Skinformation

Continuing Your Education in Aesthetics

One of the most challenging aspects of being an aesthetician is finding reliable sources to continue your education. In beauty school, you’re often taught the bare minimum required to pass your boards, but the real learning begins once you’re out in the field. Suddenly, you’re working with machines and products you’ve never heard of before, and yet, you’re expected to be the expert. With countless professional skincare brands on the market, you likely only learned about the few products you sold in school. So how do you know which ones are good? How can you confidently recommend something to a client when you’re unsure how it will work?

This was a major struggle for me when I first graduated. I felt the worst case of imposter syndrome. Clients would ask me questions I didn’t feel prepared to answer, and I didn’t feel like the professional I had trained to become. But with time and effort, I found ways to build my confidence and knowledge. Here’s a crash course on the resources that helped me grow and feel empowered in my practice.

 Knowledge is Power

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after graduating, thinking you know nothing about treating real skin concerns. But remember, you’ve spent months learning the ins and outs of skin function. Even though you may not feel like an expert yet, you already know much more than the average person. Give yourself credit for that! 

That being said, experience is crucial—and it only comes with time and seeing a variety of clients. But in the meantime, there are great resources to help you bridge the gap and build confidence while taking on clients. The key is to go beyond what you learned in school and actively seek new knowledge. This industry is constantly evolving, so staying informed is vital.

Podcasts: Learning on the Go

The first podcast that helped me expand my knowledge was The Blondest by Savanna Boda. Every spare moment—whether in the car, shower, or relaxing in bed—I was listening to it. While not all episodes are strictly skincare-related, I found plenty of valuable gems. Podcasts hosted by experienced estheticians offer tons of free, insightful information. It’s a great way to learn while multitasking!

Acne Expert: Face Reality

If you’re looking to specialize in acne treatments, Face Reality is hands-down the best brand to work with. Their products boast a 90% success rate and are trusted by estheticians worldwide. Once you purchase their training, you gain full access to a library of videos and documents that can keep you busy learning for hours. Investing in this training has been one of the most important decisions for my business and professional growth.

Glymed Plus: Comprehensive Training

Glymed Plus is another stellar brand that offers fantastic educational programs. Their in-person and online classes are packed with valuable information on their products and protocols. I make it a point to attend as many of these classes as possible to stay on top of the latest techniques and innovations.

Conferences: Networking and New Ideas

Don’t forget about the numerous esthetics conventions held throughout the year! Trade shows and conferences are excellent opportunities to hear from well-known professionals, network with peers, and discover the latest trends. One of my personal favorites is the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC). I attended for the first time last year and walked away with so much knowledge—and a lot of new connections.

Stay Curious: Keep Growing

There are so many other resources at your disposal, from social media to research articles. It’s essential to continuously expand your knowledge and stay current in this ever-changing field. I hope some of these resources help you as much as they’ve helped me. Take advantage of the wealth of information available today, and never stop learning!

Xoxo,  

The Pink Estie