One trend the beauty industry has experienced over the last several years is the increased interest people are making in their skincare and larger investments in quality skincare products. Becoming a certified esthetician in 2022 is a strategic career move for anyone looking to enter or make a career change in a stable and growing industry. In fact, a recent survey showed that an estimated $18.7 million is set to be spent by Americans on their skincare regime throughout 2021, with a predicted growth of 5.01% year-on-year making them the biggest generator of revenue in the industry. Certified estheticians will be in high demand and now is the perfect time to transition into the beauty, health and well-being industry. But, before making this career change, you need to know what an esthetician actually does and where the areas of opportunity are.
How do you become a certified esthetician?
Becoming a certified esthetician varies from state to state but starts with finding a qualified school. In the state of Florida, Cortiva Institute is one accredited school that takes you through a rigorous skin care program where you can become a certified esthetician or a "registered facial specialist" as it is known in the state. Florida requires that you complete 220 hours of training to become a registered facial specialist. Once you complete your educational training you submit your application to the state board for approval. Once approved, your license will be issued.
In addition to the esthetician license there are other certifications you can earn to expand your skill set and earning potential. They include:
Dermalogica
Clean Touch
Barbicide
Barbicide COVID-19
HIV Certificate
In some jurisdictions you can also be licensed as a master esthetician. A master esthetician is an advanced license that requires more training hours and education in more skincare techniques. As a result, the master esthetician can provide services that a standard esthetician license holder cannot. As a result the career options and opportunities are greater for (master esthetician).
What does an esthetician do?
An esthetician is a licensed skin care specialist most notably known for their work enhancing a person's appearance. Their skill set includes performing skin analysis, facials, recommending skincare products, makeup and lash application. Esthetician services extend beyond the face and include the whole body as well, providing services like body waxing, back treatments and more.
An individual can have a highly successful and exciting career providing esthetician services like:
Facials
Chemical Peels
Microdermabrasion
Extractions
Waxing
Makeup Application
Lash Application
Tinting & More
One fun fact about estheticians, is that estheticians can also be makeup artists. That's right, makeup artistry is another service estheticians learn. Estheticians can work on large projects like theater productions, TV and film sets, red carpets, fashion shows to smaller scale projects like weddings, proms, and milestone birthday celebrations.
Once you are licensed by the state, there are multiple fields of your choosing. Options include directly providing esthetician services or managing others. With your new license you can select from any of the following:
Spa or Salon Esthetician
Manager or Coordinator
Cruise or Resort Facilities
Mobile Beautician
Makeup artist
Beauty brand representative
Cosmetic: sales/ buyer
Beauty blogger / Vlogger
Esthetics Writer
Beauty Trainer or Educator
This list is no way complete but gives you a general idea of the career opportunities that are possible once you earn your license.
What traits make a good esthetician?
Like any career choice you want to make sure that being an esthetician is the right choice for you. Even with your license, you can find yourself frustrated and unfulfilled if you do not have the temperament for the industry. Anyone who provides esthetician services will have a level of contact with their clients and the general public. As a result, a successful esthetician will most likely be a good listener, empathetic, comports themselves in a professional manner, open-minded and thick-skinned. If you review this list and think they are not unique to this industry, you are correct. These are soft-skills that are required in any service industry. And joining the esthetician industry is definitely a career rooted in customer service.
If you are considering a career change as an esthetician in 2022, consider taking classes at Cortiva Institute. You can hone your skills and get the training and education necessary to launch your new career in 2022.