What is an Aesthetician

Why should I see an aesthetician?

Aesthetics is the application of various treatments to the skin, to maintain its health and vitality, slowing the aging process, and often to enhance natural beauty. Aestheticians help their clients balance oil and moisture content of their skin and achieve a healthy complexion. In addition to various skincare and facial treatments, they also often perform body treatments such as sugar or salt scrubs, body wraps, hair removal, and hand and foot treatments to soothe and rejuvenate the skin.

It is my belief that the cleaner the ingredients of products used during services, the better quality and more sustainable the results will be. My goal is to heal and nourish the skin, protect it from environmental hazards, combat fine lines and premature aging, and balance uneven skin tone. I am also skilled in managing conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and dry skin, to name just a few.

What’s the difference between dermatology, cosmetology, and aesthetics?

Dermatology is a branch of the medical profession, practiced by licensed physicians who specialize in disorders of the skin organ. Aesthetic practice specifically excludes diagnoses, prescriptions, and any other service, procedure, or therapy which would require a medical license. Your aesthetician can provide complementary and supportive therapies to dermatologists and doctors. In addition, aestheticians are trained to recognize early the signs of many medical conditions affecting the skin, and will refer you to a dermatologist in such a case.

Cosmetology is the study of beauty treatments including nail care, hair care and styling, makeup application, skin care and more. Aesthetics is one branch of cosmetology; some aestheticians work in other branches of cosmetology in addition to their skin care practice. This includes eyebrow tints and lamination and eyelash lifts, tints, and extensions, to name a few.

Techniques and Products

Among the many techniques used by estheticians are facial steaming, pore cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and chemical peels. Creams, lotions, wraps, clay or gel masks, and salt scrubs are used. Machines may also be used to help deliver high-tech services. Many of these services can also be performed on other parts of the body, as needed.

Visiting an Aesthetician

Consultations are always welcome, especially if you are new to aesthetic treatments. This gives you and your skincare therapist a chance to discuss your goals and expectations for the first visit, as well as long term goals. During a consultation, we will go over an extensive intake form, and most likely do a cleansing of the skin followed by a detailed skin analysis. This will give your us the information we need to create an individualized treatment plan, both for a series of professional treatments and recommendations for products you can use at home.

What about home care?

Your success in maintaining a visible, lasting improvement after treatment depends on consistent, correct home care. Your aesthetician is trained to select the types of products that will most benefit your skin, and to advise you on how to maintain your professional results between visits. Following the right daily regimen at home is the key to you getting the most out of your visits.

Your Aesthetician

Your skin care treatments should be provided by a properly trained professional. Never hesitate to ask your skin care therapist about her background, training, and experience—especially as it relates to the treatment you are considering. I am a professional member of Associated Skin Care Professionals. ASCP members have been validated as meeting all state’s licensing credentials and our core training requirements, and I adhere a code of ethics which ensures you’ll always be treated responsibly and with the utmost respect.

ASCP also provides its members with comprehensive resources that allow them to keep up with changing trends, making certain you’ll receive the most up-to-date therapies available. It is my pleasure to serve you.

• MEMBER, ASSOCIATED SKIN CARE PROFESSIONALS