How to Become an Aesthetician
Healthy, radiant skin is not merely a superficial attribute; it mirrors inner vitality and confidence. It’s a testament to self-love and care, demanding both internal mindfulness and external dedication. From hydrating and nourishing internally to embracing a disciplined skincare regimen, maintaining skin health is a holistic endeavour. Shielding against environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution is imperative for its longevity. Clear, glowing skin transcends physical appearance, empowering individuals to exude confidence and positivity. Aestheticians play a pivotal role in this process, offering expertise in skincare without the need for invasive procedures. It’s a rewarding profession, shaping the journey towards self-assurance and beauty.
What is an Aesthetician?
An aesthetician is a licensed skincare professional who specialises in providing various beauty treatments and services to enhance the appearance and health of the skin. They are trained to assess the skin’s condition, recommend appropriate skincare regimens, and perform treatments such as facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, and other procedures. They are essential in the beauty and wellness sectors for their expertise in skincare, promoting skin health, confidence, and self-esteem through personalised treatments. Their professionalism, education, and innovation contribute to client well-being, emphasising preventive care and providing safe, effective solutions for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. However, before looking at which qualifications you need, it’s important to know the distinction between two types of aestheticians.
Non-Medical Aestheticians
These specialise in non-medical cosmetic treatments, focusing on services like facials and skincare. Their expertise lies in enhancing beauty through various skincare techniques.
Medical Aestheticians
In contrast, medical aestheticians are qualified medical professionals, often nurses or dentists, with specialised knowledge in cosmetic therapies. They undergo extensive training in procedures such as injectables and are accountable to regulatory bodies for their actions and treatments.
The key distinctions are that medical aestheticians possess a deeper understanding of the physiological aspects of skin and can offer more advanced treatments compared to aestheticians. Their training equips them to ensure both cosmetic enhancement and safety for their clients.
Education and Training
While not universally applicable, it’s advisable to have a minimum of a few GCSEs in subjects such as English, maths and science (please verify with the specific course requirements). These are typically prerequisites for enrolment in further education or training programmes. It’s prudent to confirm the requirements with the institution offering the course. Following this, you’ll need to secure specific qualifications:
Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy: In the UK, this is often the starting point for those pursuing a career in aesthetics. It covers foundational skills and knowledge in areas like skincare, facials, waxing, and basic makeup application.
Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy: This is more advanced and delves deeper into key topics such as anatomy and physiology, advanced skincare techniques, body massage, and electrotherapy.
The Level 4 Diploma, whilst not a prerequisite to qualification, demonstrates a superior degree of proficiency with regards to aesthetic treatments, such as
electrical facial treatments, massage techniques, aromatherapy, spa therapies, and advanced cosmetic science like chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Once you have the above qualifications, it opens the door to pursue specialised training in aesthetics. This could include courses in specific procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, non-surgical facelift techniques, laser treatments, and injectables (commonly known as Botox and dermal fillers). Depending on the specific treatments you want to offer clients, these courses may vary in duration and requirements.
In the UK, various training institutions and academies offer courses and qualifications for individuals aspiring to become aestheticians. These include:
Acquisition Aesthetics
We provide a diverse range of aesthetic medicine training courses, including foundation and advanced courses in Botox and Dermal Fillers, masterclasses covering areas such as Lip Augmentation and Tear Trough, and a Level 7 Diploma in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Therapies. Additionally, we offer tailored refresher courses and mentoring sessions. acquisitionaesthetics.co.uk
London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT)
LCBT offers a range of beauty therapy courses, including Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Beauty Therapy, which cover aesthetic treatments such as skincare, facials, and body massage. They also provide advanced courses in areas like microdermabrasion and chemical peels. lcbt.co.uk
The London School of Beauty & Make-up
This school offers a variety of courses, including NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 Beauty Therapy, which encompass aesthetic treatments. They also provide specialised courses in advanced skincare techniques, electrotherapy, and cosmetic science. beauty-school.co.uk
Ray Cochrane Beauty School
Also in London, it offers NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 Beauty Therapy courses that include modules on aesthetics. They also provide additional training in advanced skincare treatments, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. raycochrane.co.uk
Yorkshire College of Beauty
Based in Leeds, this college provides accredited courses in beauty therapy, including aesthetic treatments like facials, skincare analysis, and body treatments. It offers NVQ and VRQ qualifications in beauty therapy, which cover a broad spectrum of aesthetic procedures. ycob.co.uk
Remote and Additional Education:
Certain aesthetic treatments may require additional certifications or qualifications. For instance, to administer laser treatments, completing a laser safety course and gaining accreditation from an authorised provider might be required. Aesthetics, akin to medicine, is a continually evolving field, necessitating staying abreast of the latest techniques, technologies, and regulations. Continuing professional development through workshops, seminars, and advanced training courses aids in refining skills and maintaining competitiveness. Throughout education and training, ensuring courses are accredited by reputable organisations and industry-recognised is paramount. Numerous online platforms offer distance learning programs in aesthetics, facilitating self-paced study for convenience.
Best You Beauty Training offers over 6o online and classroom courses.
Certification and Licensing:
When it comes to license renewal, the specifics can vary based on the credential and governing body. The exact renewal requirements for aestheticians may vary and should be checked with the relevant awarding bodies. The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC), the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC), The International Therapist Examination Council (ITEC) and the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) play a crucial role in setting standards, providing accreditation, and ensuring the professionalism and competency of aestheticians in the UK.
International Therapist Examination Council ITEC
Vocational Training Charitable Trust VTCT
Skill Development:
Mastering essential skills is crucial for every aesthetician, encompassing skincare, customer service, and technical expertise in treatments like facials, body treatments, and makeup application. Additionally, staying abreast of industry trends is essential, and understanding how to do so effectively is key.
Career pathways:
A career as an aesthetician offers a diverse array of opportunities within the beauty and wellness industry. Aestheticians can find employment in spas, salons, medical clinics, dermatology offices, and even cruise ships. Additionally, many aestheticians choose to start their businesses, whether it’s a solo practice or a larger spa or clinic.
Working in a spa or salon allows aestheticians to provide a range of services such as facials, body treatments, waxing, and makeup application. In medical settings, they may assist dermatologists with skincare procedures, perform laser treatments, or administer injectables under supervision. Aestheticians can also specialise in areas like holistic skincare, advanced anti-aging treatments, or medical aesthetics.
For those aspiring to build a successful career as an aesthetician, cultivating a strong client base is essential. Networking within the industry, offering exceptional service, and creating a memorable client experience are crucial. Utilising social media platforms to showcase before-and-after photos, client testimonials, and educational content can help attract potential clients.
Marketing oneself as a professional aesthetician involves creating a cohesive brand identity, including a professional website, business cards, and promotional materials. Offering promotions, referral discounts, and loyalty programs can incentivise clients to return and refer others. Engaging with local communities through events, workshops, or partnerships can also help raise awareness and attract new clients. Continuous education and staying updated on industry trends demonstrate professionalism and dedication, fostering trust and loyalty among clients.
Conclusion
While it may seem tempting to take shortcuts in becoming an aesthetician, opting for the easy route without proper qualifications can have dire consequences. Not only does it jeopardise the quality of service provided to clients, but it also puts their health and safety at risk. It could also leave you exposed to legal action. Pursuing a passion in beauty care should be approached with integrity and diligence, ensuring that you acquire the necessary qualifications, certifications, and licences. This not only establishes credibility and trust with clients but also demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and excellence. Invest in your education and skill development to deliver the highest standard of care and uphold ethical standards in the industry.
