A career as an esthetician could be very rewarding for someone who is passionate about the beauty and health of the skin. Estheticians consult with clients to determine their skincare needs, discuss a skin analysis, and recommend possible product regimens or treatment options. The esthetician recommends appropriate products for various skin types.
Major cities like Chicago in particular have a lot of esthetics schools and cosmetology schools with esthetics programs. Some schools provide slightly different methods of teaching, but all help students prepare to take the state board exams for their esthetician licenses.
To become an Illinois licensed esthetician, students must complete a skincare course lasting at least 18 weeks and containing 750 hours of study. Students can take a maximum of four years to complete their esthetician training. Unlike some other states, Illinois does not allow apprenticeship to qualify for licensing. Skincare specialists in this state also take 10 hours of continuing education during each 2-year licensure period to keep current in the industry and be able to renew their licenses. Esthetician training teaches students to perform various facial treatments, skin analysis, chemical peels, spa treatments for hair removal or waxing, spray tanning, makeup application including spray-on cosmetics, and microdermabrasion therapy. Students take courses in ethics, salon practices, hygiene, and safety. After training is completed, students take written and practical exams. They may then receive their esthetician license from the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology.
A licensing fee is required every 2 years to keep the license valid in the state of Illinois.
They may find work in spas, salons, hotels, department stores, or in other settings where skincare and beauty are highly desired. They may also provide spray-tanning services at a tanning salon, or eventually operate their own salon. Licensed estheticians in Illinois work in salon and spa settings, in hotels, and at resorts where guests seek relaxation and beauty care. They may also work in the cosmetics and skincare departments of retail stores, or they may become product representatives for manufacturers of skincare products. Licensed estheticians in spas also provide anti-aging treatments, waxing, and body wraps. Some esthetics school graduates in Illinois work in medical spas or in doctors’ offices alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons.