What is Esthetics?
What is esthetics, and is this field right for you?
AESTHETICS INSTITUTE
What is Esthetics?
Like most people, you may be confused about what exactly the term “esthetics” includes.
What is the difference between “cosmetology” and “esthetics,” and is “esthetics” different from “aesthetics”?
Our school focuses exclusively on teaching esthetics services, not hair or nails, so we want to clear up any confusion and help you determine if a career in this industry is right for you.
Esthetics refers to the various applications of techniques performed to improve the appearance of the skin on the human body.
Cosmetology is the professional skill or practice of beautifying the face, hair, and skin. The main difference is that esthetics does not include hair styling services.
Estheticians, or people who are practicing esthetics, provide services on the skin.
As for “esthetics” versus “aesthetics,” it gets a little murkier. In general, both terms can be used interchangeably when it comes to this specific industry.
“Aesthetics” is technically the British spelling of the word and is often used to imbue the term with an air of sophistication or class. But both are correct and can be used how the writer best sees fit.
"What's in a name?"
Our school’s name, the “Aesthetics Institute,” was selected partially because we wanted to let prospective students and clients know we aim for excellence and high-quality education.
Also, because this school was created in 1985, spelling the name with an “A” was a strategic business decision. Why, you may ask? Because in 1985, “Aesthetics” came before “Esthetics” in the phonebook.
Times change, but 40 years later, we remain committed to providing a high-quality and sophisticated education.
" I attended the Aesthetics Institute in their Masters Esthetics Program this past November. I graduated in February 2023, and by March 2023, I had opened my own business as an independent contractor. The Aesthetics Institute set me up for not nothing short of success. The Institute and its instructors taught me so much, and I’m forever grateful for the amount of passion they have for this industry and the hard work they put into me and helping me be successful. My experience was incredible! I highly recommend going to this school!!"
Averie Hough
Masters Esthetics 2023
Masters Esthetics 2023
" I attended the Aesthetics Institute in their Masters Esthetics Program this past November. I graduated in February 2023, and by March 2023, I had opened my own business as an independent contractor.
The Aesthetics Institute set me up for not nothing short of success. The Institute and its instructors taught me so much, and I’m forever grateful for the amount of passion they have for this industry and the hard work they put into me and helping me be successful.
My experience was incredible! I highly recommend going to this school!!"
Averie Hough
Masters Esthetics 2023
Masters Esthetics 2023
Keep reading to learn more about the esthetics industry and whether it fits your professional goals.
Esthetics services can include something as simple as performing facials to improve the appearance of the skin or waxing to remove unwanted hair on the body, to something as complex as using a laser to target specific lesions on the skin to remove them.
We love this industry because it allows us to provide a service we believe in and feel passionate about.
Once a licensed esthetician, various opportunities for work within the esthetics industry suit many interests and passions.
Whether you’re interested in owning your own salon or spa, working under a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, performing facials or advanced services such as laser, or even working as a representative for your favorite product line or manufacturer, there is something for everyone.
" AAs a student: Amazing staff, incredible curriculum, and endless support after graduating! As a client: I can trust in services knowing how well their students are taught and have to practice before taking clients. Services from students are equally relaxing as they are result driven!"
Peyton Tunstall
Masters Esthetics 2019
Masters Esthetics 2019
" As a student: Amazing staff, incredible curriculum, and endless support after graduating!
As a client: I can trust in services knowing how well their students are taught and have to practice before taking clients. Services from students are equally relaxing as they are result driven!"
Peyton Tunstall
Masters Esthetics 2019
Masters Esthetics 2019
Another thing to consider is that most jobs in this industry are somewhat physically demanding.
While this is not an industry we tend to think of as “manual labor,” there are still some aspects to consider when it comes to limiting the amount of stress you put on your body.
When working as a brand representative, it can mean flying around the country to present to different spas and medical offices or as an esthetician taking clients and being on your feet for a good amount of the day.
Here at the Aesthetics Institute, we stress the importance of ergonomics, which will keep you in this career as long as possible.
Lastly, sanitation is one of the most essential aspects when considering an esthetics career. This fact can be surprising to someone who has not worked in the cosmetology industry before, but cleaning is one of your most important jobs when working as an esthetician.
We are held to a high standard regarding cleanliness- this means every little thing being disinfected after each client, sweeping and mopping throughout the day, and keeping up with more laundry than you ever thought possible!
With all of these things considered, if you are interested in the science behind how the skin works, how to treat different skin conditions, or you’re just really interested in helping people feel good about themselves, esthetics may just be the right career choice for you!