Skin Care Specialists

Career summary

Skin care specialists help individual clients develop skin care routines for their skin type. There are a variety of skin types, from dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone.

Using lamps and magnifying glasses, specialists examine skin to determine just what it needs to look its best. They apply cleansers, toners, and moisturizers to facial skin. Skin care specialists may also apply different creams and peels that are designed to reduce wrinkles.

Many skin care specialists offer facial massages and may apply makeup. Skin care specialists may perform waxes to remove unwanted facial hair. Sometimes they remove blackheads and other blemishes using extractors.

Skin care specialists may also give manicures and pedicures.

It is important for skin care specialists to keep a very neat and clean work area with sterile tools. Skin care specialists also maintain records to keep track of clients' needs and preferences.

Related careers

This career is part of the Human Services cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Barbers
• Hairstylists and Cosmetologists
• Manicurists
• Massage Therapists
• Professional Makeup Artists
• Tattoo Artists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to skin care specialists.

• Sterilize and clean equipment and work areas.
• Keep records of client needs and preferences, as well as different services given.
• Teach clients how to clean and care for skin. Develop and recommend skin care regimens.
• Examine clients' skin, using magnifying lamps or visors.
• Cleanse clients' skin with water, creams, and lotions.
• Use peels and masks to treat clients' skin. Apply chemical peels.
• Refer clients to dermatologists for serious skin problems.
• Determine the products and colors that improve how skin looks and feels. Teach clients how to apply makeup.
• Provide facial and body massages and tint eyelashes and eyebrows.
• Remove blackheads and body and facial hair, using extractors and wax.
• May give manicures and pedicures. May sell makeup to clients.

Common work activities

Skin care specialists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform for or work with the public
• Assist and care for others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Think creatively
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Identify objects, actions, and events

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, skin care specialists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction with clients.
• Usually communicate with others by telephone and in person.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Work very near others, as they must come in physical contact with customers.
• Sometimes wear safety or protective attire, such as gloves.
• Work very near their customers. They must come into physical contact to perform their work.

Work performance

• Must be sure all details are done and their work is exact so that clients are happy.
• Make decisions about treatments and techniques without consulting a supervisor.
• Usually are able to set all their tasks and goals for the day without consulting a supervisor. The needs of clients typically decide the necessary tasks.
• Are aware of moderate competitive pressures. They often rely on word-of-mouth and reputation to attract and keep clients.
• Abide by weekly deadlines.
• Set their daily tasks and appointments independently.
• Repeat the same physical tasks.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time.
• Schedules may vary by the number of appointments.
• May work evenings and weekends.

Physical demands

Skin care specialists frequently:

• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for skin care specialists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for skin care specialists to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

Skills and abilities

Skin care specialists need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Cosmetology and Hair Design

Other programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a skin care specialist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a skin care or cosmetology program;
• be at least 16 years old; and
• pass a licensing exam.

Education after high school

Most skin care specialists complete a formal training program. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer these programs. Often a skin care program is part of a cosmetology or hairstyling program. As a student you get both classroom and hands-on training. During training, you learn how to cleanse, massage, and treat skin. You also learn how to apply peels, waxes, and masks. You may also learn electrolysis and makeup applications. You also study sterilization techniques, chemistry, and skin problems.

It takes nine to 24 months to complete a program.

On-the-job training

At first, you practice on other students in your training program. Later, you work with customers in a salon that offers discounted services for work done by trainees.

Once hired, you may continue to train under experienced specialists. You learn how to use new products and new skin care techniques. This may take approximately another month.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Skin care specialists can receive their training through an esthetician apprenticeship program approved by the Washington State Department of Licensing Cosmetology Section. Entry requirements include: being 16 years of age or older; a high school diploma or equivalent;being an employee of the salon to which they are apprenticed; and continuing as an employee of the training salon for two years after the apprentice gains licensure. Training takes 800 hours. More information on skin care specialists apprenticeship programs in Washington State can be obtained from:Washington State Cosmetology Apprenticeshipn Program Training Coordinator 509.540.3225.

#Updated url & ph #4/26/11, cj. Checked info 5/1/13 cj. updated hour reqs 2/28/14 lh. Deleted url & info for state DOL cosmetology apprenticeship program as no longer appears to exist. Apprenticeships appear to only be offered thru L&I right now. Left old info in above in case I am wrong about this & need to add back in. Added standard apprenticeship info instead, 3/31/15 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Cosmetology

Many skin care specialists are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require skin care specialists to be licensed. Some states may require applicants to pass physical exams. Other states require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Employers look for skin care specialists who have an understanding of the latest ideas in skin care and makeup application. They look for employees who enjoy working with people. They also want skin care specialists who are willing and able to follow customers' instructions. Some salon owners look for employees with a certain image and attitude to fit the culture of their business. In addition, some salons require applicants to have some direct work experience.

Costs to workers

Most workers are required to purchase their own tools.

Licensing/certification

Skin care specialists must be licensed by the State of Washington. All training must occur at state licensed schools or through an apprenticeship. Credit will be given for out-of-state credentials but the written examination is still required. Licensing requirements for skin care specialists include:

• being age 17 or older;
• completion of a state-approved, 750-hour esthetics course or 800-hour apprenticeship program;
• passing national written and practical examinations; and
• payment of required fees.

A master esthetician license requires 1,200-hours in an approved school program or 1,400-hours in an approved apprenticeship program.

Applicants receive the appropriate forms to apply for licensure and their written and practical exams from the cosmetology school they attended.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Cosmetology Licensing Program 
PO Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507-9026
360.664.6626

#2/13/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Skincare Specialists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Pay varies by the specialist's experience and the range of services they provide. The number of customers they attract and hold also affects wages. In addition, pay varies by how much customers tip. Some skin care specialists receive a portion of money from the products they sell. In some salons, employees are paid bonuses for bringing in new clients.

Some salons offer benefits for full-time employees. These may include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. However, many skin care specialists are self-employed or work part time. These workers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 28% of skin care specialists are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Spas and beauty salons
• Doctors' offices

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is very strong. As the population ages, there are more people seeking skin treatments. Most of the job growth will be in full-service spa salons. These salons offer services such as beauty wraps, pedicures, and massages.

Strong competition is expected for jobs at elite salons where the pay is higher. Those with related work experience will have the best prospects.

Other resources

Associated Skin Care Professionals 
25188 Genesee Trail Road, Suite 200
Golden, CO 80401
800.789.0411

Careers in Beauty 

National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations 
484 Spring Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450-4624

Professional Beauty Association 
7755 East Grey Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
800.468.2274
480.281.0424

References

Career cluster

• Human Services

Career path

• Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net  occupation

• Skincare Specialists (39-5094.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Cosmetologist (332.271-010) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Cosmetologist

Holland occupational clusters

• Enterprising/Realistic/Social
• Enterprising/Social/Realistic

COPSystem

• Service Skilled