne facial will help you have clearer and smoother skin. The products used in an acne treatment can help clear acne breakouts.
An esthetician can outline a treatment plan to help balance the skin. If you have moderate acne to severe acne, you should be treated by a dermatologist. Depending on the severity of your acne, you may be prescribed medication, which can have adverse side effects and won’t completely get rid of acne. Getting an acne facial from an esthetician and prescription acne medications can help keep your skin balanced and healthy.
Body Wraps, Scrubs, And Masks
One of my favorite services is body treatments. Estheticians also care for the skin on the entire body. These spa treatments provide a relaxing experience, have a therapeutic effect, and treat the skin of the whole body. They include wraps, scrubs, and masks.
Body Wraps: are treatments where products are applied to the body and then covered or wrapped by a sheet, blanket, or warming blanket. Wraps are used to remineralize, hydrate, stimulate, detoxify, or promote relaxation. Aloe vera, seaweed, clays, oils, herbs, or mud are common ingredients. Wraps will leave the skin feeling silky smooth.
Body Scrubs: use friction to exfoliate and hydrate, increase circulation, and nourish the skin using a combination of ingredients such as salt, sugar, honey, jojoba beads, and cornmeal. Exfoliation prepares the skin to receive additional products or treatments more effectively. Exfoliation helps to soften and brighten your skin.
Body Masks: Remineralize and detoxify the body using primarily clay, mud, or seaweed mixtures. Masks are similar to wraps as the body may be wrapped after applying a mask. You can have a mask treatment without being wrapped.
Body Treatments Offered at Soma Wellness Spa
Abhyanga Oil Massage
Body Renewal Scrub
Shiro Abhyanga
Pada Abhyanga
Shirodhara + Marma Therapy
Swedana Herbal Steam
Waxing And Hair Removal
An esthetician removes unwanted hair through waxing, tweezing, or threading. An esthetician is trained to remove hair from all over your body. For women, the most common are facial waxing and bikini or Brazilian waxes. For men, back and chest waxing are the most common.
Should You Get A Facial?
Whether you want to treat dry skin, tackle acne, or solve skin care issues, the answer is almost always yes.
Yes, you should get a facial!
While a spa treatment by an esthetician isn’t a necessity, they are a great way to help treat and maintain healthier skin. Facials can target areas of concern such as dryness, dehydration, premature aging, dull skin, sagging skin, clogged pores, and more.
When you get a facial, you have a knowledgeable and experienced professional who analyzes your skin and gives you the best treatment for your skin type and conditions. As well as educating you on the best at-home regimen.
Regular treatments will result in noticeable improvements in the skin’s texture and appearance. A facial is not an indulgence or luxury but an important step in caring for your skin and maintaining a healthy complexion.
Appointment Tips
There are lots of places to get facials and lots of estheticians to see. Find someone you feel comfortable with. If you aren’t vibing with your esthetician, move on. You aren’t in a contract with them. Don’t feel bad about “breaking up” with a skin therapist if you don’t feel like it is a good fit. Your comfort should be first and foremost.
Do your research and find a spa or business that offers skin services that you feel comfortable going to.
To get the best experience and treatment, look for an esthetician that is knowledgable in the area that’s most important to you. If you specifically want an acne treatment or a facial focused on anti-aging, be sure you find a skin therapist who specializes in those treatments.
Check out the reviews of the spa. Be sure there good things being said about the treatment you are considering.
Ask lots of questions. There are no bad or stupid questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to communicate concerns. Whether over the phone or in person during the consultation, have open communication and make your needs known.
Have a contagious disease? Sick? Skip going to spa until you feel better. Your skin therapist will be grateful.
Like something your esthetician did before? Something you didn’t like? Let your therapist know. They can make adjustments to make your experience enjoyable.
How To Make The Most Of Your First Visit
Choose a service based on your specific skin concerns. Not sure what you need? Explain any skin concerns or issues, and your esthetician will help you choose the best treatment for your needs.
After choosing a service, if necessary, ask when you’ll see results, how long the results will last, and what at-home or after-care regimen you may need to follow.
Make your esthetician aware of any allergies or skin sensitivities before your appointment.
Your comfort is a top priority. Take deep breaths and relax during your appointment. This is your time to let go and be taken care of.
Don’t worry about asking questions. This is your time. Feel free to ask as many questions as you need. Before, during, and after your appointment.
Bottom Line
An esthetician can help you achieve your skin care goals and give you the guidance and education to help you improve your skin. Find an esthetician that provides treatments that cater to your skin care needs. Have her help you customize a treatment plan that is best for you. Regular facials can help you have healthier skin, but remember that there is no “right” amount to get a facial. Most importantly, do what your time and budget allow. Generally, get one every 4-6 weeks to solve a skin issue. Get a facial every 6-8 weeks if you want skin maintenance. If anything, get a facial quarterly. See your esthetician when the seasons change; this is when your skin goes through the most changes. Want me to give you a skin treatment?
