Skin care specialists are trained beauty professionals who specialise in taking care of the skin, both facial and body. They perform a variety of skin-care services including facials, manicures and pedicures, body massages and other full body treatments, waxing (hair removal), blemish control and application of makeup.
Their tasks include the following:
• analyse the customer’s skin-care needs
• discuss treatments and products with clients
• use a magnifying lamp or visor to evaluate skin appearance and condition
• perform facials and massages to cleanse pores and improve skin tone
• apply chemical peels to reduce fine lines and age spots
• perform simple extractions to remove blackheads
• remove unwanted facial or body hair using depilatory wax
• tint eyebrows and eyelashes
• instruct customers on skin care and makeup techniques
• select and apply cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and tonics
• give manicures and pedicures, and apply artificial nails
• sterilize equipment and clean work areas
• keep records of client needs and preferences, and the services provided.
They also advise clients about colours and types of makeup, and instruct them in makeup application techniques. They demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly, recommend skin-care regimens and determine which products or colours will improve a client’s skin quality and appearance.
If necessary, they refer clients to medical personnel for the treatment of serious skin problems.
Paramedical aestheticians require more advanced on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed medical professional and generally work under the direct supervision of a physician.
They may work with plastic surgeons and dermatologists in private doctors’ rooms or speciality clinics that provide more intense skin-care treatments such as chemical peels, microderm-abrasion, laser rejuvenation, vein therapy, wrinkle reduction and other treatments that enhance skin reconstruction necessitated by accidents, age or illness.
In pre- and post-operative skin care, they provide treatments that prepare the skin for surgery for a more comfortable healing process. They show patients how to conceal redness and bruising with corrective make-up while the skin is healing.
Satisfying Aspects
- being able to do thorough assessments and give relevant treatments
- helping to cure skin problems
- being able to help clients
- compliments from satisfied clients
- the opportunity of self-employment
Demanding aspects
- long hours and hard work
- starting early or working late if clients require it
- dealing with difficult clients
- at times physically and emotionally tiring
Requirements
- pleasant personality
- enthusiasm, drive and creativity
- empathy with people
- ability to communicate well
- courteous and professional
- good stamina and manual dexterity
- entrepreneurial and managerial skills
School Subjects
- National Senior Certificate for diploma course
- Grade 9 or 10 Certificate for certificate courses
Compulsory Subjects: Life Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Physical Sciences
Training
Diploma: Various relevant diplomas - most universities of technology, eg CPUT, DUT
Certificate: Various certificate courses - FET?colleges and private beauty schools, eg. Ekurhuleni, KZN Coastal, SW Gauteng, Port Elizabeth, Northlink, Cape Town, South Cape.
Employer
- beauty salons
- cosmetic companies
- electrolysis clinics
- doctors’ rooms
- health hydros and spas
- television and film companies and studios
- self-employment, with enough experience and capital, can start own business
Contact
S A Association of Health and Skincare Professionals
P O Box 318
Pinegowrie, 2123
Tel: (011) 275-0516 Fax: (011) 513-3085
www.saahsp.co.za