Skincare Specialists

What Skincare Specialists Do

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFQ5Q7slO1M

Work Environment

Skincare specialists usually work in salons and beauty and health spas, and some are self-employed. Although most work full time, many work evenings and weekends.

How to Become a Skincare Specialist

Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program and then pass a state exam for licensure, which all states except Connecticut require.

Pay

The median hourly wage for skincare specialists was $16.39 in May 2019.

Job Outlook

Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The desire among many women and a growing number of men to reduce the effects of aging will result in employment growth. Good job opportunities are expected.

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, lasers, or other approved treatments
• Clean the skin before applying makeup
• Recommend skin care 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 another skincare specialist, such as a dermatologist, for serious skin problems
• Disinfect 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 skin care treatments, such as peels, masks, and scrubs, to remove dead or dry skin.

In addition, skincare specialists create daily skincare routines for clients based on skin analysis and help them understand which skincare products will work best for them. 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 include hiring, firing, and supervising workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.

Skincare specialists held about 78,600 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of skincare specialists were as follows:

Personal care services	48%
Self-employed workers	27
Health and personal care stores	8
Offices of physicians	8
Traveler accommodation	3

Skincare specialists usually work in salons and beauty and health spas. Some work in medical offices. Skincare specialists may have to stand for extended periods of time.

Because skincare specialists must evaluate the condition of the skin, 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, and many work evenings and weekends. Working more than 40 hours a week is common.

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of skincare specialists.

	Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2019
	Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists	Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide haircutting, hairstyling, and a range of other beauty services.	Postsecondary nondegree award	$26,270
	Manicurists and Pedicurists	Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails.	Postsecondary nondegree award	$25,770
	Massage Therapists	Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body.	Postsecondary nondegree award	$42,820

For information about skincare specialists, visit

Associated Skin Care Professionals

For information about education and cosmetology schools, visit

American Association of Cosmetology Schools

Beauty Schools Directory

For information about the spa industry, visit

International Spa Association

For information about state licensing, practice exams, and other professional links, visit

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology

Professional Beauty Association

O*NET

Skincare Specialists