What Is Esthetics?
Esthetics is the application of various treatments
to the skin’s epidermal layer. In other words, esthetics
is all about healthy skin. Some of the techniques
used by estheticians—or skin care professionals—
include facial steaming, wrapping, exfoliation, waxing,
pore cleansing, extraction, and chemical peels.
Professionals give personal guidance on the latest in
skin care maintenance and excel at helping clients
apply makeup skillfully to conceal scars and imperfections.
Central to this specialty is the use of
creams, lotions, wraps, clay or gel masks, and salt
scrubs. Some technicians may also utilize machines
to help deliver high-tech services. Esthetic practice
is different from dermatology in that it specifically
excludes diagnosis, prescription, or any other service,
procedure, or therapy that requires a medical
license. If you’re being treated by a dermatologist,
your esthetician will provide complementary and
support therapies. In addition, estheticians are
trained and licensed to recognize early signs of
many medical conditions, including skin cancer,
and will refer you to a dermatologist in such a case.
Would I Benefit from Seeing A Skin Care Professional?
Skin care professionals are experts trained in
skin wellness, helping their clients balance oil and
moisture content and achieve a healthy, youthful
complexion. A variety of treatments
and products are used to protect
skin from environmental hazards and
combat fine lines, wrinkles, and a
dull, uneven skin tone. Estheticians
are also skilled in managing conditions
such as acne, rosacea, eczema,
and dry skin, to name just a few.

Through specialized
therapies and remedies, a skin care professional
can help ease the burdens such conditions
can cause. Furthermore, skin care treatments are
wonderfully relaxing and rejuvenating. If smooth,
healthy skin is your aim, a skin care professional
can benefit you.
How Do I Find A Qualified Practitioner?
Your skin care treatments should be provided
by a properly trained professional. Don’t
hesitate to ask practitioners about their background,
training, and experience. Members of
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
(ABMP) have met stringent requirements regarding
training and must adhere to a strict code of ethics in order to
maintain membership. ABMP offers a referral
service to the public and will provide you with
a list of skin care professionals in your area.
What Can I Expect?
During your first appointment, your skin care
professional will discuss your skin care issues and
goals. Once the practitioner has evaluated your
skin, the two of you will work together to determine
a course of action to achieve those goals.
This plan will likely include treatments, home
care, and follow-up appointments.
What About Home Care?
In addition to providing face and body treatments
for personal use, skin care professionals
educate clients on proper cleansing, exfoliating,
hydrating, and stimulating regimens for homecare
support between visits. Estheticians may also
supply you with information on lifestyle choices,
such as nutrition and exercise, to further support
your skin health.
Types Of Skin Care Therapies
Chemical Peel—An exfoliation process usually
used to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Exfoliation—Removal of dead skin cells, manually
or using chemical peels.
Extraction—Proper pore cleansing, the removal
of blackheads, whiteheads, and blocked pores.
Facials—After analysis, cleansing, and preparation,
a mask is applied to the face. Therapeutic
ingredients vary based on skin type.
Microdermabrasion—A technique utilizing a
machine to exfoliate the uppermost layers of the
skin. Used to treat hyperpigmentation and uneven
surface texture. Some states require that estheticians
who perform microdermabrasion meet certain
requirements, be supervised by a physician, or that
the technique is performed only by a physician.
Waxing—Hair-removal technique. Warm wax is
applied to the skin, allowed to cool, then removed.