How The Strong Inventory Relates to a Career as a Skincare Specialist

For thousands of individuals, the Strong Interest Inventory (SII) Assessment has been a valuable tool in finding a career that best fits their interests as well as personal and work preferences.  The Strong Interest Inventory assessment consists of a series of questions that allow respondents to evaluate their level of interest in various activities, such as analyzing data, helping others, or creating products or artform. The results are then utilized to create a personalized report that emphasizes the person’s interests and makes suggestions for possible career pathways that would be the best fit based on their interests. The language of the Strong Interest Inventory assessment uses six different themes, one of which is the Enterprising Theme Code. Individuals who score in Enterprising Theme are verbally facile in persuading and selling. These are the people who enjoy managing people and projects. Skincare Specialists belong to Enterprising Theme because they are responsible for managing their business, including marketing, appointment scheduling, and inventory management. Moreover, they need to build a loyal clientele by inspiring and persuading customers to try new goods and services.

Strong Interest Inventory® (SII) Enterprising Theme Code Skincare Specialist Career

Learn all about a career as a Skincare Specialist, including career stats such as median salary, daily tasks, employment growth, and more!

What Does a Skincare Specialist Do?

A skincare specialist, commonly referred to as an esthetician, is a person in the beauty industry who focuses on skin care. Working as a skincare specialist involves providing various skin care treatments to clients. This can include facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other procedures. A skincare specialist must have a thorough understanding of the skin and be able to identify and treat various skin conditions. They must also be able to recommend the appropriate products and treatments for each client based on their needs and skin type. Communication skills are also important in this role, as skincare specialists must be able to discuss skin care concerns and educate clients on how to care for their skin at home. In addition to providing treatments, skincare specialists may also be responsible for maintaining a clean and hygienic treatment room, stocking supplies, and keeping accurate records of client treatments. They must be able to sell the benefits of different skin care products and treatments and communicate effectively with clients to understand their skin care needs and concerns. They must also be able to take charge of their clients’ skincare journeys and recommend the best course of action.

A Skincare Specialist’s Day-to-Day Tasks and Tools

Skincare specialists have a variety of tasks related to the care and treatment of their client’s skin. Initially, they provide consultation for their clients to assess their concerns and goals and to create a unique treatment plan that can address their client’s needs and problems. Skincare specialist provides an in-depth analysis of their client’s skin type and condition and provides recommendations. Additionally, they will provide follow-up and touch base on their client’s progress and conditions.

As stated by The Department of Labor, The Following Work Tasks are Most Often Completed by Skincare Specialists:

  • Manage facilities or work areas.
  • Sanitize tools or equipment.
  • Apply cleansing or conditioning agents to the customers’ hair, scalp, or skin.
  • Evaluate skin or hair conditions.
  • Give medical or cosmetic advice to clients.
  • Display activity techniques or equipment use.
  • Educate health or hygiene practices.
  • Uphold professional knowledge or certifications.
  • Administer therapeutic massages.
  • Keep client information or service records.
  • Connect with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
  • Sell products or services.
  • Apply solutions to hair for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes.

(Retrieved from O’netOnline.org. Skincare Specialist Career. Career Code: 39-5094.00. Detailed Work Activities)

Core Activities for Skincare Specialists

  • Disinfect equipment and clean work areas.
  • Examine clients’ skin, using magnifying lamps or visors, when necessary, to evaluate skin condition and appearance.
  • Cleanse clients’ skin with water, creams, or lotions.
  • Demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly and recommend skin-care regimens.
  • Select and apply cosmetic products, such as creams, lotions, and tonics
  • Perform simple extractions to remove blackheads.
  • Stay abreast of latest industry trends, products, research, and treatments.
  • Determine which products or colors will improve clients’ skin quality and appearance.
  • Treat the facial skin to maintain and improve its appearance using specialized techniques and products, such as peels and masks.
  • Refer clients to medical personnel for treatment of serious skin problems.
  • Remove body and facial hair by applying wax.
  • Provide facial and body massages.
  • Keep records of client needs and preferences and the services provided.
  • Apply chemical peels to reduce fine lines and age spots.
  • Advise clients about colors and types of makeup and instruct them in makeup application techniques.
  • Collaborate with plastic surgeons and dermatologists to provide patients with preoperative and postoperative skin care.
  • Sell makeup to clients.
  • Tint eyelashes and eyebrows.

(Retrieved from O’netOnline.org. Skincare Specialist Career. Career Code: 39-5094.00. Tasks)

Skincare specialists work with a range of tools and equipment to provide their clients with personalized skincare treatments. This may include things like facial steamers, high-frequency machines, hot towel cabinets, and other tools for cleansing, exfoliating, and massaging the skin. In addition to these physical tools, skincare specialists also use various skincare products and ingredients, such as creams, serums, and masks, to address different skin concerns and provide nourishing and rejuvenating treatments. They may also use specialized software or mobile apps to manage their appointment schedule, keep track of client information, and monitor the results of their treatments. 

Experience and Education

In order to work as a skincare specialist, a person needs to have a solid education and training in skincare techniques, anatomy and physiology, as well as the science behind skin and skincare products. There are various educational paths available to those interested in this field, including cosmetology programs, esthetician programs, and dermatology assistant programs. The length of the program can range from several months to over a year, depending on the specific program and level of certification desired.

To specialize in skincare, specialists may need to receive additional education and training. This education may include courses in anatomy, skin analysis, facials, waxing, and makeup application, as well as product knowledge and business management. Some specialties, such as esthetics or dermatology, may require a certification or license. In these cases, individuals must complete a program approved by the state and pass an exam.

 Salary and Wages

The salary of a skincare specialist can vary depending on several factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. On average, skincare specialists earn a median hourly wage of $15.71 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some skincare specialists work in high-end spas or salons, which can pay higher wages, while others may work in department stores or other retail establishments. Additionally, some skincare specialists may work as independent contractors or freelancers, which can offer more flexibility in terms of salary and hours. To increase their salary, skincare specialists may choose to specialize in a particular area, such as medical skincare or cosmetic procedures. Additionally, they can work to build a strong reputation and client base, which can increase their earnings over time.

Below are some employment trends for Skincare Specialists:

  • Median Salary:     $17.93 hourly, $37,300 annually
  • Employment:     80,500 employees
  • Projected growth (2021-2031): Much faster than average (11% or higher)
  • Projected job openings (2021-2031):     13,500
[Information retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections]

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References

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections Onetonline.org