What Skin Care Certifications are Available?

<p>Dermatology is a branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of skin diseases. This article addresses skin care as it relates to cosmetology and beauty treatments. A number of cosmetology education programs include the study of skin care through their esthetics courses. </p> <p>A career in skin care can lead to job titles such as skin care specialist or esthetician (also called aesthetician). Some job duties of skin care specialists include massage, makeup application, hair removal, and facials. As a skin care specialist, you might find yourself working in a spa, retail cosmetics department, cosmetics business or beauty salon. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisLineOfWork">Important Facts About This Line of Work</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $37,300 (<i>for skincare specialists</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 17% (<i>for skincare specialists</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Business skills, customer-service skills, initiative, physical stamina, tidiness, time management</td></tr> <tr><td> Similar Occupations</td><td> Massage therapists, manicurists, and pedicurists</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---EducationAndLicensure">Education and Licensure</h3> <p>There is no national standard of certification for skin care workers. However, there are state licensure requirements. The requirements for state licensure vary, but some common requirements include being at least 16 years of age, completing an examination, having a GED or a high school diploma and graduating from an approved training program. There are several educational programs to choose from, depending on your skincare specialization area. </p> <p>Many of these programs are offered at vocational schools. Additional training may be received through continuing education programs. Skin care specialists might also develop new skills by attending trade shows. Beauty industry-related associations and manufacturers could offer other opportunities to learn about new skin care products and practices. </p> <h3 id="section---AestheticsAndSkinCareCertificate">Aesthetics and Skin Care Certificate</h3> <p>This educational program is one of the more common educational paths for skin care specialists. It is a cosmetology program that covers the scientific, business and application portions of skincare aesthetics. In most cases, you'll receive hands-on experience with actual volunteer patients. This will allow you to hone and practice your craft. Topics you'll cover in these programs include cosmetic chemistry, bacteriology, skin disorders and skin massaging. </p> <h3 id="section---EstheticianSpaServicesProgram">Esthetician Spa Services Program</h3> <p>This skin care educational path may be geared toward preparing individuals to work in spas or recreational centers. You could be able to learn how to give facial and body treatments. The program might teach you to follow proper safety and sanitation protocols, perform hair removal services and apply makeup. Classes you can expect to complete in this program include spa science, fundamentals of esthetics, spa management, and esthetics clinic. </p> <h3 id="section---MedicalSkinCareSpecialistProgram">Medical Skin Care Specialist Program</h3> <p>Such educational programs are designed for dermatology assistants and plastic surgeon assistants. Classes that you might explore in this program include healthcare introduction, physiology, medical office procedures, advanced skin treatments, anatomy, and medical esthetics skills. You might learn how to assist with minor surgical procedures as well as treatments such as chemical peels and scar removal.</p>