What types of services can I perform as a certified esthetician?
What Types of Services Can I Perform as a Certified Esthetician?
Becoming a certified esthetician opens the door to a wide range of beauty treatments that can help clients look and feel their best. Estheticians are skincare specialists trained to provide services that improve the appearance and health of the skin, using advanced techniques, tools, and products. From facials and waxing to chemical peels and laser treatments, estheticians are integral to the beauty and wellness industry.
If you're considering a career as an esthetician, you may be wondering what types of services you'll be able to perform once you're certified. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many services that are within your scope as a licensed esthetician, and how they can benefit your clients.
What is Esthetician Certification?
Esthetician certification involves completing a formal training program at an accredited school and passing a licensing exam. The curriculum typically covers skin anatomy, facials, body treatments, hair removal, makeup application, sanitation practices, and safety protocols. Upon certification, you will be legally permitted to offer a variety of skin care and beauty treatments in accordance with local and state regulations.
Types of Services You Can Perform as a Certified Esthetician
As a certified esthetician, you will be able to perform a range of skin care treatments that focus on improving the health and appearance of the skin. Here are the most common services you can offer:
Facials and Skin Care Treatments
Facials are one of the most popular treatments that estheticians provide. They are customized to address a variety of skin concerns, including acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and dryness. Depending on the client's needs, you can perform different types of facials:
Deep Cleansing Facial: Aimed at thoroughly cleansing the skin, removing dirt, oil, and impurities, and helping to prevent breakouts. This treatment often includes exfoliation and extractions.
Anti-Aging Facial: Designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting collagen production for smoother, more youthful skin.
Hydrating Facial: Focuses on moisturizing and nourishing dry skin to restore balance and radiance.
Acne Facial: Targets acne-prone skin by using treatments that reduce inflammation, clear clogged pores, and help control oil production.
What You Need to Know:
Certification will teach you how to properly assess your client’s skin type and condition, and customize facials accordingly.
You'll also learn how to apply various skincare products, perform techniques like massage, and use tools such as steamers and extractions.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to exfoliate and remove damaged outer layers of skin, revealing fresher, healthier skin underneath. These peels can treat various skin issues, including acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and sun damage.
Light Peels: Designed for mild exfoliation, these peels improve skin texture and tone with little downtime.
Medium Peels: These penetrate deeper into the skin and are effective for moderate wrinkles and sun damage.
Deep Peels: Used for more serious skin issues, deep peels require longer recovery times but provide significant skin renewal.
What You Need to Know:
As a certified esthetician, you'll learn how to assess the client's skin and select the appropriate peel strength to achieve the desired results.
Safety protocols for chemical peels, including aftercare instructions, are crucial to prevent complications such as scarring or irritation.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that uses fine crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to gently buff away dead skin cells. This treatment is ideal for reducing the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage, as well as improving skin texture and tone.
What You Need to Know:
Certification will teach you how to safely perform microdermabrasion, ensuring you are using the correct technique and machine settings for each client’s skin.
You'll also learn how to incorporate this treatment into a customized facial regimen for maximum results.
Waxing and Hair Removal
Estheticians are trained to perform various types of hair removal services, with waxing being one of the most common and effective methods. Waxing removes hair from the root, leaving the skin smooth for weeks at a time. You can perform waxing on different areas of the body, including:
Facial Waxing: Eyebrows, upper lip, chin, and sideburns.
Body Waxing: Arms, legs, back, and bikini line.
Additionally, estheticians may offer other hair removal services such as sugaring (a gentler alternative to waxing) and laser hair removal (if you pursue additional certification).
What You Need to Know:
Certification will teach you the correct techniques for waxing various areas of the body, proper sanitization of tools, and how to prevent skin irritation and ingrown hairs.
Makeup Application
Many estheticians offer professional makeup application services for special occasions, such as weddings, photoshoots, and events. You will learn how to create a flawless look using makeup products suited to each client’s skin type and preferences.
Bridal Makeup: Tailored to the client’s desired look for their special day, often including long-lasting techniques and high-quality products.
Special Occasion Makeup: Custom makeup for events such as proms, parties, or photoshoots.
Makeup Lessons: Teaching clients how to apply makeup on their own for a day-to-day look.
What You Need to Know:
Esthetician certification programs typically cover makeup application, including color theory, highlighting, contouring, and working with different skin types.
You'll also learn the importance of sanitation and skin preparation for makeup application.
Laser Treatments (If Licensed)
Some states allow estheticians to perform laser treatments if they have additional training and certification in this area. These treatments can help with skin rejuvenation, hair removal, and even tattoo removal. Common treatments include:
Laser Hair Removal: Uses light to target and destroy hair follicles, offering long-term hair reduction.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Helps improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and treat sun damage and acne scars.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Often used to treat pigmentation issues, redness, and skin texture.
What You Need to Know:
Additional certification beyond esthetician training may be required for laser treatments. Be sure to check your local regulations and requirements.
Laser training will teach you how to safely use lasers, manage settings for different skin types, and ensure the procedure is performed without causing harm.
Body Treatments
Estheticians also offer body treatments that can help clients achieve smooth, hydrated, and toned skin. Common body treatments include:
Body Scrubs: Exfoliation treatments that use sugar or salt combined with oils to remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin soft and smooth.
Body Wraps: Treatments that hydrate or detoxify the skin using clay, seaweed, or herbal wraps. Some wraps can also help with slimming or cellulite reduction.
Cellulite Treatments: Non-invasive techniques to help reduce the appearance of cellulite by stimulating blood flow and tightening the skin.
What You Need to Know:
You will be trained to perform body treatments safely and effectively, using the right products and techniques for different skin types.
Why Certification Matters
Esthetician certification ensures that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and legal credentials to provide skincare services to clients safely. Here’s why certification is important:
Client Safety: Estheticians must understand the anatomy of the skin and be able to assess clients’ needs to provide effective and safe treatments.
Skill Mastery: The certification process teaches estheticians the correct techniques for each service and ensures they are knowledgeable about industry best practices.
Professional Recognition: Certification boosts your credibility, helping clients trust your expertise and feel confident in your services.
Legal Compliance: Many states require certification and licensure to perform certain skincare services, ensuring you are in compliance with regulations.
Conclusion
As a certified esthetician, you’ll be equipped to provide a wide range of services that promote healthy, radiant skin. From facials and waxing to chemical peels and makeup application, there are endless opportunities to help your clients feel and look their best. Certification ensures you are prepared to deliver safe, effective, and professional treatments that meet the needs of your clients.
At Elite Aesthetics Academy, we offer comprehensive esthetician certification programs to help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the beauty industry. Contact us today to learn more about our esthetician courses and start your career in this exciting and rewarding field!