Aesthetician

An aesthetician performs beauty treatments, cares for the skin, and provides clients with skincare advice.

On this profession page, you will learn:

Who is aesthetician

An esthetician takes care of the skin on the face and body, developing individual treatment plans for clients. They cleanse the skin, provide hydration and nourishment, and use special masks and serums to improve its condition. The esthetician assesses the skin type and offers advice on home care, helping clients choose the right cosmetics. They also perform massages that enhance blood circulation and relax muscles. The esthetician stays updated with new techniques and products to incorporate them into their practice. They communicate with clients, clearly explaining how the procedures work and how to perform them at home correctly. The esthetician creates a comfortable atmosphere during sessions, allowing clients to feel relaxed and satisfied with the results.

AI impact on aesthetician

Minimal risk

AI replacement risk

10%

You'll still be the one touching the skin, reading how it reacts in real time, and deciding which pressure or product feels right for each person. Machines might help with reminders or suggest product lists, but they can't take over the massage, the careful extractions, or the calm conversation that makes clients trust you. The tasks that stay are the hands-on treatments, the face-to-face advice, and the judgment about when skin needs gentler care or a break. Your day will look much like it does now — talking, touching, and adjusting as you go — with less time fussing over paperwork or routine follow-ups.

Tasks at risk of automation

routine product recommendations
basic appointment reminders
simple follow-up messages

Tasks that will remain human

skin assessment and touch
face and décolleté massage
personalized treatment planning
safety and hygiene during treatments
client relationship building

Key skills of aesthetician

creativity flexibility adaptability openness to new things problem solving skills empathy communicability customer service meticulous observation emotional intelligence visual abilities flexibility and coordination relationship building stress management skin care proficiency in cosmetic devices knowledge of cosmetic products and their ingredients

Work schedule and conditions

Aesthetician typically works 8 hours a day. Days off are usually Saturday and Sunday. Work often takes place in beauty salons or cosmetic clinics. There is the possibility of working remotely, for example, for on-location services. Special conditions may include night or holiday shifts, depending on the workplace.

What a aesthetician does

Assessing the client's skin condition and needs.
Creating personalized skincare treatment plans.
Performing various skincare treatments and procedures.
Advising clients on skincare products and routines.
Performing face and décolleté massages.
Using modern technologies for skin enhancement.
Ensuring safety and hygiene during treatments.

Benefits of the aesthetician profession

Creativity

Opportunity to express artistic abilities.

Flexible Schedule

Ability to adjust working hours to personal needs.

Communication

Daily interactions with diverse individuals.

Disadvantages of the aesthetician profession

Emotional Burnout

Constant stress from work situations.

Physical Strain

Long hours on feet and physical effort.

Education Requirements

Need for professional training.

How to become a aesthetician

You can become an aesthetician (beauty therapist) quickly — no degree or medical training is needed, as the work is skincare and beauty treatments rather than medical procedures. The fastest route is a beauty-therapy course plus salon practice; an NVQ or VTCT qualification and insurance are what most salons and clients look for.

1. Higher education

A degree or foundation degree in aesthetic medicine or clinical skincare is only needed if you intend to perform medical procedures such as injectables — that is the route of a qualified medical professional. For a beauty therapist doing skincare treatments it is not required.

2. Beauty-therapy course (NVQ/VTCT)

A beauty-therapy course at an FE college or private academy (NVQ or VTCT Level 2–3) is the quickest way in, running from a few months upward. It covers skincare techniques, facials and the safe use of products, and is the qualification salons expect.

3. Salon apprenticeship

An apprenticeship or junior role in a salon lets you learn on real clients under experienced therapists, even with no prior experience. Many salons take on trainees after a course and develop them on the job.

The quickest route is a beauty-therapy course (NVQ/VTCT Level 2–3) followed by salon experience. Note that injectables and other medical aesthetic procedures must be carried out by a qualified medical professional — as a beauty therapist you focus on facials, skincare and non-medical treatments.