Skincare Specialist

Your Fit

Income

$42K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

9.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Skincare Specialist?

A Skincare Specialist, also known as an esthetician, provides services focused on enhancing the health and appearance of the skin. They perform various treatments, including facials, skin analyses, and hair removal, and advise clients on skincare routines and products.

Sample job titles:

Aesthetician, Esthetician, Medical Esthetician, Skin Care Specialist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Skincare Specialist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Skincare Specialist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$27K per year	$34K per year	$42K per year	$56K per year	$77K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $7.94K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Skincare Specialist do?

Work environment

Skincare Specialists typically work in salons, spas, dermatology offices, or health and wellness centers. The environment is usually calm and serene, designed to provide a relaxing experience for clients. Some specialists may travel to clients' homes or work in retail settings, providing skincare consultations.

Quick task list

Conducts skin analyses and determines appropriate treatments.
Performs facials, peels, microdermabrasion, and other skincare procedures.
Advises clients on skincare products and routines.
Maintains client records and treatment plans.
Ensures cleanliness and sanitation of equipment and work areas.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Medical Esthetics: Working in medical settings, often alongside dermatologists, providing advanced skin care treatments.
Spa Therapy: Offering a range of services in spa environments, including massage and relaxation techniques.
Makeup Artistry: Specializing in makeup application, often combining skincare with cosmetic skills.
Holistic Skincare: Using natural and organic treatments, focusing on wellness and natural beauty.
Sales and Consulting: Working in retail or as a brand representative, advising on and selling skincare products.

Description

Skincare Specialists combine their knowledge of skin health with practical skills in various skin treatments. They must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in skincare products and technologies. A key part of the role involves understanding the client's skin type and concerns, allowing them to tailor treatments and product recommendations effectively.

Customer service and interpersonal skills are crucial, as building a loyal clientele is often based on providing a positive and personalized experience. A skincare specialist not only improves the condition of a client's skin but also provides relaxation and boosts confidence.

This career requires a balance of technical knowledge, artistic ability, and interpersonal skills. Whether working independently or as part of a team, skincare specialists must maintain high standards of cleanliness and professionalism. The career can be rewarding, as it allows for helping clients achieve their skincare goals and see tangible results from treatments.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a visible difference in clients' skin health and appearance.
Building relationships with clients and providing personalized care.
The opportunity for continuous learning and staying current with skincare trends.

You might make a good Skincare Specialist if you are...

Passionate about skincare and beauty.
Detail-oriented, with a focus on tailoring treatments to individual needs.
A good communicator, capable of educating clients about skincare.
Interested in health and wellness.
Enjoy working with people and providing a service that boosts their confidence and well-being.

Pros:

Fulfillment from helping clients improve their skin health.
Opportunities for creativity in treatments and makeup artistry.
Variety in work settings and client interactions.

Cons:

The need to stand for extended periods.
Handling challenging skin conditions and client expectations.
Stays up to date with ever-changing skincare trends and products.

How to become a Skincare Specialist

Typical education

Skincare Specialists typically complete postsecondary education in esthetics or skincare, which can take several months to about one year, depending on the program and jurisdiction. Licensure or certification is required in many regions and usually involves completing approved training hours and passing a practical and/or written examination.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology or Anatomy to understand skin physiology.
Chemistry to learn about skincare products and ingredients.
Business Studies for those interested in owning a salon or spa.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participate in health and wellness clubs.
Volunteer or work part time in customer service roles.
Join or form a beauty or skincare club.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a recognized esthetics or skincare program, typically offered through vocational schools, private colleges, or cosmetology institutes.
Gain hands-on experience through student clinics, internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles in spas, salons, or dermatology offices.
Meet licensing or certification requirements in your jurisdiction, which usually include completing training hours and passing practical and/or written exams.
Attend workshops, product training sessions, or short courses to develop skills in specialized skincare techniques, such as facials, chemical peels, or advanced treatments.

More resources

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) - Provides education and resources for skincare professionals.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) - Offers a wealth of information
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) - Offers a wealth of information on skin health and dermatology, beneficial for skincare specialists.
National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations (NCEA) - Provides certification and educational resources for estheticians.
Professional Beauty Association (PBA) - Offers career support, education, and networking opportunities for beauty industry professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.