What Does An Esthetician Do?

Navigating the beauty industry can be overwhelming, given the variety of career opportunities it offers. One such sought-after profession is a skincare therapist, more commonly known as an esthetician. This article dives into details about what an esthetician does and does not do, how they compare with other industry professionals, and how you can become one in the near future.

What Is an Esthetician?

Estheticians are skincare professionals who provide cosmetic treatments and personalized recommendations to their clients. They have experience dealing with various skin types, conditions, and ingredients.

An esthetician primarily focuses on improving and maintaining the vitality of the skin through facials, chemical peels, makeup application, and other treatments. They also help create personalized routines and at-home care recommendations for their customers. These skin specialists provide services across clinics, salons, and spas.

What Does an Esthetician Do?

Estheticians specialize in certain areas and recommend or perform treatments to enhance your skin. The most common services provided by an esthetician include:

Facials

Facials are an esthetician's signature treatment tailored to suit the client's skin and preferences. They include deep cleansing, exfoliation, and corrective masks and serums. Estheticians may also incorporate essential oils to provide a facial massage and other procedures they deem fit for your skin.

Hair Removal

Estheticians are trained to remove unwanted hair through waxing, sugaring, threading, and electrolysis. They remove hair from every part of the body, including the face, back, chest, and groin.

Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that accelerates the skin’s healing process. An esthetician uses small, sterile needles to make tiny holes in the upper layers of the skin. This helps stimulate collagen and elastin production to reverse hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture. 

However, in special cases, microneedling may cause allergic reactions, making it essential for estheticians to have liability insurance. A NACAMS policy offers full coverage for microneedling, microdermabrasion, and other related disciplines!

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels, offered by estheticians, are an advanced facial treatment that rejuvenates the facial area. A light, superficial peel exfoliates the top layer of the skin to give it a refreshing glow and anti-aging benefits. However, deep peels with higher strength may only be carried out under the supervision of a medical professional.

Makeup Application

Many estheticians also specialize as makeup artists for weddings, proms, and other special events. They use their own cosmetic products, tools, and advanced techniques such as contouring, highlighting, and applying fake lashes. An esthetician may also consult with clients and help them pick the right tools and colors for their skin.

What Does An Esthetician Not Do?

While estheticians are skin care professionals, they differ from cosmetologists, dermatologists, and licensed medical professionals in many ways. Here are some services that are off-limits for an esthetician and only reserved for medical specialists:

• Medical Diagnosis: Estheticians are not allowed to diagnose their clients with medical skin conditions.

• Prescribe Medications: An esthetician cannot administer any oral or topical medication.

• Perform Invasive Procedures: Estheticians are not permitted to use dermal fillers, injectables or perform other types of invasive surgeries.

How To Become An Esthetician

Estheticians are required to earn a license and complete their training before they can begin practicing and building a business. While the requirements may vary across different states, the first step to becoming an esthetician is to enroll in an esthetics or cosmetology training program. If you intend to work in medical settings such as hospitals, cosmetic clinics, or a doctor's office, you may choose to specialize in dermatology and other specific medical esthetics.

After graduation, you are required to pass the state's board exam, which usually consists of a written and practical(hands-on) demonstration. Once you have cleared this test, you can apply for a license from your state's Department of Health. The license may need to be maintained by attending occasional training programs and renewed every few years.

As a newly qualified esthetician, explore various opportunities to gain hands-on experience in various settings. Remember to keep up with the latest trends and regulations, earn renowned certifications, and learn how to operate the latest equipment to continue refining your skills as an esthetician and provide high-quality services to your clients.

What Else Should You Do As An Esthetician? Contact NACAMS

That said, the last step in becoming a licensed, reliable esthetician is to get liability insurance from a trusted name. This helps protect you from claims of negligence and lawsuits. Opt for a policy that includes general and professional liability insurance for unforeseen accidents in the future. A NACAMS policy offers both for no extra cost. 

Keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to brush up on your skills as an esthetician while maintaining the ideal balance between the cost and coverage provided by the insurance company.

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