Esthetics: History and Opportunities

Cosmetic Buyer

• Cosmetic buyers source and select skincare and beauty products for spas, salons, or retail outlets.
• They ensure the offerings align with current trends and client demands.
• They analyze market data, negotiate with vendors, and evaluate product performance to make informed purchasing decisions that support the business's goals.
• Cosmetic buyers stay updated on emerging trends, sustainable practices, and innovative products in order to curate appealing and effective product lines.

State Regulatory Board Member | State Inspector

• State board members are estheticians who shape the laws and regulations related to esthetic services and products.
• State examiners are estheticians who make sure that those laws are being implemented and upheld by facilities and businesses that provide esthetic services.
• They may inspect facilities and monitor consumer/client feedback on a specific facility or business.

Product Developers

• Product developers are innovators who drive the creation of cutting-edge products and services that advance the industry.
• They possess a strong understanding of esthetics, including its biological and chemical aspects, enabling them to design effective and innovative skincare and beauty solutions.
• Work often involves research, testing, and collaboration to ensure that new products meet industry standards and cater to evolving consumer needs.

Holistic Skincare Practitioner

• Often start with a comprehensive assessment of the client’s overall health, lifestyle, diet, and emotional wellbeing.
• Incorporate or suggest stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises may also be part of their approach.
• Typically use or recommend products that are natural and organic.
• Often use herbal remedies, essential oils, and alternative therapies such as aromatherapy or acupuncture to promote and support skin health.
• May collaborate with nutritionists, naturopaths, or other holistic health practitioners to provide a comprehensive approach to skincare and health.

Oncology Esthetics

• An advanced field of study within esthetics that focuses on the effects cancer treatments have on the skin.
• Enables the provider to be able to administer safe skin care treatments by making modifications to techniques and ingredients.
• Specifically trained in oncology esthetics, whereas others learn about oncology esthetics in a holistic way.

Cosmetic Artist

• Have versatile careers, working in a variety of settings such as resorts, spas, or on location for brands, events, or agencies.
• Often recommend skincare products and services tailored to clients’ needs, such as moisturizing foundations for dry skin or cruelty-free makeup options.

Educator

• Play a vital role in shaping the future of esthetics by teaching and mentoring students in esthetics training programs.
• Often serve as subject matter experts, offering insights on specialized topics, advancements in technology, emerging industry trends, and latest consumer preferences, ensuring students are well-prepared for a competitive field.

Marketing Professional

• May be manufacturer or product representatives, and may promote certain products or services to consumers.
• Manufacturers and producers often feel comfortable having these estheticians promote their products, as they can address consumer questions and concerns.

Writer and/or Editor

• Can specialize in diverse areas, including technical writing, which involves creating detailed manuals, guides, or industry-specific content.
• Technical writers produce content that delves deep into a specific technology or product, and how to use that product or service.
• Copywriters may write esthetic-related content for spaces such as websites, blogs, newspapers, and magazines.

Wellness Centers

• Wellness centers are spas that are medically focused.
• Within the wellness center, primary estheticians may be oncology estheticians.
• Oncology refers to the study of cancer.
• Oncology estheticians tend to be trained in skin care practices that can aid patients during cancer treatments to include radiation, chemotherapy, and other cancer therapies that can have a harsh effect on the skin.
• Wellness centers may also focus on other health-related skin care practices.

Spa Esthetician

• Within spas, estheticians may be owners, managers, or employees.
• They may provide services such as hair removal, exfoliation treatments, and skin rejuvenation services.
• May also engage in marketing and administration.

Clinical Aesthetics

• Clinical aesthetics is an area of esthetics that incorporates procedures associated with plastic surgery and dermatology.
• Licensed estheticians cannot diagnose or treat medically related skin conditions, they can work in-tandem with a senior medical professional like a physician or doctor.
• An esthetician will cover areas that are not medically-related, whereas the medical professional completes the invasive procedures such as surgery.
• A clinical esthetician may provide marketing services, educating clients about services and procedures, or promoting products.

Estheticians in Spas

• Estheticians in salons or day spas tend to have less at stake since the demarcation between what an esthetician can do vs. a medical professional is more obvious.
• Offer less invasive services such as peels, application of cosmetics, and traditional hair removal practices such as threading and waxing.
• These spas may be associated with a franchise, independently owned, or housed in places like retirement centers or resorts.
• Most of these spas may also be full-service spas.

Spas Associated With A Franchise

• With franchise spas, an esthetician can gain greater recognition and visibility.
• Spas within a franchise seamlessly integrate with the franchise, sharing branding elements and an expanded range of services.
• An esthetician may choose to be a part of a franchise because a spa’s association with a well-known brand or franchise heightens the potential of attracting more clients as the franchise has often established itself as reliable and provides high-quality services.
• A downside to being associated with a franchise spa is that the owner or manager of an individual location lacks extensive influence over their establishment, instead the franchise might oversee various elements of the spa, including the range of services and marketing strategies.

Autonomous Spas

• On the flip side, an esthetician who owns and operates their own spa has influence over the self-owned spa’s branding, scope of service, and other aspects of the business.
• A disadvantage to operating an independent spa is having to build the client-provider relationship and having less public exposure and clout compared to a franchise.
• These independently-owned spas can be more flexible since the owner has a greater say.

Spas Housed in Resorts or Vacation Spots

• Resort or destination spas tend to be more streamlined because they are part of a resort or vacation area.
• The esthetician won’t have the same clients returning for services.
• Estheticians in this type of spa setting often work in locations such as hotels, resorts, and cruise ships.
• Many professionals in these roles hold prestigious certifications, such as CIDESCO, an internationally recognized credential that represents the highest standard in esthetics and beauty therapy.

Natural and Cruelty-Free Products

• Vegan and vegetarian clients prefer vegan-friendly products.
• Cruelty-Free products are those that are not tested on animals.
• Gluten is often found in grains like wheat.
• Consumers focus on anti-aging, ingredients containing antioxidants and assisting with collagen production and protection are crucial.

Technology and Consumers

• As consumers pursue less invasive services, technology is a key tool that will be continually advanced and refined.
• Less invasive services as peels and injectables will continue to grow in popularity.
• Laser technologies and other light therapies will also be continually refined.
• According to the Plastic Surgery Statistic Report of 2020, five of the most popular esthetic services are Botox, Soft tissue filler, Chemical peels, Laser skin resurfacing and Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment.
• Other popular treatments mentioned in the report include cellulite treatment, laser hair removal, and laser tattoo removal.

Career Options in Esthetics

• Estheticians should consider the different career options that are available to them.
• Esthetics offers a myriad of career paths for those who are dedicated to promoting health and beauty providing skin treatments and make-up application, to specialists in laser treatments and advanced facial services.
• The aesthetics industry is continually evolving with technological advancements and holistic practices.

Common Esthetic Workplaces

• Spas/medical spas or skin care clinics.
• These business types typically offer a wide range of treatments and services while allowing for more advanced technology and growth.

Generational Differences in Attitudes Towards the Use of Esthetics

• Understanding consumers and their needs requires recognizing the unique attitudes and behaviors of different generations toward esthetics.
• Each generation shares common traits that influence their perspectives on life and consumer habits.
• Identifying and understanding these age groups, estheticians can tailor their goals and services to effectively meet the needs of each demographic.

Baby Boomers

• Baby Boomers are individuals who were born between the years 1946 to 1964.
• In 2019, Boomers made up the second largest generational group with a population of 71.6 million.
• Baby boomers tend to favor the use of procedures that help with wrinkles, abdominal fat, and loose skin.

Gen X

• Generation X are those born between the periods of 1965 to 1980.
• There were 65.2 million and are supposed to surpass Boomers in the next few years.
• Gen X are an important group to continue marketing to.

“Millennials”

• Millennials (Generation Y) are born between the years 1981 to 1996.
• In 2019, they were the largest demographic group, with a population of 72.1 million.
• This group has led a shift in view of esthetics because of their focus on anti-aging through the lens of wellness.
• Millennials are more likely to pursue esthetics services and products at a younger age than previous generations.

Gen Z

• Generation Z are individuals born between 1997 to 2012.
• This population was born with technology as second-nature and tend to have greater exposure to social media influencers, marketing, filters, and technology.
• They can be influential on how they feel about their appearance.
• Like Millennials, they prefer wellness with esthetic procedures and products.
• Estheticians have seen a greater increase of their clients from this demographic.

Medieval Esthetic Practices

• Pale skin was considered a sign of beauty due to its association with the powerful.
• Many cosmetics focused on lightening the skin and most foundations were intended to create a more pale appearance.
• The emphasis on pale skin also led to the desire for “rosy” cheeks, which were achieved through cosmetics that were similar to blush.
• Bathing, unlike in other cultures, was also not a daily ritual in medieval times.

Renaissance Esthetic Practices

• The Renaissance period also favored pale skin and rouge makeup.
• However, with the Renaissance period came the emphasis on lighter and thin or no eyebrows.
• blonde hair was also in-fashion, leading some women to lighten their hair.
• Common substances used in cosmetics during this time included cinnabar and lead, creating a pale complexion.

Counterculture: Combating Simplicity with the Queen, Marie Antoinette

• Given the Medieval and Renaissance’s focus on simplicity and minimalism, the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette was seen as countercultural.
• Ruled from 1755 to 1793 and was known for lavish esthetic practices.
• Some of the esthetic practices of that time included using lactic acid in the form of milk products, wearing brighter makeup (not just soft reddish-makeup), and bathing in scented water using elements such as flowers.

Back to Simplicity with the Victorian Period

• With the Victorian era came a focus back on religious attitudes that emphasized simplicity and associated enhancing appearance with pride and arrogance.
• During Victorian times, obvious cosmetics were disliked.
• During this period, beauty standards prioritized clear skin and softly tinted red lips and cheeks.
• The focus on achieving a “natural” appearance gave rise to esthetic practices aimed at subtly concealing enhancements, particularly through the discreet use of cosmetics.

Changing Cultural Attitudes

• The constant shift to a “natural” vs. enhanced appearance has continued to shape esthetics and the use of esthetic products, services, and treatments.
• Social media influencers are individuals or groups who are seen as experts in different fields or aspects of life.

Shea Butter and Clay: African Esthetic Practices

• African esthetic practices centered around using natural substances.
• Shea butter is often used in various cosmetics from hair to skin products.
• It is known for being moisturizing, having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as providing some UV protection.
• Argan oil, which originates from Morocco, is often used to protect skin, and is valued for its anti-aging effects.
• Red-hued paste of butterfat and ochre used by Himba women of Namibia for protection of the sun to maintain skin and hair health and represent beauty.
• African communities used kohl made from crushed minerals around the eyes for beautification and protection from the harsh sun, while natural dyes and pigments were applied to the lips for color to indicate status, age, and wealth along with significant hairstyles and body adornments.
• The use of cosmetics in African history goes far beyond mere beautification.
• These practices often carried cultural, medicinal, spiritual, and social significance and varied among the African communities.

Face Masks Using Natural Substances: Asian Esthetic Practices

• Ancient Asian practices included face masks made from natural substances.
• For example, in ancient China, face masks were made of extracts from ginseng, green tea, mint leaves and mashed plums.
• Turmeric has anti-aging properties and helps with skin pigmentation.
• Esthetic practices in Japan have long included innovative techniques such as aburatorigami, a specialized type of blotting paper used to absorb excess oil from the face, and threading, which originated in Asia.

North Africa: Ancient Egyptian Esthetic Values and Practices

• Egyptians believed that an individual’s esthetics shaped their experiences in life and death.
• Cosmetic practices such as the use of makeup on the eyes, had a significant role in ancient Egyptian spirituality.
• Egyptians also produced various anti-aging products and used cream as sunscreen.
• Cleopatra used milk baths that were believed to help her skin stay soft and radiant.
• Egyptians along with South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures are associated with the use of henna, a temporary, commonly reddish dye used to stain the hair and various body parts.

All About the Oils: Greek and Roman Esthetic Practices

• Ancient Greek cultures often portrayed beauty through sculptures.
• Ancient Greek culture saw olive oil as healing and nourishing, and was often associated with athletes, the wealthy, and powerful.
• Roman bathhouses served purposes similar to today’s spas, offering spaces where professionals applied creams, oils, and other beauty products to guests.

Ancient Esthetic Practices From the Americas

• In the Americas, native cultures such as the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans associated esthetic practices with different social statuses.
• Powerful Incas used Inca baths, a bath focused on hot springs and mineral waters, which are similar to modern spas.
• Another practice associated with indigenous peoples of the Americas is mud baths that contain magnesium and sulfur.

Esthetics: A Field Full of History and Growth Opportunities

• “Esthetics” relates to the concept of “perception through the senses”
• In philosophy, “esthetics” refers to the study of beauty, art, and taste.
• “Estheticians” refers to an expert in cleansing, enhancing, and maintaining the skin’s overall health across the entire body, encompassing the face and neck.

Why is Esthetic History Important?

• Trace the history of esthetics and how that history relates to the present.
• Follow Growth and Methods in esthetics.
• Recognize the different professions related to esthetics that estheticians can pursue.

Esthetic Growth Opportunities

• Important to know that the more knowledge an esthetician has of the profession, the more that they can become aware of opportunities available to them.
• Estheticians cannot diagnose or treat medically-related skin conditions, even if they can detect them in clients.
• The exception to this is if an esthetician is also a senior licensed medical professional (e.g. Physician Assistant (PA), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Dermatologist or other Medical Doctor).

The History of Esthetics

• Cultures from antiquity had various practices associated with: Exfoliation and dermabrasion by using natural substances such as salts, acids, and extracts from plants and animals, Body art and piercing such as tattoos and cosmetics and Various esthetic treatments to rejuvenate and enhance skin.