Skincare Specialists

Summary

Skincare specialists cleanse and beautify a client’s face and body.

Quick Facts: Skincare Specialists
2010 Median Pay	$28,920 per year $13.90 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Postsecondary non-degree award
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	47,600
Job Outlook, 2010-20	25% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	11,700

What Skincare Specialists Do

Skincare specialists cleanse and beautify the face and body to enhance a person’s appearance.  

Work Environment

Skincare specialists usually work in salons, health and beauty spas, or medical offices. Most work full time. Many work evenings and weekends, especially self-employed workers operating their own salon.

How to Become a Skincare Specialist

Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved cosmetology program. After completing the program, they must pass a state exam for licensure, which all states except Connecticut require. Newly hired specialists sometimes receive on-the-job training, especially when working with chemicals.

Pay

The median hourly wage of skincare specialists was $13.90 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of skincare specialists is expected to grow 25 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. The growing number of beauty salons and spas should result in good job opportunities.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of skincare specialists with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information

Learn more about skincare specialists by contacting these additional resources.

What Skincare Specialists Do About this section

Skincare specialists remove unwanted hair using wax or laser treatment.

Skincare specialists cleanse and beautify the face and body to enhance a person’s appearance.  

Duties

Skincare specialists typically do the following:

• Evaluate clients’ skin condition and appearance
• Discuss available treatments and determine which products will improve clients’ skin quality
• Remove unwanted hair using wax or laser treatment
• Clean the skin before applying makeup
• Recommend skincare products, such as cleansers, lotions, or creams 
• Teach and advise clients on how to apply makeup and how to take care of their skin
• Refer clients to other skincare specialists, such as a dermatologist, for serious skin problems
• Sterilize equipment and clean work areas

Skincare specialists give facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages to improve the health and appearance of the skin. Some may provide other skincare treatments, such as peels, masks, or scrubs, to remove dead or dry skin.

In addition to working with clients, skincare specialists also keep records of skincare regimens that their regular clients use. A growing number of specialists actively sell skincare products, such as cleansers, lotions, and creams.

Those who operate their own salons have managerial duties that may include hiring, supervising, and firing workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.  

Work Environment About this section

Skincare specialists work in salons, beauty spas, and sometimes in medical offices.

Skincare specialists held about 47,600 jobs in 2010, of which 47 percent worked in the personal care services industry. About 37 percent were self-employed. 

Skincare specialists usually work in salons, health and beauty spas or, less frequently, in medical offices. The job may involve a lot of standing. 

Because skincare specialists must evaluate the skins’ condition, good lighting and clean surroundings are important. Protective clothing and good ventilation also may be necessary because skincare specialists often use chemicals on the face and body. 

Work Schedules

Skincare specialists typically work full time, with many working nights and weekends. Long hours are common, especially for self-employed workers. 

How to Become a Skincare Specialist About this section

Skincare specialists must pass a state-approved cosmetology program before getting licensed.

Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved cosmetology program. After completing the program, they must pass a state exam for licensure, which all states except Connecticut require.

Education and Training

Skincare specialists usually take a state-approved cosmetology program. Some high schools offer vocational training. Most people, however, receive their training from a postsecondary vocational school.

Newly hired specialists sometimes receive on-the-job training, especially when working with chemicals. Those who are employed in a medical environment may also receive on-the-job training, often working alongside an experienced skincare specialist.  

Licenses

After completing an approved cosmetology program, skincare specialists take a written and practical exam to get a state license. Licensing requirements vary by state, so those interested should contact their state board.

Many states offer continuing education seminars and programs designed to keep skincare specialists current on new techniques and products.

Important Qualities  

Customer-service skills. Skincare specialists should be friendly and courteous when dealing with clients. Repeat business is important, particularly for self-employed workers. 

Stamina. Skincare specialists must be able to spend most of their day standing and massaging clients’ face and body.

Pay About this section

The median hourly wage of skincare specialists was $13.90 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of skincare specialists earned less than $8.22, and the top 10 percent earned more than $24.47. 

In May 2010, median annual wages in industries employing the largest numbers of skincare specialists were as follows:

Skincare specialists typically work full time, with many working nights and weekends. Long hours are common, especially for self-employed workers. 

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of skincare specialists is expected to grow 25 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.

The increase in employment reflects demand for new services being offered, such as mini sessions (quick facials at a lower cost) and mobile facials (making house calls). In addition, the desire among women and a growing number of men to reduce the effects of aging and to lead a healthier lifestyle through better grooming should result in employment growth, including skin treatments for relaxation and well-being. 

Job Prospects

Job opportunities should be good due to the growing number of beauty salons and spas. Those with experience are expected to have the best job prospects.  

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about skincare specialists, visit

Aesthetics International Association

For information about cosmetology schools, visit

American Association of Cosmetology Schools  

For information about the professional beauty industry, visit

Professional Beauty Association

For information about the spa industry, visit

International Spa Association