I am a licensed esthetician living in the Chicago area who has been passionate about skin care for almost 20 years. As a teenager I suffered from terrible acne which was ”cured” with of a dose of Accutane, but nevertheless I remained obsessed with my skin. I was constantly searching for information about how to properly care for my skin until finally I decided that the best thing for me to do was to become an esthetician so I could be my own skincare expert.
Before I became an esthetician I studied Art History, eventually earning both a BA and an MA in the subject. One thing I did repeatedly during both my graduate and undergraduate studies was write research papers. I plan to apply those research skills to writing this blog. I promise to research each blog topic to the best of my ability, to cite my sources, and to be as objective as possible about my topics. I’ve found that many skincare blogs publish half-truths or even misleading or misinformation about skincare. I plan on making this blog different. I am always trying to learn all that I can about skin care and skin care products. Currently I work for a plastic surgeon in the northern suburbs of Chicago. I want to be able to give my clients (and blog readers) the best help and advice that I can as it pertains to skin care, and I hope that this blog will reflect that goal.
I started this blog to address skin care topics that were of interest to me. As such I hope that my blog will help everyone who reads it achieve the great skin that they deserve to have.
Everyone should love their skin!
Please note that I have no affiliation whatsoever with the companies or the products mentioned in my blog and receive no financial compensation for mentioning them.
The website of the plastic surgeon I work for: Elysa Fisher Women’s Lifecenter.
I’m a relatively new reader, also an esthetician, and really appreciate the time and research you put into each entry. I’ve had mild acne from adolescence up to adulthood. When I was looking for a solution to my blemished skin, my friend referred me to acne.org, which has worked very well for me. Acne.org might be the way I discovered your blog. Now that my blemishes have practically disappeared, I can focus on more important concerns, such as undereye circles and anti-aging. You bet I will be forwarding your under circles entry to my mom, who claims that I have dark circles due to staying up late at night. Anyways, keep up the good work!
What is the best way to get rid of blackheads on the nose?
Blackheads on your nose are really difficult to get rid of forever. You need to exfoliate on a regular basis. Try a product with salicylic acid in it since salicylic acid is oil soluble. If you want to gently squeeze your blackheads out on your own be sure to wrap your fingers in tissues before doing that. Be sure to squeeze gently, and I suggest doing the extractions right after you get out of the shower. A good salicylic acid product to try is one of Paula Begoun’s BHA lotions or gels. Dermaquest has a good product too with salicylic acid called Rejuvederm.
Hi,
I just discovered this website because I’m researching how to become a esthetician. I would like to know can you become an esthetician and have another profession, like being a speech therapist?
In order to become an esthetician you need to go to school for the required number of hours in your state. Be sure that the school you choose to attend is a state approved school for esthetics. After you complete your studies you’ll need to take your state’s licensing exam before you can work as an esthetician. If you want to combine your work as an esthetician with another profession than you might find it best to work for yourself instead of working for a spa. But it isn’t hard to find part-time work in a spa so then you should still have enough time to work in your other profession and work as an esthetician. I hope this answers your questions. Good luck!
I really want to thank you for the wonderful information this site has to offer. You really research and explain everything very, very well indeed. I also appreciate the links to your sources, they are also very helpful to me. I have been an esthetician for 2 years and I have to be honest with you, I wish my instructor in esthetic school had been half as informed as you are. I have certainly learned much more about the formation of acne from reading and researching (and this site) than I ever did in school. Thank you for helping me feel much more prepared to help my clients.
Thanks so much for the positive feedback! It is really very much appreciated! If there is any esthetic issue that you would like me to discuss in my blog please just let me know.
I left a reply on a previous post, but just wanted to add again here that your content is really great (and I’ve been scouring for a month online). Please keep it up!
I’ve really enjoyed your very informative blogs as well ~ thank you! I had a lifetime of horrible skin and it wasn’t until I really paid attention to ingredients that things started to change. I didn’t realize back then that whatever I put on my skin gets absorbed into my bloodstream and organs and if I wanted to look and feel my best, I had to choose ingredients that were healthy, natural ingredients. I stumbled upon L’Bri Pure n’ Natural Skin care products and they made such a difference, as I have the gorgeous skin that I once only dreamed of. In addition to organically grown aloe vera, the products contain vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals. No synthetic oils, no pore clogging waxes, no artificial colors or scents, no parabens and no sodium laurel sulfate. I just want to tell everybody about this skin care line. Check out my website at suenelson.lbri.com and I’d love your professional opinion on what you think.
Good Website! I wanted to ask if I could quote a portion of your web page and use a few points for a school assignment. Please let me know through email whether or not that would be fine. Thanks
I enjoyed reading your book reviews. Is there a good book for educating myself on skin care products, ingredients, etc. I like your scientific approach and want to be able to learn as much as possible as I’m aging and want to make the most of my skin. Thanks much!
Glad you enjoyed reading my blog! I would suggest reading Dr. Ellen Marmur’s book “Simple Skin Beauty”. If that book doesn’t answer all your questions I can suggest some more.
I read the article Stop Doing Those Facial Exercies! Give Yourself a Facial Massage Instead and want you to know that I would love to give you a primer on Facial Magic facial exercise. While facial yoga and other modalities offer facial exercise, I agree with Paula, they are nothing but twists, puckers, contortions and squishes. Facial Magic is different and not only can my face prove the difference (I have before photos taken 20 years ago when I first learned of this process) there are many, many other users who have benefitted from this program of facial rehabilitation. I am so adament that Facial Magic works I would be willing to test it against your facial massage and see what the results are in 12 weeks. Are you interested?
Hi,
Is there a way you can do a review about lavender in products as well as Dermalogica products? I am considering Dermalogica but Paula Begoun doesn’t seem to like their products but she isn’t an esthetician and she rates all her products as great. I find it a little difficult to trust her information since she feels her products are a great solution only. How do you feel about their active toner, daily Microfoliant, pre cleanse, special gel cleanser, SPF wipes, conditioning body wash, and their body Hydrating cream? Please reply back. I wrote you before but I never received a response. I really value your opinion and follow your blog whenever new post arrive.
Thanks very much for being such a devoted reader of my blog! I really appreciate it! Thanks also for the post idea about writing about lavender in skincare products. That could be very interesting. I agree with you about Paula Begoun – I also think it is a conflict of interest that she rates her own products so highly in her books and online. I wrote a whole post about Paula Begoun about a year ago and mentioned that myself. As for Dermalogica – I actually like a lot of their products. I use Precleanse, Special cleansing gel, and their lip renewal myself. I think they are all great products. I am less familiar with the other products you mentioned, but if you like them go for it. I think spf wipes are a great idea because it makes reapplying sunscreen so easy. You could probably find both a body wash and cream for less money than the Dermalogica products, but if you like them I say use them. Thanks again for your comment and question!
I have very large pores and have been using Cover Girls TruBlend liquid makeup. I think this is contributing to my pores being clogged. I have tried powder foundation and it looks very cakey on my skin because I need a heavier coverage. Can you recommend a good liquid foundation for me? Thanks!
Hi and thanks for your question. If you have both large pores and oily skin I would actually suggest using a powder foundation that you apply with a fluffy brush. I like GloMinerals. I like pressed powder foundations because they give you a lot of control over how much you apply (you keep building the coverage) and give your skin that “air brushed” look.
If you want to stick to a liquid foundation I suggest looking at <>Paula Begoun’s suggestions.
Also check out my previous post and suggested reading at the bottom for more ideas: Do You Have Porexia?
I hope this helps! If you have more questions please ask. Good luck!
Your website has been so helpful! I really admire your passion for skincare and the amount of time you’ve dedicated to research. I have a professional question, I just finished my esthetics program but I don’t feel I’m quite as informed as I should be. I do study and I have no doubts that I’ll pass my licensing exam but I don’t quite feel like an expert. There’s still several questions that some of my school clients and peers ask me that I don’t know/remember the answer to. Is this normal?
I suppose I’m comparing myself to estheticians who have been in the business for several years and have much more professional experience than I have, I do tend to be a bit of a perfectionist! I guess my question is should a recent graduate already know ‘everything’ or does it take more time, research, and experience?
Anyways, thank you so much for your blog, you’re definitely one of my professional role models : )
Hi! Thanks so much for your comments. They are very appreciated! I am glad that you found my blog helpful. It is totally normal to feel like you do as you are finishing up school; I felt the same way. Once you start working as an esthetician you will gain a lot of knowledge. So much of what we do as estheticians is based on real life experience (dealing with clients, touching their skin, seeing how their skin reacts to different products). Be patient and kind to yourself. You’ve got the right attitude so you’ll go far! In the meantime – keep reading. If you aren’t already start reading Skin Inc. and New Beauty. Also sign up to receive email updates from Paula Begoun and Leslie Baumann. I also really like the blog The Beauty Brains. And lastly, if you have the time I suggest reading Simple Skin Beauty by Dr. Ellen Marmur. It’s a great book filled with so much information! If there is a trade show in your area, like Face and Body, try and go and take some classes if you can afford it. Let me know if you have any more questions. Good luck!
Hi, I have recently purchased a Microderma machine at a tradeshow and paid and I was excited about the machine. I told my clients aobut it and how they are looking forward for me to start working on their microderm treatments. To my disappointment, when the equipment arrived; there are evidence that the machine and the accessories came along with the machine is a demo unit or a refurbish one. For example; the training DVD disc was not label or the case was new; the filter that collecting the crystal and the skin were filled; and the microderm wand had crystal in them, the diamond tips box has dent and dirty, Those are just a few example the condition it came in. I have been emailing back and forth; the company kept telling me everything is new but it isn’t new. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the condition of the equipment. If I sent the equipment back; there is a charge of 25% restocking fee. I had invested in this equipment almost $6ooo. I don’t know what to do. Please advice and help. Nothing about this scream new and smell new to me. The company kept telling me the had the equipment test before shipped out therefore; it has residue. I don’t understand.
Sorry to hear about your troubles. Unfortunately this problem is well outside my area of expertise. I would suggest contacting your local Better Business Bureau or a lawyer or both. Good luck!
Very interesting blog! Tried to find your e-mail with no success. Continue writing and sharing information with us.
Hi there! Love your blog!
I’m about to start training to become an esthetician in the Philadelphia area and I wanted to get some information from someone licensed and in the field of skin care! I just have a couple questions and would appreciate your time to answer them. Here are a few:
1. What should I take advantage of while in training? Are there things you wish you knew then that you know now?
2. What is the reality of starting salaries? I know it’s a personal question and it’s okay to give a vague answer. I want to know where I stand before I jump in!
3. Best and worst parts of being an esthetician?
4. Is it a stressful career to be a part of?
5. Any advice for students? Should I be marketing myself now?
Thanks so much for your time!!
Alyse
Thanks for the compliments on my blog! I appreciate it! I’ll try to answer all your questions:
1. While you are in school take advantage of all the specialized training that you can, discounted classes, and free classes. The more you know the better. Read! You can get a free subscription to Skin Inc. and I recommend doing that. I also like DaySpa magazine, New Beauty, and MedEsthetics. If there are trade shows in your area I would attend those as well. Learn about different product brands. Join esthetician groups on Linked In. People really share valuable information with one another on that site.
2. Salaried for estheticians vary by region and by place of employment so it is really, really hard to tell you what a starting salary would be. Some estheticians are paid by the hour, some only earn commission. Your school should be able to give you a better idea of what estheticians in your area of the country earn.
3. Best part of being an esthetician for me is helping my clients, the worst part is demanding and difficult clients.
4. Depending of where you work and your personality, of course, some clients can be stressful.
5. Advice for students? See my answer above for your first question. In terms of marketing yourself – it is never too early to think about that but remember that you need a certain amount of expertise before people will trust you. I would start looking at what successful spas in your area are doing in terms of marketing or what estheticians you admire are doing so that you can get marketing ideas.
It is great that you are thinking of all these things already! Good luck!
Just came across your website. Fascinating and informative content.
Keep up the good work.
Darren
London
What do you think about the Rodan + Fields Dermatologists line of products? I just started using them and loved the so much that I started selling them. I would love to hear what you think about them and/or if you have any experience with them!
Thanks for your question. I actually don’t have an experience with these products. And truthfully, I haven’t formed an opinion about the products. I suggest looking at what Paula Begoun has to say about the products on Beautypedia.
I hope this helps!
I am a new esthetician. I’m curious what questions you ask your new clients to help determine their skin type in addition to the visual assessment.
Hi! Thanks for the great question. Before you even examine your client’s skin up close they will have filled out a skincare questionnaire that will help you understand their skin better. The questionnaire will have questions that ask about their overall health, medications, allergies, what products they use on their face, how much time they spend outdoors, etc. etc. The client’s answers will help you get a better handle of their skin. Also keep in mind what the weather is like where you live – is it cold or hot and humid? Is it dry? The weather will play a big role in how client’s skin feels and reacts to the products you will use. I always ask clients if there is something about their skin that I need to know before we begin that isn’t covered by the questions they answered. Each time I see a returning client I ask them if anything has changed with their skin since the last time I saw them, and then I go over what was going on with their skin the last time we met. Keep communication open with your client. I hope I answered your question. Good luck!
Hello! First things first – I LOVE your blog. It is so wonderfully informative. I hope you don’t mind me contacting you, but I am seriously contemplating going to esthetics school and have a few questions. If you would be willing to answer any of them for me, I would greatly appreciate it.
1. What should I expect as my average starting salary?
2. What are the hours typically like?
3. How much does it typically cost to put you through school?
4. What is the job market like?
I’m a teacher and have been one for five years, but am starting to really get burnt out. I enjoy skin care and have really been considering a job as an esthetician as of late. I only make $27k annually right now as a teacher. However, I am hesitant to proceed knowing that I am $70k in debt from college and in a steady job. I’m also hesitant because I am heavily involved in the community theatre scene and would like to continue to be involved. (I usually head to rehearsals around 5:30/6.)
Thank you so much for any help you can give me!
Ashley
Hi Ashley – thanks for your comments and thanks for your support of my blog! I really appreciate it!
I’ll try and answer your questions, but here’s the thing – every state and area is so different from one another. I know the Chicago area job market for estheticians and really can’t comment on what it is like in other areas of the country, but I’ll try to give you a few ideas and tips. Starting salaries can vary – sometimes you are paid by the hour (if you are doing laser) and other times you are paid a percentage of the price of the service you performed (let’s say your commission rate is 40% on services). You can also make money good money from tips if you have clients who tip well (that’s a big if). Hours vary according to where you work, but a lot of places will expect you to work at least one evening a week and one weekend. And you’ll want to work those hours because a lot of people can’t come see you during normal (9 to 5) work hours. I really don’t know how much esthetics school typically costs. Job markets really vary according to where you live.
The ASCP has great resources for people considering becoming estheticians. I would look there for more information. I think they might be able to answer your questions better than me. Another way to reach out to other estheticians is through groups on Linked In meant for estheticians. People are great about sharing information and tips in those groups.
Good luck! Let me know if you have any more questions.