A Career in Skin Care

Esthetics, the principles and practice of skin care and spa therapies, is a rapidly evolving industry and this evolution is driving the need for more skilled practitioners. An aging population, eager to reap the benefits of advanced skin care techniques and technologies, has created a huge demand for highly trained estheticians.

Today’s skin care positions demand much more than the traditional “beauty school” training offers. Providers require working knowledge of the latest equipment, color theory and advanced spa treatments, to name but a few. Esthetics curriculums not only include the daily giving and receiving of skincare therapies, but the science of skincare and the human body are covered in Anatomy and Physiology classes.

Once a student has made the decision to become a skincare practitioner, choosing the right school is next on the agenda. Schools of Esthetics, like many other types of trade schools, come in a variety of sizes and with a variety of distinctions. Accreditation, one such distinction, is a voluntary process that involves periodic rigorous examination by a recognized, independent agency. Stringent procedures are used to scrutinize administration, course content, faculty, and teaching methods to ensure compliance with established standards.The accrediting agencies attest to the fact that the programs are sound, the faculty is highly qualified, the administration is responsible and ethical, that the students report having a valuable experience, and that completion and placement rates meet high standards.

There are a variety of other factors to consider when selecting a school. Schools with skincare clinics offering student services to the public expose students to a wide variety of personalities and skin types, better preparing them for their future career in skincare. Another factor to consider are the esthetics licensing laws in the state in which you plan to study as well as the one in which you plan to practice since the laws vary from state to state. Most skincare programs can be completed within a year. Be sure to consider not only the amount of time it will take to complete the program, but also the quality and depth and breadth of information you will receive.

Career opportunities in the esthetics field continue to rise and licensed practitioners can expect to work in a variety of settings, from holistic health and spa centers to advanced medical esthetics facilities. If you are looking for a career that is interesting, flexible and rewarding in a rapidly expanding market space then consider the field of esthetics.

Editorial provided by Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics, a division of Atlanta School of Massage.