There are many different reasons to visit an esthetician.  Of course one of the top reasons for visiting an esthetician is to get a facial or have another spa service like waxing performed, but visiting an esthetician is not limited to just receiving a treatment or service.  You can also see an esthetician just for a consultation about your skin and to learn how you should be caring for your skin at home.


 Finding the right esthetician might seem a bit challenging but if you follow the tips below you are sure to make the right choice.

Ask Friends or Use The Internet

One of the best ways to find a trustworthy esthetician is through people you trust - namely friends and family.  If you know someone who regularly gets skin or waxing services ask them where they go.  Post a question on Facebook and ask your friends to share your question with their friends in order to reach as many people as possible.  You could also look up businesses on sites like Yelp, City Search, or even through your local Better Business Bureau.  If you are into a more high-end (and expensive) beauty experience check out the spa guides from Allure and Vogue magazines. The website New Beauty explains spa treatments and highlights spas from around the world.  Lastly, you could also look at a specific business' website in order to great a feel for that establishment.

How To Know If You Have Found A Good Esthetician

You've received recommendations for an esthetician but might still be a bit wary if you've found a good esthetician.

 So before you book a service schedule a consultation.  Consultations which can usually last anywhere between 15 minutes to half an hour are generally complimentary.  Come prepared with a list of questions that you have about your skin and your skin care routine.  Ask as many questions as you like.  If the esthetician is unwilling to answer your questions, dismissive, or simply vague I wouldn't book an appointment with that esthetician.  Also if the esthetician promises you miracle results be very skeptical.  There are very few skin care treatments that work overnight.

One of the things I always tell people is that finding a good esthetician is finding the right esthetician for you.  Having someone care for your skin, apply products to your face, and massage your face is really establishing a relationship built on trust.  So one person might feel comfortable and trust one esthetician while another person might feel uncomfortable with the same person.  If you don't feel that "click" with an esthetician then move along.  In some ways finding the right esthetician is almost like dating.  You want to find an esthetician that not only makes you look good but makes you feel good as well.

Also keep in mind that just because an esthetician charges a lot of money for a facial or works in a swanky spa doesn't mean she is great at her job.  The opposite is true as well.  Be sure to judge your esthetician according to her inter-personal skills and knowledge - not by where she works.

Personality Traits An Esthetician Should Have

Obviously everyone is different but I truly believe that every good esthetician has many of the same personality traits.  So in no particular order here they are:

• An esthetician should be friendly, warm, and patient.  As mentioned above they should be willing to answer each and every question you have.  I do believe that it is ok for an esthetician to tell you that they don't know the answer to your question as long as that is followed by the statement that they will look into the answer for you.  Also if an esthetician just keeps telling you that everything you are doing for your skin is wrong and only they know the right answers I would find another skin care professional.  Tact is an important personality trait for estheticians.
• An esthetician shouldn't bash other professionals.  It is a pet peeve of mine to hear about estheticians being negative about one another.  Though I might not agree with the skin care advice that another esthetician gave a client I shouldn't be dismissive or rude about my fellow professional.  
• An esthetician should have a professional and neat appearance.  You shouldn't smell cigarette smoke on your esthetician for example.  
• Their license should be valid. This is totally non-negotiable.  No excuses.
• Though this isn't a personality trait it is very important - if you visit an esthetician who has a dirty treatment room move right along.  Cleanliness is extremely important when it comes to spa treatments.
• An esthetician should stay up-to-date about skin care trends, technologies, and ingredients.