Recently, I’ve become super invested in skincare. I don’t want to become a skincare expert, but I do want to know about the products that can help the appearance of my skin. I want to build a process that will work for me.

So, where do I turn?

My first thought was Google. But I was cautious—I didn’t want to accidentally use a product that could permanently damage my skin. I needed an expert opinion. 

So, I turned to an esthetician. And you should, too—not just for skincare education and recommendations, but solutions. 

But what is an esthetician, anyway? What does an esthetician do? What services can an esthetician perform? Why should you see one? In this post, we’ll get into all of that, beginning with what the heck an esthetician actually does.

What is an Esthetician?

You might have heard the word “esthetician.” But before we talk about what they are, let’s talk about what they practice. 

Esthetics, in the beauty world, is related to the skin’s overall well-being and treatment. Basically, this is the routine people perform in order to make their skin look beautiful, bright, and, most importantly, healthy. It covers processes like pore cleansing, chemical peels, extraction, and facial steaming.

If terms like “chemical peels” and “extraction” sound new (and kind of scary) to you, don’t worry. These are just a few of the more common esthetician services that require professional esthetician supplies or tools—think of them as skin scientists. 

Estheticians are skin experts. They’re licensed to treat the skin and perform complex tasks that will improve the appearance and overall health of the epidermal layer. Additionally, estheticians are specially trained to aid in skin wellness and can address concerns their clients might have. 

It’s important to note that estheticians aren’t dermatologists. Dermatologists are medical doctors that specialize in invasive treatments for skin. Estheticians focus solely on cosmetic skin health, but can refer you to a dermatologist if needed. 

So, now you know a little more about what an esthetician is—but why should you care? Let’s talk about that, next. 

Should You See an Esthetician?

Short answer: absolutely.

If you’ve ever had a pimple, a sunburn, or dull skin, consider seeing an esthetician. You don’t have to have cystic acne or severe scarring to qualify for a skin assessment. In fact, everyone curious about maintaining their skin should consult an esthetician for a routine and treatment.

1. Learn more about your skin. 

Most estheticians require a consultation. During a consultation, you’ll share skin concerns, and the esthetician will inspect your skin. This isn’t meant to creep you out; merely, this step is for them to analyze helpful treatments. 

The esthetician will tell you what they notice, break that down, and give you suggestions of what you can do at home. Even if you decide against making an appointment, you can still learn why and how your skin reacts to certain products.

For example, I recently had an esthetician consultation for dark spots. She was able to virtually inspect my skin and give great advice about which products work best for my skin type (oily) and concerns. In that one hour session, I went from going from what I saw on Instagram to feeling like I had an actual routine that targets what I need. 

2. Get a personalized skincare routine. 

Before seeing an esthetician, I had no idea how to treat my skin. I had a basic cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. While most experts recommend this, it’s important to know what the ingredients in products you use can do to your skin. 

Knowing I was using products targeted for my concerns made me feel secure. More than that, I was sure that the products were going to give me the results I wasn’t finding. 

Instead of looking at social media advice from people who didn’t have my skin type, I was able to receive guidance from someone who is licensed to give scientific advice. I’m by no means a skin expert, but I know just enough to treat the specifics at home. 

3. Receive insight about skin health from an expert. 

Earlier, I mentioned how you don’t have to have cystic acne to see an esthetician. If you have an interest in the health of your skin in general, an esthetician is the person to find. They can give you insight into skin concerns you might not even know you had. 

Additionally, estheticians can tell you why your current routine may not be working, and what you may be doing that harms your skin in the long run. For instance, I never wore sunscreen. I honestly didn’t think it mattered, especially since I work from home and spend a lot of time inside. 

An esthetician told me that the sun’s UV rays can still be damaging from a window. It’s important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin’s layers. And, if you’re hyperpigmentation like me, it’s a necessity. 

Without this knowledge, and an extra tip of how much sunscreen to apply, and how often, I would’ve never seen the results I was expecting from the products I was using. 

4. Experience a range of services created to improve skin.

The specific number and type of esthetician services offered by different professionals will vary. For example, here is a short list of facials provided at the VitalitySpa.Club, and you can find them on the Booksy app:

In addition to facials, this esthetician offers eyelash extensions, chemical peels, extractions, hyaluronic acid treatments, and retinol boosters. It was great to use the Booksy app to see reviews and photos of what a typical treatment would look like, especially for a person who had never gotten a facial before (me). 

You can come to an esthetician about questions for complex terms you’ve heard but, maybe, had no idea what it meant. For example, I’ve heard about hyaluronic acid, but if you asked me to define it, I would have no clue. However, an esthetician can explain this in layman’s terms and tell you if you should add it into your routine. 

Some treatments I would rather have a professional perform, like an extraction. Complex treatments like extractions and chemical peels have home remedies, but they should be performed by skincare experts who are trained to use them so you don’t accidentally burn your face. That sounds scary, but it’s true. 

5. Esthetician appointments don’t have to be regular.

If you’ve looked into some estheticians already, you might have navigated naturally towards the price tag. Because estheticians offer such scientific, wellness-oriented services, it might not be that cheap. 

However, if you’re worried about your wallet, remember that you don’t have to see an esthetician regularly. While it is recommended, it’s not required. For a budget-friendly esthetician experience, schedule a consultation and ask for some product recommendations. 

That way, you can begin to treat your skin safely and not break the bank. Further, source information from skincare experts on social media. If you have an Instagram account, consider following Aesthetic Glo @aestheticglo_ or Mason Leary of Belle Complexions @belle_complexions. You’ll find quick skin tips and at-home suggestions from these Booksy professionals. 

When you’re ready for an esthetician appointment, you can book with a little more information about what will be best. And, when you use the Booksy app, you can book an appointment with one in your area at any time, from anywhere. 

Seeing an esthetician can give you peace of mind. You can be sure that you’re giving your skin what it needs. Plus, you can look forward to the amazing results a specific routine or professional treatment can give. 

Don’t forget to take progress pictures!