Becoming an Esthetician

Choosing the education career path of becoming an esthetician has been one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life!  Since being a little girl, I had always enjoyed watching my mother apply her makeup before going out. I marveled at the array of colors that were available in her compact and one day I asked her why she didn't use all the colors. Her response was, " Sally (her esthetician) had told her that cool tones were what brought out her eyes and other features."

I imagined all what Sally must know to be to be advising my mother of what she should be applying in makeup and thought to myself, that's what I want to learn and what Sally is when I grow up!

Years went by and when I graduated from high school, it was time for me to make a career choice. I visited a local skin care school to find out more about becoming an esthetician. I met with the Admissions counselor who told me that Estheticians do a lot more than advise on makeup application. They learn about facial and body treatments, hair removal, disinfection and infection control, physiology and anatomy. The skin and its appendages are the largest organ of the body, which in and of it is pretty amazing. I had never thought of the skin as an "organ" before and it intrigued me to learn that estheticians were taught not only about the structure and function of the skin, but they learn about the various diseases and disorders, and how to properly perform a skin analysis to advise the client further.  I have always enjoyed science, and in an esthetician program, you can learn more about basic chemistry and the ingredients that make up all those cleansers, lotions and potions that you see when you walk through a department store or visit your local spa.

The career also offers the flexibility of working full time or part time. Your time can be scheduled to work around a growing a family. Whether you live in a small town in Iowa or in Manhattan, you can most likely find a position that suits your time that you can give. You also have the option of owning your own salon or spa, or working as an employee. There are so many different ways that you can take your career, once you become a licensed esthetician. You can work in a spa, salon or wellness center, as a makeup artist, or in a medical practice or medispa.

After leaving the school, I decided to visit our local spa and see first-hand what a facial treatment was like and was surprised to learn and feel how wonderful a facial massage could feel! I had always had a few break-outs and I learned from the esthetician treating me that proper care of my skin did require a little extra attention, and she assured me that following the regimen that she gave me for home care would help to improve my skin.

I realized that helping others has always been part of who I am, and furthering my education to be an esthetician would allow me to continue and fulfill that part of me.

Helping people isn't just about me though… by making people look better, it helps them to feel better about themselves as well. In can increase their self-esteem and lift their spirits.

And of course, one of the most important things to know is that the skills that you acquire while in school, and the education you obtain–is something that no one can ever take away from you. Learning how to care for your own skin is just an added bonus of going to school to become an esthetician!