Top 5 Things I’ve Learned From Esthetics School

This February, I began my journey to become a licensed esthetician. I began a 600 hour course at Brittany Beauty Academy. The course is hybrid, initially online to cover technical information, and I began going in person in May to do my clinical hours. The online hours have covered everything from anatomy, chemistry, massage movements, makeup application, basic and advanced facials, and so much more! Along with all of the technical information, I’ve also done practical tests for facials, massages, extractions, makeup, and an advanced technique. This combination of studying terms, while practicing what I’ve learned on my prosthetic head (which came in my kit), has allowed me to not only memorize important information I need to know as an esthetician, but understand concepts that are hard to understand solely through reading a textbook. 

If you’re wondering what comes in my kit, I’ll be sharing a mini tour of everything included (plus a few things I had to purchase on my own). 

While I’ve only been in school for about three months, I’ve still learned so much already. I’m excited to share the five top things I’ve learned from esthetics school so far. 

Skin Is More Complex Than You Think

Of course, I always knew skin was complex. It’s an essential part of the human body, since it’s our first line of defense against infection and our largest organ. But I never realized just how much is going on with our skin. From the various infections and diseases, to the layers of the epidermis and dermis, or how an esthetician analyzes skin to guide their treatment, there are so many things to learn about our skin. I’ve begun to be a lot more critical of skincare products I try out since learning how to analyze skin and how our skin interacts with products and specific ingredients. While I’ve always read the section on Sephora of how to use a product and who should use it, I began to do even more research. Rather than relying on the information sites like Sephora and Ulta gave me, I now read which ingredients are active versus which ones are there to stabilize or preserve the product, focus a little less on packaging, and try not to be as influenced by big claims made by influencers. At the end of the day, everyone’s skin is different. Your skin type, conditions, genetics, and Fitzpatrick scale play a role in what products will work for. It’s perfectly okay if that trendy product isn’t for your skin. 

Sanitation & Hygiene Are Non-Negotiables

While part of this seems common sense, the truth is, cleaning is not enough when it comes to the sanitation and hygiene practices you need to do as an esthetician. I learned quickly that when my textbook (Milady Standard Esthetics) repeats something multiple times, it is IMPORTANT. That’s what they do with infection control, sanitation, and personal hygiene. There are real world consequences of poor-hygiene in a spa or salon, and they are nothing to joke about. As someone who sadly has been a victim of a salon not practicing proper sanitation or following regulations (I sadly had my nails destroyed for a few months by MMA in 2019), I know all too well the importance of working with products and doing procedures in your scope of practice. With esthetician school, you learn the habits you’re creating are going to ensure your clients’ safety and trust. You’re also protecting yourself and staying healthy. As Milady says, infection begins and ends with you. 

Confidence Comes With Practice

Now this is one I know I have to keep in mind as I begin my clinical hours, because working on a prosthetic head is very different from a live model. While I’ve been remote, I’m thankful for the time to practice my movements on my prosthetic head. I’m also thankful my boyfriend has let me use him as a live model to practice facial massage movements, a basic 60 minute facial, and even one extraction. The more you practice, the more the movements come naturally. I went from uncomfortable using my nondominant left hand, to now being able to confidently tweeze with both my hands. Repetition builds skill and self-assurance, and there is always space to grow and practice in esthetician school. 

Communication Is Key

It’s not all about doing extractions and facials. Esthetician school teaches you the importance of communication. Not only do you have to learn how to talk to clients professionally and compassionately, but you also have to learn the art of the consultation. Consultations are essential for every treatment and require you to actively listen to a client and ask questions when clarity is needed. Communication is also essential for school. Learning concepts and vocabulary can sometimes go very quick during the beginning of esthetician school. You won’t always understand something in school, and that’s perfectly okay. If we understood everything, then what would be the point of school? Asking questions is a great way to build your understanding of complex topics, like anatomy, chemistry, or advanced machines.

Passion Will Help You Succeed

School can be demanding, from the long hours to the learning curves. I love school, but even for me, it was hard at first to get back into my school mode after being out of school for about two years before I began esthetician school. It’s important to remind yourself why you want to be an esthetician, why you love skincare, and what your goals are. Being able to learn concepts online before going in person helped me gradually acclimate to the hours and coursework. In my moments of feeling overwhelmed, I always think of where I want to be after I complete my course, after I get my license, and in a few years, and of course my overall goal of working with clients to make them feel beautiful and confident, and 

Esthetician school can be challenging. I’m writing this after just completing my online part of my course, and I’m beginning to go in person for my clinical hours. I’m excited to work with people, be hands on, and learn more than just theory. While there’s nerves to do my first facial, the excitement is far more. I know there is so much more for me to learn before I take my state exams this fall.  

Keep up with me here & on Instagram @IsabelaC116.