Have you noticed how big a difference clear, healthy, glowing skin makes in helping you look your best? Do you want a job where you have the satisfaction of helping people feel good about themselves? Becoming a skin care therapist or esthetician just might be the career for you! Not sure? Read on for a primer on an essential topic for skin care therapists: skin anatomy.

What You Need to Know About Skin Anatomy for Esthetician Jobs

To work as a skin care therapist or esthetician, you’ll need a strong working knowledge of skin anatomy. While you won’t be treating skin disorders the way a medical professional specializing in dermatology does, you’ll still need to understand the structure and function of the skin in order to improve health and appearance of your clients’ skin and make sure that you can carry out common esthetics services properly.

The skin is the human body’s largest organ. It performs several functions, including temperature regulation and (in conjunction with the nervous system) providing your sense of touch. Proper skin care can help prevent or alleviate acne, skin cancer, and wrinkles.

There are three layers of skins to remember, as follows:

• Epidermis, the top layer, protects the sublayers of the skin and produces new skin cells (up to 40,000 a day). It also determines skin color or pigmentation.
• Dermis, the middle layer, contains pain nerves, holds collagen and elastin, and produces sweat. It also produces essential oils that keep your skin soft and supple. Blood vessels here deliver nutrients to the top layer of skin.
• Hypodermis, the bottom or fatty layer, regulates your body temperature. It also has connective tissues that hold together your skin, muscles, and bones.

You’ll learn much more about the parts of the skin at esthetician school, but it’s good to start with a basic understanding.

Esthetician School Helps You Become a Skin Care Professional

As an esthetician, you’ll consult with clients and learn about their skin concerns. You’ll then determine the right treatment for each individual. Common treatments include chemical peels, facials, and hair removal using a laser or wax. Clients will also look to you for lifestyle advice such as product recommendations to maintain healthy, beautiful skin. Additionally, you’ll learn how to maintain a clean work area for optimal hygiene and sanitation.

To become an esthetician, you’ll following three basic steps:

• Education: Enroll in a state-approved esthetics program, such as the Health and Style Institute skin care therapy program. It takes less than a year to finish most programs. 
• Licensing: You’ll have to pass a state licensing exam to become a certified esthetician. If you have any questions on the requirements, our staff at Health and Style Institute will be glad to provide an overview.
• Continuing Education: You’ll need continuing education credits to keep your license. Typically, you can meet these by attending workshops and courses based on your area of expertise. 

Start Your Skin Care Therapy Journey with Health and Style Institute

A career in skin care therapy and esthetics can potentially be lucrative and fulfilling. To succeed, you’ll need to start with a high-quality training program. The skin care therapy program at Health and Style Institute goes beyond basics by teaching students the fundamentals of skin care, facials, facial massage, hair removal, spa body basics, business aspects, product knowledge, and effective retailing. Contact us today to find out more!