As you read this article, you’ll learn what estheticians do and how to become one:
- Estheticians offer skincare treatments such as facials
- To get your license, you need to complete the minimum credit hours
- Estheticians must pass both a written and practical exam
Skincare is an essential part of any beauty routine, but serums can only do so much. When you have ongoing skin concerns, you may turn to an esthetician. But what is an esthetician, and what does it take to become one? If you’ve ever thought about becoming an esthetician in New Jersey, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is an Esthetician?
There’s some confusion around “What is an Esthetician?” and what they do. Some assume they’re medical professionals, but estheticians don’t receive medical training. Instead, they offer treatments to reduce skincare and aesthetic issues.
What does this mean for guests? If you want to reduce redness around your nose, you should see an esthetician. If you need a diagnosis for a skin condition, then you should see a doctor.
So, if estheticians don’t provide medical treatment, what do they offer? These professionals actually have many tools to help guests feel and look their best.
Acne Treatments
You can often treat mild but persistent acne with quality skincare.Skin treatments such as exfoliation and extraction clear away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells clog pores, effectively preventing acne.
Pore Extractions
Pores get filled with dead skin, oil, and dirt, creating blackheads. When these clogged pores become inflamed, they turn into painful acne. Extractions gently clear out blackheads, making skin look and feel smoother.
Full-Service Facials
Facials are a great way to revitalize skin, which is why they’re so popular. Estheticians administer facials, which may include any or all of the following:
- Moisturizer
- Serum
- Exfoliation
- Facial steam
- Deep cleansing
Body Masks, Wraps, and Scrubs
While skincare tends to focus on the face, other parts of your body could use some love. Estheticians know how to exfoliate and nourish all skin, no matter where it is. As part of this work, professionals may offer masks, wraps, and scrubs for the torso, legs, and arms.
Microdermabrasion
A form of exfoliation, microdermabrasion is lauded for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s more intense than over-the-counter scrubs and must be done by a professional to prevent harm.
Superficial Chemical Peels
As another form of intense exfoliation, superficial chemical peels are quick and have no downtime. They utilize one or a combination of the following acids to dissolve dirt, oil, and dead skin cells:
- Salicylic acid
- Lactic acid
- Glycolic acid
Waxing and Hair Removal
Hair removal is inconvenient for many people, so they turn to professionals. Estheticians can wax a variety of areas:
- Brows
- Upper lip
- Back
- Pubic area
- Legs
Why Become an Esthetician?
Now that we’ve answered, “What is an esthetician?” let’s talk about why you might become one. Although estheticians don’t go to medical school, they still have to complete training and keep up with the latest developments in skincare. So, if you want to get into this industry, you have to be willing to work hard.
Are you not sure if this role is right for you? Here are a few signs that you’ll enjoy working as an esthetician.
You Love Skin Care
Estheticians are also referred to as skin care therapists, so loving skincare is essential in this line of work. As part of your training, you’ll learn the causes of acne, dark spots, and other conditions, as well as how various treatments affect the skin. This knowledge will help you determine the best course of action for each guest.
You Enjoy Helping People
Estheticians work with people all day, every day. Some guests may feel insecure about their skin or anxious about the procedure. As a skincare professional, part of your job is explaining the process and helping guests relax. Over time, you may even build relationships with regular guests.
You Want Career Stability
Are you looking to remain in a career for a long time? The esthetician job market is growing, and the trend is expected to continue into 2024. That means you’ll have job security for the foreseeable future.
Where Do Estheticians Work?
Once you’ve completed training, where can you set up shop? There are a variety of employers in New Jersey eager to have an esthetician on their teams. That means you have a wide range of options, enabling you to find the perfect fit.
Resorts
Many resorts offer spas where guests can relax and refresh. If you like meeting new people, a resort may be a good place.
Med Spas
Med spas offer various services, from massages to laser treatments. You can think of them as a cross between a traditional spa and an aesthetic medical center. These businesses operate under a physician’s supervision.
Freelancing
If you prefer to work for yourself, you can try freelancing. Freelancers, also called independent contractors, either work for themselves or an employer. If they work for an employer, they aren’t considered employees and don’t qualify for benefits.
So, why choose to freelance? As your own business entity, you have more control over your hours, pay, and who you work with.
How Can You Become an Esthetician?
Becoming an esthetician isn’t something that happens overnight. You need to pass both written and practical exams to get your license. To even qualify for the exam, you need to either graduate from high school or get your GED. In New Jersey, you must also have at least 600 hours at an approved beauty school.
1. Enroll in Formal Training
Even though the educational institutions that train estheticians are typically called “beauty schools,” studying isn’t all glitz and glamor. You’ll have to learn plenty of science:
- Skin care-related chemistry
- Skin structure and functions
- Nutrition, physiology, and anatomy
- Decontamination and infection control
You’ll also have to practice the procedures in a controlled setting.
2. Take Written Exam
Once you’ve completed the necessary credit hours, you can sign up for the written exam. This test asks important questions about skincare science, procedures, and tools. To pass, you need a minimum score of 75.
3. Take Practical Exam
During the practical exam, you’ll have to perform actual procedures. You’ll be graded on both your technique and sanitation.
4. Keep License Current
Once you pass both tests, the state board will send your license. However, the work isn’t done there. The license is only good for two years and has to be renewed periodically.
Why Choose Rizzieri Aveda School?
Do you want to help people love their skin? If you’re interested in becoming an esthetician, you must attend beauty school. Rizzieri Aveda School offers a 600-hour skincare program, as well as advanced education in medical aesthetics certificate to get you started on your career path. For more information or to enroll, call us at 856-552-2270 or contact us online.