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CHAPTER 1 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND HISTORY OF ESTHETICS
IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING THE HISTORY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
esthetics is a career you can continuously learn new skills and make a difference in the lives of others every day
it holds the promise of independence, pride, and community
being a professional esthetician opens many doors that aren’t available in other industries
you can learn about the many and diverse career opportunities to begin planning for your career
it is good to have a historical prospective on where we have been to know how far we have come
materials used in the early beauty preparations may have been instrumental i determining how materials are used today (color formations and cosmetics)
you will have a better understanding of how culture can shape product development and how it can bring about the necessity for change
ESTHETICS
also known as aesthetics ; from the greek word aesthetikos (meaning “perceptible to the senses”)
a branch of anatomical science that deals with the overall health and well-being of the skin, the largest organ of the human body
exciting, ever-expanding field
ESTHETICIAN
also known as aesthetician
a specialist in the cleansing, beautification, and preservation of the health of the skin on the entire body, including the face and neck
provide preventative care for the skin and offer treatments to keep the skin healthy and attractive
they may also manufacture, sell, or apply cosmetics
trained to detect skin problems that may require medical attention (can’t diagnose, prescribe medication, or give medical treatments)
SALON OR DAY SPA ESTHETICIAN
DESCRIPTION
estheticians in a salon or day spa are skin care specialists and consultants
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
full-service salons, skin care salons, or day spas
may be independent businesses or national chains, and they may operate within hotels or department stores
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
facials and facial massage
waxing
body treatments (applied both manually and with the aid of machines)
providing makeup services
doing laundry
confirming appointments and follow up calls
keeping records of the services provided and products clients use
behaving pleasantly toward clients
being skillful at selling products and services
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
work your way up to management and supervisory positions
with experience, you may decide to open your own salon or buy an established business or franchise
besides running the business you may perform some or all of the services your business offers
CLINICAL ESTHETICIAN
DESCRIPTION
previously known as medical esthetics (involves the integration of surgical procedures and esthetic treatments)
in this setting, the physician concentrates on the surgical work while the esthetician assists with esthetic treatments (contact your state board to find out rules and regulations)
work alongside medical professionals to offer a wide range of advanced services
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
in medical settings, estheticians perform services ranging from working with pre- and postoperative patients to managing a skin care department in a medical spa
outpatient clinics, dermatology clinics, medical spas, laser clinics, dental offices, or research and teaching hospitals
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
providing patient education
marketing, buying, and selling products
applying camoflauge makeup
performing advanced treatments, including laser and light therapies (with a physicians supervison and depending on state licensing rules)
experienced esthetician may manage the cosmetic surgery office or act as a patient care coordinator
some estheticians are CNAs (certified nursing assistant), LPNs (liscensed practical nurse), or RNs (registered nurse)
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
this type of work is very demanding (important to be adaptable)
many rules and regulations must be understood and followed in a medical setting (much at stake)
you must be a good leader and able to follow instructons explicitly
teamwork is the #1 priority in a medical organization
WAXING SPECIALIST / BROW SPECIALIST
DESCRIPTION
waxing specialist : removes hair from the face and/or the body mainly using hard or soft wax (but also by threading
Brow specialist : specialize in brow shaping by waxing, tweezing, and other extraction methods
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
there are corporate-owned waxing salons along with privately owned ones
Brow specialists are hired by salons and makeup companies
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
being capable and skilled in removing all face and body hair by tweezing and waxing
Willing to help out around the salon by answering phones and performing infection control duties
Minimum of one year of retail sales may be required in some situations
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
between 2011 and 2015 the waxing business grew by 7.6 % annually
With the rise of waxing salons and a continued consumer focus on physical appearance more and more estheticians are taking jobs as waxing specialists
MAKEUP ARTISTRY
DESCRIPTION
makeup artists must develop a keen eye for color and color coordination so they can select the most flattering cosmetics for each client
They may offer facials and facial massage as part of their services (or only concentrate on applying makeup)
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
makeup artists in salons, spas, and department stores work for an hourly wage, commission, salary, or various combinations of all three
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
skilled in makeup techniques and application
Having retail skills to recommend makeup products and colors for home use
Staying informed on the latest trends in color and being efficient and creative
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
opportunities are vast
Can work in a salon setting or be free lance
They can work with commercial photographers, television, theater, fashion, camouflage makeup, or mortuary science (preparing and applying cosmetics for the deceased)
MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVE
DESCRIPTION
responsible for selling products and training estheticians and other staff members on how to properly use those products as well as how to retail and merchandise
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
product companies hire knowledgeable estheticians to represent their company and their products
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
calling on spas, salons, drugstores, department stores, and specialty businesses to help build clientele and increase product sales
Traveling a great deal and exhibiting products at trade shows and conventions
Upon selling and product, being well versed in the product line in order to educate the customer as to why it is beneficial and how to use it
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
product companies offer the opportunity to advance within thee company (one could be a regional manager or move up within other divisions of the company)
SALES PERSON OR SALES MANAGER
DESCRIPTION
a salesperson or sales manager is responsible for the sales of the product(s) sold within the salon or the store
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
work at salons, spas, department stores, boutiques and specialty businesses
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
keeping records of sales and stock on hand, demonstrating products, selling to clients, cashiering, thoroughly understanding the products and being able to explain the benefits to customers, and cross-selling services and treatments
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
starting in this position allows you to work your way to top management positions and possibly ownership
COSMETICS BUYER
DESCRIPTION
cosmetics buyer purchase the products that are sold within a retail setting
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
cosmetic buyers work at department stores, salons, and specialty businesses
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
keeping up with the latest products ; being able to recognize and anticipate trends in skin care ; being willing to travel frequently to visit markets, trade hows, and manufacturers’ showrooms to learn more about potential products that could be brought into the retail area ; keeping records of purchases and sales ; and estimating the amount of stock an operation will need over a particular period
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
there is always room for growth in a retail setting (moving up to store manager or regional manager is one option)
ESTHETICS WRITER OR BEAUTY EDITOR
DESCRIPTION
write articles, blogs, or posts for magazines, newspapers, online magazine, or publishing companies
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
can be freelance contributors, or hold permanent positions at newspapers, magazines, education and technology companies, or publishers
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
writing intriguing articles / posts that are of interest and value to the esthetics community
Proofreading and verifying references ; having strong communication, research, and writing skills
Having a strong social media presence ; and being well immersed in industry trends, skin care topics, and beauty related research
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
can manage a team of contributors and content creators or become permanent writers for a marketing firm or publisher (some writers even move into the role of editor)
TRAVEL INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL
DESCRIPTION
perform esthetic services within the travel industry
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
cruise ships, at airports, for private airline companies, or at destination spas
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON
DUTIES
performing all esthetic services in order to meet traveling clients’ needs
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
advance into skincare or cosmetic store manager, general manager, or regional manager positions
EDUCATOR
DESCRIPTION
teach the theory and technical application of esthetics
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
public, vocational, industrial, or technical high school
With necessary certification private cosmetology and esthetics schools are also an option
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
basic teacher training courses ; developing lesson plans, curriculum, worksheets, tests, and any other supplements to assist is teaching others
Executing the topics in a clear and concise manner
Being able to demonstrate the practical tasks that an esthetician will need to perform
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
become part of many associations to develop their career
Advance within the school where they teach (team lead, department director, school director)
COSMETIC CHEMIST AND PRODUCT DEVELOPER
DESCRIPTION
interested in cosmetic chemistry and ingredients
Create new products and develop new technologies
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
skin care product companies
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
being involved with all phases of development from ideation to a final new product, having a full understanding of the industry and business, and attending trade shows to keep up to date on new ingredients
Thoroughly understanding cosmetic chemistry along with what is beneficial and how different ingredients work together
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
estheticians can take classes o cosmetic chemistry offered through universities and other community and vocational colleges in order to advance their careers
STATE LICENSING INSPECTOR OR EXAMINER
DESCRIPTION
a licensed, experienced cosmetologist and/or esthetician may become a state inspector or examiner
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
work in government building and state board offices
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
inspectors : conducting regular salon and spa inspections to ensure that manager and employees are following state rules and regulations and meeting ethical standards
State examiners : preparing and conducting examinations, enforcing rules and regulations, investigating complaints, an conducting hearings
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
most states have laws governing cosmetology and other personal services and give examinations for cosmetology and related licenses
Staying current on latest laws, regulations, and trends is important for job development
Inspectors could extend their job outreach by obtaining dual licenses
STATE BOARD MEMBER
DESCRIPTION
highly qualified and experienced estheticians that support and help develop content for the laws and rules for licensed professionals (laws enforced by state)
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
government building and state board offices
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
assisting in the development of laws that will protect the public ; listening to and ruling over issue of a licensed professional or license applicant ; making sure educational materials meet certain specifications
Being prepared to conduct examinations, grant licenses, and inspect schools to ensure that certain physical standards, such as those for space and equipment, are maintained
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
can become state inspectors or work for the state government
ONCOLOGY-TRAINED ESTHETICIAN
DESCRIPTION
specialized field that helps with clients who have cancer
Ease the discomfort of the damaged skin (caused by chemotherapy and radiation) while enhancing the clients quality of life
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
many opportunities in spa and medical settings
Valued assets in the circle of care by working alongside or receiving referrals from oncologists, radiologists, hospitals , wellness centers, and cancer centers
PREFERRED SKILLS / COMMON DUTIES
knowing how and when to modify spa services for clients’ safety (critical during all phases of cancer treatment)
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
relatively new position that is expanding quickly based on need
Anyone interested in this career path must add oncology training to their basic esthetics skills
Best preparation is training with an experienced instructor who offers hands-on work with real patients who have cancer
Volunteering with the American cancer society’s look good feel good program is another viable option
SKIN CARE PRACTICES FROM EARLY CULTURES
much of todays skin and body care therapies are rooted in the practices and attempts of earlier civilizations to ward off disease in order to live healthier, longer lives
ANCIENT EGYPT
Egyptians used cosmetics as part of their personal beautification habits, for religious ceremonies, and in preparing the deceased for burial
One of the earliest uses of henna (a dye obtained from the powdered leaves and shoots of the mignonette tree ; used as a reddish hair dye, body art,on the fingernails, and in temporary design tattooing)
ANCIENT GREECE
The words cosmetics and cosmetology come from the geek word “kosmetikos” meaning skilled in the use of cosmetics
The Greeks viewed the body as a temple, and frequently bathed in olive oil and then dusted their bodies in fine sand to regulate their body temperature and to protect themselves from the sun
Honey and olive oil were also used for elemental protection
ANCIENT ROME
famous for their bathhouses, which were magnificent public building with separate sections for men and women
Steam therapy, body scrubs, massage, and other physical therapies were all available at bathhouses
Bathing and grooming rituals included applying rich oils and fragrances made from flowers, saffron, almonds, and other ingredients
ANCIENT ASIA : CHINA AND JAPAN
Geishas removed their body hair using a technique similar to todays threading (they wrapped a hair around and extracted each hair)
Japanese women used a type of paper called aburatorigami to blot oil from the skin and reduce shine
Chinese women mixed rice with water as a toner and used turmeric as a main ingredient in their facial masks to prevent wrinkles and skin discoloration (recipes for masks and creams using crushed pearls, ginger, ginseng based on plants date back thousands of years and more recently recipes from the Ming Dynasty 1300)
ANCIENT AFRICA
Sine ancient times Africans have created remedies and grooming aids from the materials found in their natural environment such as roots, berries, and clay
Ancient Africans also adorned themselves with a variety of colors to blend into their environment for hunting
THE MIDDLE AGES
healing, particularly with herbs, was largely in the hands of the church
Pale skin was a sign of wealth and status
Women wore colored makeup on their cheeks and lips but not on their eyes
Bathing was not a daily ritual, but those who could afford them used fragrance oils
RENAISSANCE ERA
women shaved their eyebrows and hairline to show a greater expanse of forehead for a look of greater intelligence
Fragrances and cosmetics were used, although highly colored preparations for lips, cheeks, and eyes were discouraged
During the mid 1500s reign of Elizabeth I, men and women actually used lead and arsenic face powder to adorn themselves
AGE OF EXTRAVAGANCE
Marie Antoinette was queen of France during the age of extravagance from 1755 to 1793
Women of status bathed in the strawberries and milk and used extravagant cosmetic preparations, such as scented face powder made from pulverized starch
Lips and cheeks were often brightly colored in pink and orange shades by crushed geranium petals
Small silk patches were sued to decorate the face and conceal blemishes
VICTORIAN AGE
modesty was greatly valued, and makeup and showy clothing were discouraged except in the theater
To preserve skin health and beauty, women used beauty masks and packs made from honey, eggs, milk, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, and other natural ingredients
Victorian women pinched their cheeks and bit their lips to induce natural color rather than using cosmetics such as lipstick and rouge
CURRENT AND FUTURE STATES OF ESTHETICS
first women’s razor was offered in 1915, laser hair removal was offered in the 1990’s
Skin care options today are more science based and results are more dramatic
CONSUMERS
anti-aging will continue to be a top priority
Men’s skin care will continue to grow
According to google beauty trend 2017 report, U.S consumers have an increased interest in vegan skin care and facial masks (charcoals and clay)
Development of gluten free skin care and makeup products are on the rise with the increased awareness of gluten intolerance
BABY BOOMERS
largest generation in U.S history (Americans born between 1946-1964)
Largest single market for skin care products and services (baby boomers and their children enjoy the benefits the skin care market offers)
Plenty opportunities for estheticians in newer settings such as lifestyle and retirement centers
INGREDIENTS
organic cosmetics grew in popularity in the 20th century (following the overall trend of other types of organic products)
New ingredients and therapies for wrinkles, skin cancer, and general skin health will continue to be developed
Cell and tissue protectants will be sought by consumers (nurture over nature takes the lead role when defining anti-aging methodologies)
Technologically advanced ingredients that are effective for various skin problems include plant stem cells and different types of peptides that improve the health of the skin and truly have anti-aging properties
Antioxidants and other vitamins are being used for the many different ways they affect the skin
TECHNOLOGY
the 20th century brought about Tretinoin (retin-A), Botox, alpha hydroxy acid, and oxygen facials ; the use of galvanic current, radio frequency, lasers, high-frequency machines ; and a myriad of sought-after cosmetic surgery procedures
The interest in less invasive technology is here to stay
Device manufacturers will continue to innovate and improve on existing technologies and create new ones, for example, ultrasound and ultrasonic machines continue to be reinvented and improved upon
FACILITIES / SERVICES
the U.S department of labor predicts the rapid growth of full-service day spas and a growing demand for practices licensed to provide a broad range of services
Subspecialties such as esthetics, massage, wellness, and women’s fitness centers may be partnered with medical facilities (EX : cosmetic dentists are partnering with cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons are partnering with gynecologists)
Teaching hospitals that run clinical studies in the human potential also have medical spas and fitness centers to enhance the benefits of these studies
We may now see more estheticians as independent practitioners who make home, office, and hotel visits (estheticians are equipped to work in any environment such as wellness centers, hotels, offices, homes, plastic surgeons offices, and more)
ADVANCEMENTS IN THE ESTHETICS INDUSTRY 2000’S
popular procedures in medical spas (laser hair reduction, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and injectables)
Advancements in esthetic procedures (light therapies, lasers, micro-current, ultrasound, micro-needling, derma-planing, chemical peels, and ultrasonic cavitation)
Product ingredient delivery systems (microencapsulation and microsponge)
device treatments to allow for better ingredient delivery (dermal rolling, derma-planing, micro-needling, ultrasound, and ultrasonic machines)
Anti-aging ingredients (antioxidants, peptides, sodium PCA, sodium hyaluronate, polyphenols, and retinols)
