What is an Esthetician?
An Esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who specializes in improving the appearance and health of the skin. The skin is the biggest organ in our bodies. They can provide many services depending on the licensing program in each state. For the most part, the licensed esthetician can provide facials, waxing, brow laminations, and lash lifts, but the professional also guides clients with product and treatment selection, teaching their client about their skin care needs and type. With additional training the licensed esthetician may provide other services like chemical peels, dermaplaning, and microdermabrasion. Some estheticians also provide “makeup” services as well.
Chemical peels are cosmetic skin-resurfacing procedures in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to cause controlled damage. This removes damaged outer layers, allowing new, smoother, and more even-toned skin to grow back. There are a variety of types and approaches to chemical peels and a one-size fits all approach does not apply.
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that uses a sterile surgical scalpel to gently scrape away the top layer of dead skin cells and fine facial hair (called vellus hair or "peach fuzz").It leaves the skin feeling smoother, brighter, and softer while improving the absorption of skincare products and makeup.
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that gently exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. It is often called a “power peel” or “lunchtime peel” because it requires little to no downtime.
Why go to a Licensed Esthetician?
Estheticians normally are solo or work with a team in spas, salons, or dermatology offices. They are required to be licensed and have the proper training, plus continue their education throughout their career. Licensing requires vary by state and/or country, but it normally involved completing a certain number of training and service hours, passing a written exam, and/or a practical exam. Licensing ensures that the estheticians have the correct and proper knowledge and skill to provide services that are effective and most importantly safe. Using a licensed esthetician is important for several reasons including:
1. Safety
Licensed estheticians’ are trained in hygiene and safety protocols that aid in reducing the risk of infections or adverse reactions.
2. Knowledge and Expertise
The licensed esthetician has completed a training regime to obtain specific knowledge about skin types, skin conditions, environmental/health factors that impact the skin, and learned the appropriate skin care treatments and requirements to meet the needs of the individual.
3. Customized Treatments
A licensed esthetician can evaluate a client’s skin and complete a skin analysis to create a customized treatment routine tailored to the client’s need.
4. Regulations: Licensing ensures professionals adhere to state laws and regulations and industry standards. This provides a level of professionalism, but also a level of comfort and assurance to the client. Because each state may have different regulations, it is possible that a licensed esthetician in Pennsylvania may not be able to perform some treatments that may be available in other states.
5. Continuing Education
Many licensed estheticians complete on-going or continuing education. This helps to keep the licensed professional updated on the latest techniques, products, and services. This also helps to ensure the client is receiving the most effective care and a manner that is safe.
6. Knowledge of Skincare Ingredients
Estheticians are required to be very knowledgeable on ingredients and potential interactions for the skin care products they use and recommend. This information is critical to provide services/treatment and develop skin care plans that minimize negative interactions or allergic responses.
Types of Treatments and Services Provided by an Esthetician
Estheticians offer a variety of treatments targeted to improve the skin health, function, and appearance. Some of the most common services are as follows:
1. Skin Consultation
A skin consultation is done on your first visit and prior to every service. This helps the esthetician to learn about the client’s health and skin, but also helps to build a relationship with the client and make the client more comfortable. In general, clients love the 1:1 inactions, conversations, and open discussions and this is a great opportunity to answer and address clients concerns or questions. During these discussions, we will commonly review the client’s health, medication changes, skin issues, and how they are feeling. This helps the professional to make recommendations related to treatment methods that fit the clients needs while attempting to minimize adverse interactions or poor outcomes.
2. Skin Analysis and Facials
The assessment of the skin is the first step in every facial and treatment. This analysis helps the professional to determine the clients skin type, skin conditions, and determine if there have been any changes in the skin health or condition. This aids the professional in the design and implementation of the skin treatment approach. A facial is a customized skin care protocol that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin and at the same time provides a facial massage and may include extractions. (Note: A skin extraction (also called a facial extraction or comedone extraction) is a common professional skincare treatment where a trained esthetician or dermatologist manually removes built-up debris, oil, dead skin cells, blackheads, and whiteheads from clogged pore.)
3. Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a procedure where a specific chemical solution is applied to the skin in a concentration and manner that aids at improving the skin health and appearance. The process helps to remove damaged skin layers, provide exfoliation, stimulates cell turnover and collagen production with the final outcome a healthier, brighter, and smoother skin. Chemical peels are a good skin care treatment for acne, mild acne scars, uneven skin pigmentation, or if the skin has a rough or dull texture. There are a variety of chemical peels that range from light to deep or aggressive and do not recommend getting a chemical peel in the summer.
4. Microdermabrasion
A non-invasive procedure that uses a special device to gently exfoliated the outer layer of skin. This procedure is used to promote skin cell regrowth and it is best for individual who want to refresh their skill with minimal downtime, have dull or uneven skin texture, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This protocol should be avoided if the client has severe active acne, rosacea or psoriasis, open sores or wounds, extreme skin sensitivity, skin infections, and even sunburn. People with diabetes, bleeding disorders, or those taking blood-thinning medications should approach microdermabrasion with caution.
5. Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive treatment that uses a sterile surgical scalpel to gently remove, i.e., scrape, away the topmost layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, i.e., the peach fuzz. This leaves the face smooth and radiant and allows for skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin.
6. Waxing (hair removal)
Waxing is a semi-permanent hair removal that pulls the hair directly from the root using a warm wax. These treatments normally last about 4 to 6 weeks and it is recommended they are repeated about every 4 to 5 weeks. Waxing can be done on the face, legs, arms, armpits, and bikini area. Normally, the hair will grow back, but it will grow back slower and finer.
7. Lash lift and tint
A lash lift is similar to having a hair permanent. It is a physical/ chemical process that curls your natural eyelashes upward from the roots. This makes the eyelashes look longer and creates the appearance of larger, more open eyes. During this process, a lash tint can be applied to make the lashes darker and more defined so mascara does not need to be applied, i.e., giving you a “mascara look”. The result for this treatment last about 6 to 8 weeks and it is great for individuals that have straight or light lashes or individuals that want a low maintenance natural look.
8. Brown lamination and tint
A brow lamination is a chemical treatment that straightens and repositions the brow hairs to create a lifted, more uniform, upward direction for a fuller, smoother, “fluffed” loot. The results typically last between 4 to 6 weeks, providing a low-maintenance solution for achieving well-groomed brows. Brow tinting can be done to darken the hair.
9. Microneedling
Some states allow estheticians to microneedle the skin. This process is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses fine needles to create tiny micro-injuries to the skin. The purpose is to stimulate the bodies natural healing and regeneration process that increases collagen and elastin production to help to reduce wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin texture. A numbing agent is used as part of this treatment process. For most people, microneedling sessions are recommended every 4–6 weeks so the skin can heal and build new collagen. After the initial series of treatments are completed, maintenance should be done every 3–6 months depending on skin type, health, and effectiveness.
10. Makeup Application
Licensed estheticians can also provide makeup services. They can prep your skin properly as well provide professional makeup services. Professional makeup services are typically done for special events, such as: parties, dances, and weddings. The cosmetics used during this service are designed to enhance the client’s beauty and natural features without harming or damaging the skin.