Ever wondered “what does an esthetician really do?” Beyond the spa robes and relaxing music, there’s a whole world of science, skill, and personalized care behind that license.
This article breaks down what estheticians actually do, the services they provide, the skills they master and a few surprises that might change the way you see skincare forever.
What is an esthetician?
An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who specializes in cosmetic, non-invasive treatments for the face and body. Their job is to cleanse, restore, and enhance the skin, without using medication, injections, or surgery. Think facials, peels, exfoliation, and everything that makes your skin healthier and more radiant.
At ALETI Permanent Makeup, we like to say estheticians are part artist, part therapist, and part skin scientist. Their work combines anatomy, product chemistry, and aesthetics to help clients feel confident in their own skin.
Core services you can expect
While each esthetician will offer a slightly different menu depending on their training and licensing, here are some of the most common and in-demand services:
Facials
From basic deep-cleansing facials to hydrating treatments for dry or mature skin, facials are tailored to your skin type and concerns.
Chemical peels
These involve exfoliating acids (like AHA or BHA) that treat discoloration, dullness, and texture issues. They vary in strength and must be applied by a trained hand.
Dermaplaning & microdermabrasion
Gentle exfoliating methods that remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz, leaving your skin smooth and glowing.
Waxing & hair removal
Estheticians are trained to remove unwanted facial and body hair with minimal discomfort and maximum hygiene.
Lash & brow treatments
Many estheticians also specialize in brow design, tinting, shaping, and lash lifts, helping frame your face with precision.
Surprising things estheticians also do
Estheticians are often mistaken for being “just facialists,” but they’re capable of much more than that:
- Skin analysis & education: they’ll analyze your skin, identify issues, and build a customized routine you can actually stick to.
- Pre/post-procedure support: some work in clinics assisting patients before or after dermatological or cosmetic treatments.
- Advanced services: with proper certification, some offer microneedling, LED therapy, or even work with medical-grade equipment.
- Emotional wellness: ask any loyal client, esthetic appointments are often therapeutic. Clients open up, relax, and reconnect with their confidence.
Skills that go beyond skincare
Becoming a great esthetician requires more than knowing how to apply a mask. Here’s what they’re trained to do:
- Understand skin biology and how it changes with age, weather, and hormones.
- Recommend effective product combinations and spot ingredients that may cause irritation.
- Practice aseptic techniques to avoid cross-contamination and skin infections.
- Stay up to date with skin-safe innovations, new treatments, and changing regulations.
At ALETI Permanent Makeup, our estheticians are also artists and designers, especially when it comes to brows and lips. Every face is a unique canvas, and we treat it as such.
What estheticians don’t do
It’s important to understand what falls outside of their scope. Estheticians are not medical professionals, so they cannot:
- Diagnose or treat skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.
- Prescribe medications or perform injections (like Botox or fillers).
- Perform deep chemical peels or laser treatments unless licensed specifically.
That’s why working with a licensed and transparent esthetician matters, they’ll refer you to a dermatologist if needed, and always work within ethical, safe boundaries.
Where do estheticians work?
They can be found in a variety of professional settings:
- Skincare clinics and spas.
- Dermatology or cosmetic surgery offices.
- Wellness resorts, medspas, or cruise ships.
- Boutique studios like ALETI Permanent Makeup, where esthetics meets artistry.
Some estheticians specialize in permanent makeup (PMU), lash extensions, or brow design, while others focus on facial treatments or medical aesthetics. The opportunities are diverse and ever-expanding.
Why it matters to choose the right one
Your skin is your largest organ, and one of your most visible. Trusting someone with it isn’t just a beauty choice, it’s a health and confidence choice.
A good esthetician will:
- Offer personalized care, not one-size-fits-all treatments.
- Educate you instead of selling to you.
- Maintain strict hygiene and legal compliance.
- Prioritize comfort and communication.
At ALETI Permanent Makeup, our mission is to give clients results that are natural, safe, and empowering, whether it’s through brows, lips, facials, or advanced skin techniques.
More than meets the eye
Behind every great esthetician is a mix of science, creativity, and heart. They don’t just clear pores or tint lashes, they help clients reclaim their confidence, one appointment at a time.
So the next time you walk into a studio like Aleti, know that you’re in the hands of someone who studied, practiced, and perfected the art of bringing your natural beauty forward.
Want to see what a skilled esthetician can do for you?
From brows and lips to facials and PMU, ALETI Permanent Makeup offers advanced, customized skincare and permanent makeup solutions tailored to your needs.
Find the treatment that fits your skin, your style, and your moment.