What Is Esthiology?

Estheticians are professionals in the beauty industry who address skincare concerns, perform facial and body treatments, and more. From recommending skincare routines to performing specialty treatments, estheticians help clients look and feel their best. Services they provide may include:

• Luxury skin treatments
• Facials
• Exfoliation
• Hair removal
• Makeup application

Separate from dermatologists, who can diagnose and treat skin conditions and diseases, licensed estheticians focus on non-medical skincare therapies to get results. Through well-rounded programs, estheticians are trained in a wide variety of techniques used within the beauty and wellness industries.

Becoming an esthetician starts with finding the right school for you. In addition to technical training, many schools teach students valuable brand strategies they can use to market themselves. Booking clients, managing a business, communicating effectively, and other lessons can help prepare students for challenges unique to the industry and help them put their best foot forward after graduation.

While esthetics programs are often taught at cosmetology schools, it’s a completely separate program from the cosmetology curricula. Students typically need to complete a certain number of training hours before taking esthiology and licensure exams. The road to becoming a licensed esthetician varies by state, but programs typically cover the following areas:

• Skin treatments and masks
• Facials and facial massage
• Waxing and hair removal
• Makeup application
• Microdermabrasion
• Microneedling
• Dermaplaning
• Chemical and plant-based peels
• Body wraps
• Safety and sanitation

Taking advantage of esthetics schools with extracurricular experiences, professional workshops and other opportunities outside the classroom can help take your skills to the next level, ensuring you become more marketable after graduation. Not to mention, they’re great networking opportunities.

Like cosmetologists and massage therapists, estheticians have the potential to become entrepreneurs and freelancers with the flexibility to make their own schedules. From salons and resorts to medi-spas, skincare specialists are found in a variety of places. Some of the professional opportunities in the field include:

• Spa esthetician
• Makeup artist
• Waxing specialist
• Brand representative
• Beauty influencer
• Business owner/manager

As the science behind skincare evolves, there’s always room for an esthetician to grow and learn more. Some schools offer learning opportunities for seasoned professionals, like the Master Esthiology program at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes. These advanced programs can be used to expand your services, make more money, and stay on the leading edge of the industry throughout your career.

• Facials
• Facial massage
• Manicures and pedicures (Provo campus only)
• Skin treatments and masks
• Detoxification massage for lymphatic drainage
• Aveda product knowledge
• Waxing and hair removal
• Makeup application
• Business skills
• Client relations
• And so much more!

The joboutlook for skincare specialistsis much faster than average at 11%. You can:

• Work as an esthetician in a salon or spa
• Own a business
• Become a makeup artist
• Work on cruise ships or resorts
• Become a waxing specialist
• Become an influencer
• And more!

Required for Licensure inDenver: 600 Hours
Required for Licensure inProvo: 600 Hours
Required for Licensure inPhoenix: 600 Hours
Required for Licensure inTucson: 600 Hours

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SOC Code 39-5094.00Skincare Specialists
CIP Code – 12.0409Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist