Summary
Skincare specialists cleanse and beautify the face and body to enhance a person’s appearance.
What they do
Skincare specialists typically do the following:
- Evaluate clients’ skin condition and appearance
- Discuss available treatments and determine which products will improve clients’ skin quality
- Remove unwanted hair, using wax, lasers, or other approved treatments
- Clean the skin before applying makeup
- Recommend skin care products, such as cleansers, lotions, or creams
- Teach and advise clients on how to apply makeup, and how to take care of their skin
- Refer clients to another skincare specialist, such as a dermatologist, for serious skin problems
- Disinfect equipment and clean work areas
Skincare specialists give facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages to improve the health and appearance of the skin. Some may provide other skin care treatments, such as peels, masks, and scrubs, to remove dead or dry skin.
In addition, skincare specialists create daily skincare routines for clients based on skin analysis and help them understand which skincare products will work best for them. A growing number of specialists actively sell skincare products, such as cleansers, lotions, and creams.
Those who operate their own salons have managerial duties that include hiring, firing, and supervising workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.
Work Environment
Skincare specialists usually work in salons and beauty and health spas. Some work in medical offices. Skincare specialists may have to stand for extended periods of time.
Because skincare specialists must evaluate the condition of the skin, good lighting and clean surroundings are important. Protective clothing and good ventilation also may be necessary, because skincare specialists often use chemicals on the face and body.
Skincare specialists typically work full time, and many work evenings and weekends. Working more than 40 hours a week is common.
How to become a Skincare Specialist
Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program and then pass a state exam for licensure, which all states except Connecticut require.
Skincare specialists typically complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program. Although some high schools offer vocational training, most people receive their training from a postsecondary vocational school. The Associated Skin Care Professionals organization offers a State Regulation Guide, which includes the number of prerequisite hours required to complete a cosmetology program.
After completing an approved cosmetology or esthetician program, skincare specialists take a written and practical exam to get a state license. Licensing requirements vary by state, so those interested should contact their state board.
The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology provides contact information on state examinations for licensing, with sample exam questions. The Professional Beauty Association and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools also provide information on state examinations, and offer other professional links.
Many states offer continuing education seminars and programs designed to keep skincare specialists current on new techniques and products. Post-licensing training is also available through manufacturers, associations, and at trade shows.
Pay
The median hourly wage for skincare specialists was $16.39 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.85, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $30.07.
Job Outlook
Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The projected increase in employment reflects demand for services being offered, such as mini-sessions (quick facials at a lower cost) and mobile facials (making house calls) directly from skincare specialists rather than hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. Employment growth also should result from the desire among many women and a growing number of men who seek out skincare services to reduce the effects of aging, to look good on social media platforms, and to lead a healthier lifestyle through better grooming.
Similar Job Titles
Aesthetician, Clinical Esthetician, Esthetician, Facialist, Lead Esthetician, Medical Esthetician, Skin Care Specialist, Skin Care Technician, Skin Care Therapist, Spa Technician
Related Occupations
Self-Enrichment Teacher, Massage Therapist, Barber, Hairdresser/Hairstylist/Cosmetologist, Manicurist and Pedicurist
More Information
The trade associations listed below represent organizations made up of people (members) who work and promote advancement in the field. Members are very interested in telling others about their work and about careers in those areas. As well, trade associations provide opportunities for organizational networking and learning more about the field’s trends and directions.
- American Massage Therapy Association - AMTA is a non-profit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools.
- Associated Skin Care Professionals - ASCP’s 20,000+ members include estheticians, students, instructors, and educators across the United States, and it is the only organization providing estheticians with industry-specific benefits in addition to comprehensive liability insurance coverage.
- Professional Beauty Association - Members of this organization share a common goal - a passion to do the work they love—and to be the very best in the business, elevating themselves, each other, and the industry as they go.
Magazines and Publications
Video Transcript
Their clients could be taking a day to treat themselves at a spa, or fighting a case of acne, but no matter what, skincare specialists take the business of beauty very seriously. Skincare specialists give facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages to improve the health and appearance of the skin. Some may provide additional skin care treatments, such as peels, masks, and scrubs, to remove dead or dry skin. They may also recommend skincare products to clients, perform hair removal procedures, or teach clients about skin care techniques. They finish by cleaning and disinfecting any equipment as well as their work area. Most skincare specialists work in salons or health spas, but some work in medical offices and other settings. Generally, skincare specialists work full time and may work evenings and weekends. It is common to work more than 40 hours a week. Depending on the chemicals they use in their practice, skincare specialists may require protective clothing and a well-ventilated workspace. Having to stand for extended periods is often necessary. Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved training program and then pass a state licensure exam— which all states except Connecticut require. Although some high schools offer technical training, most people receive their training from a trade- or technical school.
Content retrieved from: US Bureau of Labor Statistics-OOH www.bls.gov/ooh,
CareerOneStop www.careeronestop.org, O*Net Online www.onetonline.org