How Do I Become a Skin Specialist?

<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b>
</td><td>
Postsecondary certificate or associate's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Educational Field of Study</b>
</td><td> Esthetician or Cosmetology</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Key Responsibilities</b></td><td> Evaluate skin conditions; recommend treatments; implement treatments (hair removal, makeup application, facials); advise clients on skin care techniques and products</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Licensure Requirements</b>
</td><td>
Licensure required by all states except Connecticut</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b>
</td><td>
29% (for all skin care specialists)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Annual Salary (2020)</b>
</td><td>
$36,510 (for all skin care specialists)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheJobDutiesOfASkinSpecialist">What Are the Job Duties of a Skin Specialist?</h3><p>As a skin care specialist, or esthetician, you're responsible for using cleaning, moisturizing and treatment techniques and processes that help improve, repair and maintain the condition of skin. Unlike a dermatologist, a skin care specialist's work is primarily cosmetic in nature. Although you might qualify for some positions in a physician's office, you'll typically find work as a skin care specialist in a beauty parlor, spa or salon. </p><p>You'll provide clients with chemical peels, facials, massages and cleanses. Other job duties might include waxing facial hair or using laser treatments. Using your expertise of skin types and products, you'll make personal recommendations for moisturizers and cleansers to help clients maintain healthy skin and a youthful appearance. </p><h3 id="section---WhatEducationWillINeed">What Education Will I Need?</h3><p>In order to work as a skin care specialist, you need to complete a state-approved esthetician or cosmetology program, which may result in either a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree. While enrolled in such a program, you're generally required to study skin care theory and the anatomy of the face. You'll learn about safety and sanitation techniques, chemical agents, skin care products, facial techniques, makeup application and light therapy, as well as how to prepare a salon and utilize specialized treatment machines. Courses typically consist of a combination of lecture-based and hands-on training. Some programs also include internships at affiliated salons or spas. If you choose an associate's degree program, you will also be required to complete general education courses. </p><h3 id="section---WhatLicensureWillINeed">What Licensure Will I Need?</h3><p>Unless you plan to work in Connecticut, you'll need to gain a state license in order to work as an esthetician. Each state has its own qualifications for skin care specialists and cosmetologists. Most states have a minimum age restriction and require that you obtain formal education from an approved school. You'll need to take a written exam, and some states also include practical testing in your field. You might be required to complete some continuing education courses to maintain your license. </p><h3 id="section---WhatSalaryCouldIExpectToEarn">What Salary Could I Expect to Earn?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 68,700 skin care specialists employed in the United States in 2020, and the median annual wage was $36,510 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS reported that the vast majority of skin care specialists worked for personal care services, such as day spas and beauty salons; however, the highest salaries were offered by merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods. </p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Instead of becoming a skin specialist, you could become a hairdresser or hairstylist. Like skin specialists, you would usually work in a salon environment, but your services would typically include washing, cutting, coloring and styling hair. You might also recommend products that support hair health and improve appearance. For this job, you would need to complete a postsecondary training program. Alternatively, you could consider getting a job as a massage therapist. Massage therapists use tissue manipulation techniques to relieve pain, reduce stress, promote injury recovery and generally improve the health of their clients. Some rub oils or lotions on their clients' skin as part of the treatment. In order to work as a massage therapist, you need to complete a postsecondary training program, and most states also require licensure.</p>