Definition

• Princeton's WordNetWeb defines esthetician as a worker skilled in giving beauty treatments, such as manicures and facials. An alternate definition is a philosopher who specializes in the nature of beauty, which may be an appropriate reference to those who help us become more beautiful.
  
  

Duties

• Estheticians focus mainly on the health and quality of the body in regards to beauty and appearance. Most are trained to handle a variety of treatments, including skin care, facials and facial treatments, hair and nail care, and waxing. Those with more advanced training may also offer cosmetic treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing. Some estheticians also may perform skin analysis, body wraps, salt glows and makeup application.
  
  

Training

• You must have formal training and education to go to work as an esthetician. Topics studied may include theory, laboratory and people skills. You can find a variety of training programs at community colleges, cosmetology schools and technical schools.
  
  

Licensing

• Most states require professionals who work in the field of cosmetology as an esthetician to be licensed. In order to be eligible for licensure, in most states students must attend a training program of a set number of hours and pass an exam.
  
  

Where to Find

• Estheticians work in medical offices alongside dermatologists and other doctors, and also at salons and spas.