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If you like helping people to look good maybe a skin care career is for you. It can be very rewarding. From earning a diploma to a degree there are many specialties and always room for advancement.
1. Make-up Artist This person holds a strong knowledge of makeup lines and how to use the products, the skincare industry and skin concerns of customers. Enjoys putting makeup on others. Make-up services are usually provided by the esthetician or cosmetologist in a salon/spa. This can be a specialty as in a retail setting for an hourly wage or going on location for example; a wedding.
A make-up artist can provide makeovers for a new look or special occasion. Consultations are generally free at many department beauty counters with the expectation that you will purchase some of the products.
This sometimes may be an entry-level position in a retail store where on the job training would be provided. Most often an Esthetician or Cosmetologist licenses is required. And this would receive higher earnings. The course can take 4 months to a year studying skincare, makeup application and how to use products. Attending a beauty school (trade school) is usually the route taken. Depending on the state where work would be located passing a state board exam to obtain a license is required. CEUs need to be earned.
Many well-known makeup artists go on to be authors. Career advancement might be the path of an instructor, teaching others. Doing makeup for film/theater, in a burn unit or funeral home.
2. Esthetician I attended a 4 month course in WI through a beauty school (trade school). Course consisted of Estiology, basic anatomy, how products work on skin and what their purpose is, some massage and pressure points. I had to pass the course exam. Then sit hours for the WI State Board written exam which included a practical portion demonstrating the steps of the facial. I had to get a person to stand in as my model.
Passing the state board earns you a license then you have to keep up the CEUs.
The esthetician provides services in a salon/spa (can be a medical spa) can assist a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon/Cosmetic Surgeon in medical setting.
Services can include; make-up, waxing, facials, (Facials for Healthy Skin) chemical peels or lazer hair removal.
Usually works on commission. Earns through payments by customers and collects tips. Makes a profit through the sale of salon products. This is a percent of the earnings.
Some Estheticians go into business for themselves, purchasing the equipment and renting a location. Depending on the services they offer and the extent this could be costly to start up.
3. Hair Removal Specialist Requires knowledge about skin care, laser equipment and technology about removing the client’s unwanted hair. They may also provide services for other cosmetic treatments such as skin rejuvenation and acne treatments. Depending on place of work.
This is a cosmetic/appearance related field so usually professional attire. Also may require an esthetician or cosmetologist license. You can contact your state cosmetology board about additional requirements. There may also be additional training in some states for laser technology,
Place of work could be Dermatologist office, medical salon/spa, cosmetic surgery clinics or doctors’ offices
4. Head Lice Technician This specialist needs to understand the clients stress and anxiety. Can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy meeting and helping people, can’t be squeamish about bugs and crawling things. Must have compassion and love kids, they will be your clients mostly.
May have to go into homes. Or work in clinics or salon setting. Could be on call like a doctor. Not much training in this. Depends on where you work or if you decide to go into business for yourself and purchase the products. May require a certification.
5. Cosmetologist Depending on the state you would work in this would be a 1-2 year course. Then to pass the exam earning a license. CEUs also need to be kept up. The course would involve everything from hair care, skincare and nail care services. Then the Cosmetologist could choose any of these specialties (Hair Stylist/Beautician, Esthetician or Manicurist/Nail Technicians) to work in.
Services are done in a salon/spa or hair care only salon/spa. They can also choose to be self-employed, renting their own chair and location. Or maybe become instructors.
6. Dermatologist Assistant Does not require as much education as a Dermatologist. Attends undergraduate and graduate school where studies are tailored as a physician assistant. Courses could be available as a two year degree in Physician’s Assistant. They can then help the Dermatologist in every area from clerical to assisting with procedures.
7. Dermatologist The skin doctor. Has studied skin anatomy (Integumentary system) and can diagnosis skin concerns from a rash or insect bite to disorders like Rosacea and Psoriasis.
The Dermatologist requires years of education; undergraduate work, medical school and fellowships. Then must pass licensing exams. Accepts health insurance towards payment of visit or procedure. Can write out a prescription for medication to take for example: athlete’s foot. Works with a lot of creams and ointments for topical use. Performs Skin cancer screenings for preventative medicine.
Works out of the doctor office in hospital or clinic. Can be in a free standing dermatologist building such as; Forefront Dermatology.
8. Wound Care Specialist These specialist care and treat all acute and chronic type wounds. This person needs to have patience and compassion. They will need to be comfortable educating the patient and family members. Wounds may take a long road to recover, they can heal differently.
Procedures would be given to treat surgical wounds, diabetic wounds such as pressure sores. Many people suffer from wounds that won’t heal and these health care professionals make a huge difference in their lives.
After completing a course an additional 3 years of experience is gained in actual wound care. A written exam is taken and CEUs need to be earned. Another requirement is re-certification testing periodically.
Work is found in acute care hospitals, emergency rooms, nursing homes, home health agencies and clinics. New therapy such as hyperbaric oxygen chamber may be used.
9. Plastic Surgeon Performs surgeries to reconstruct damaged or deformed features such as after an injury, accident or defect. This requires a Bachelor’s Degree and Doctor of Medicine Residency and fellowship, Licensure and Certification.
10. Cosmetic Surgeon The surgeries are usually the patient’s chose such as having their nose done (rhinoplasty) or a face lift for example to improve their looks. This requires a Bachelor’s Degree and Doctor of Medicine Residency and fellowship, Licensure and Certification.
Researching content:
https://careertrend.com/about-5348024-careers-skin-care.html M. Skylar Ezell accessed 11/26/2019
https://collegegrad.com/careers/skincare-specialists accessed 11/26/2019
https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/esthetician-and-skincare-specialist accessed 11/26/2019
https://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/programs/esthetician-school breaks down course details AA accessed 11/26/2019
