The Making of an Esthetician

Yesterday, my boyfriend and I spent some time at a very well known salon and spa. We enjoyed a couple’s massage to celebrate his birthday, and I decided to enjoy a very expensive facial. I wanted to see how similar their technique was to what we are being taught in school, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that we are being taught extremely well. Always a good feeling. My esthetician was a soft-spoken, very sweet woman who I really enjoyed talking with about the industry and my school. She had me change into my gown and told me to get comfortable on the facial bed. The bed warmer was heated which was so nice. The ones we have at school are not heated, but they work just fine for our purposes. She came back in and dimmed the lights, and I almost instantly closed my eyes and just listened to the calming music. She asked me health questions about medications, health concerns, products I was using at home; all things that we are being taught to go over with our clients. After making sure I wasn’t contraindicated for the procedure, she asked what my concerns were and what kind of results I would like to see. My head and hair was wrapped in a head cloth and she did a quick first cleanse to remove my makeup.

After doing a skin analysis with the magnifying lamp and Wood’s lamp, she recommended the pomegranate facial for me and told me the cost just so I was aware. Her being the more experienced expert out of the two of us, I decided to go with her recommendation. She continued on with the second cleanse, and then an exfoliating mask that tingled in a good way and let the steam go on my face. Heaven! I needed some extractions in the nose and chin area, and she was very quick with the procedure and even though it was painful, I was able to withstand the discomfort. I tried to pay very close attention to how she did this part; as estheticians we are taught to use just our fingers to do this. She made sure to tell me if there was too much pressure or if it was hurting to let her know. Following extractions was a very gentle, soothing massage. I loved the products she used for each step; they all felt like silk and were so smooth on my skin.

I picked up quite a few new techniques for the massage. I liked her consistency and rhythm of the whole thing. Her hand and arm massage was also nice as she made sure to do the same thing on both arms. She did a lot of effleurage, some light tapping on the skin, and also some light pinching movements. My arms were even wrapped in little plastic bags and my hands were put in terry cloth mitts just like we do at school. I always thought the plastic bags were a little strange, but they are even used in professional spas! The part that was most comforting to me was that she used the same exact amount of pressure that I have been using with my school clients, and I always question whether or not I am using enough. It really is all about the holistic aspect and the power of touch more so than the pressure you use.

She kept everything in a very organized sequence and it flowed really nicely. During my second masking, she left the room and said she would let me relax for a bit and she would return shortly. I was wondering if she was going to leave the room at all, because while we are encouraged NOT to at school, sometimes it feels right when there is a product that needs to sit for awhile and you know the client will be OK by themselves for a few minutes. I also noticed that she did not use a lot of hot towels; she did use one to remove my mask and she told me beforehand that she was going to be applying a hot towel, which we are also taught to do in school. Always let the client know what’s coming next so they are prepared. A lot of cool, damp, esthetic wipes were used to remove product from my skin and I thought it was still quite effective. She ended with a serum, some moisturizer and SPF 15.

I was surprised when she told me that she would classify my skin as sensitive, and she pointed out that my cheeks, nose and chin were quite pink after the facial. We talked more about the products I use at home and my skin care regimen. I told her that big concern of mine was the scars that the dermatologist’s extractions had left behind, and I asked her what she thought I should be doing to treat them. I told her the dermatologist told me to give it 3 or 4 more months to let them fade and fill in on their own and to use products with antioxidants and sunscreen and maybe a scar cream to help fade them and even out my skin tone. My esthetician agreed with her and said that microdermabrasion would be too harsh and abrasive for my sensitive skin but MAYBE a light glycolic peel would be good somewhere down the line. She also talked to me about the benefits of using professional skin care products – and she told me that I might be more satisfied with their results over the results of some of the cheaper products I am currently using.

And while I know that this is true, everyone knows how expensive a professional skin care regimen can be. Before she left me to change, she asked if I wanted water or juice which I thought was a really nice complimentary service. We always ask our clients if they would like water before or after their service at school. When I changed and met her in the hallway, she had a product recommendation sheet all ready for me and she also gave me her business card. After having a facial there, they send you downstairs to have complimentary makeup, which I also loved! They told me they would just do eyes and lips since you are supposed to leave your skin makeup free after a facial, but I was going out afterwards, so I allowed the makeup artist to apply some face powder for me as well. She talked to me about good makeup and skin care for me and I also got her card. It was a really good experience overall and I can rest assured that we are getting a good education at our school.