What makes a great aesthetician?

Mar 16 Written By Lisa Giamarino

In case you’re wondering…yes, I am a great aesthetician, and I want everyone reading this who is considering any kind of skin care service to know how to find one.  I have had countless facials in my life and I have compiled a list of traits that I have found to be common in the best.  I also want to mention that just because they charge a lot does not make them great, and just because they are influencers and/or treat celebrities, they are not necessarily great.  That being said – there are some really great esthies out there.

Trait #1:  They take a comprehensive intake when they first meet you.

This is so important. When I meet a client for the first time, I want to know what their skin history is, what products they are using, when the last dermatological exam was (that’s just scratching the surface).  I want to know all the medications they’re on, how long they’ve been on them and inform them of any that may compromise their skin with light exposure.

Trait #2:  They know a lot about skin and products.  

So many times, I have visited a fancy schmancy spa, gotten a facial, and the esthetician doesn’t know what ingredients are in the products they’re using or recommending. Some estheticians do, but don’t know what they do. Our industry is full of information (some correct and some not).  We are basically chemists who don’t have a PhD.

Trait #3:  They teach you a lot.

Not only do I want my client to be informed about ingredients and what they do, but why they work.  I want them to know everything.  I coach the through the entire facial process – why I’m doing what I’m doing and why I’m using what I’m using.

Trait #4:  They’ve taken a lot of continued-education.

Like with any profession, the more you learn, the more you know.  Practicing different treatments, techniques and learning about the science of skin is vitally important.

Trait #5:  They properly explain your home care routine.

This is imperative. I tell each of my clients that what they do at home is even more important than what I do.  Their home routine is what makes them see consistent results.  They have to know how to properly cleanse, apply products, and know when something is or isn’t working.

Your skin is your largest organ and is viewed by everyone. So for all of you looking for a good facial – you should be interviewing your esthetician making sure they are the right person to trust with your skin.