What Is an Aesthetician and What Does She Do?
"Aesthetician" or "esthetician" comes from the word "aesthetics", which pertains to beauty.
Aestheticians are licensed beauty professionals who focus on skincare, makeup, and waxing for hair removal. Some aestheticians work strictly on the cosmetology side, along with hairstylists, manicurists and pedicurists, and other personnel who attend cosmetology school. These aestheticians work in salons and spas. Aestheticians can also work in medical doctors' offices.
People interested in becoming aestheticians must attend specialized cosmetology schools after which they become licensed. States usually require an average of 300 hours of training to become an aesthetician licensed to do routine procedures at a spa. Once initial training is completed, candidates must then sit for a state licensing exam.
Aestheticians perform an array of services for their clients. Some of the most common are facials and other skin care treatments.
Facials
Getting a facial can be one of the best things you can do for your skin and your outlook. It usually takes an hour and follows several steps, not always in this order. First the aesthetician removes your makeup and takes a close look at your skin. She will be able to determine your skin type and any conditions causing problems, like dehydration. Then she will steam and cleanse, which hydrates and softens your skin. Then she may use a scrub or an enzyme to dissolve the dead skin, dirt and oil. Next she takes a look at your pores.
Next she will start extractions (no fun but worth it) to remove all those stubborn blackheads, which are basically oxidized oil that has hardened in the pore. You want to get them out often because, if they stay too long, your pores could become much larger. The facial will also include a massage and a masque, either at the beginning or middle of the treatment. She will finish up by using a toner to remove any residue and bacteria as well as correct your PH. Lastly, she will apply a serum that is like skin food for your particular skin type, a toner to close the pores and a sunblock moisturizer to seal and protect your skin.
Other Skin Care Treatments
In addition to facials, an aesthetician may also perform other skin care treatments, such as chemical peels. A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs.
Problem Skin
Your aesthetician can advise you on self-care if you have problem skin. Some common skin problems she can address are dryness caused by dehydration, rosacea, and acne. She may recommend that you see a dermatologist if your condition is severe or just worrisome to you because of the way your skin looks.
No matter what your reason for wanting to see an aesthetician, you will leave the treatment feeling happier. Your skin will have a new, healthy glow. And you will feel better about yourself.
About the Author:
Stephen Kelly is a entrepreneur and freelance writer. Be sure to check out this Boston Physical Therapy website for more great articles like this one.
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