The wellness industry is booming in 2025, with a strong shift toward sustainable products and practices to help people prioritize skin health. As part of this trend, esthetics offers an exciting, dynamic, and flexible career path for those interested in skincare.
If you’re considering a career in wellness, esthetics provides numerous entry points and diverse opportunities. Read on to discover why now is the perfect time to pursue a career in esthetics and explore the emerging trends reshaping this vibrant field.
Flexible Career Paths in Skincare
One of the most attractive aspects of pursuing a career in esthetics is the variety of flexible work options available. Whether you’re looking for a traditional job, a part-time role, or a freelance opportunity, there’s a path that suits every professional lifestyle.
Freelance Esthetics
Freelance estheticians work independently or with spas and wellness centers, offering consultations and treatments based on their own schedule. Freelancing provides an opportunity to create a personal brand, work with a variety of clients, and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
Mobile Spa Services
A growing trend in the esthetics industry, mobile spa services allow estheticians to offer their services outside traditional settings. This means providing treatments at clients’ homes, offices, or even on vacation. It’s a great option for practitioners who appreciate flexibility and variety in their daily work.
Part-Time Work in Salons or Wellness Centers
The rise of flexible working hours means estheticians no longer have to be tied down to a typical ‘9-5’ setting. Now, they can take on part-time positions in busy salons or specialized wellness centers, allowing them to balance their careers with personal commitments.
High-Demand Specialties in 2025
Esthetics as an industry is expanding rapidly, with the demand for specialized skincare services growing year over year. This is particularly true for postpartum patients and aging populations using esthetics to gain healthier, younger-looking skin.
According to the Hollywood Institute, the demand for estheticians is projected to rise by 17% from 2019 to 2029, a rate significantly higher than the average for all occupations in the US. Among the most sought-after specialties in 2025 are:
Lymphatic Drainage
This therapeutic technique uses gentle massage to stimulate lymph flow, promoting detoxification and reducing swelling. It’s gaining popularity among wellness-focused clients seeking healthier skin.
Oxygen Facials
Oxygen facials are a specialized skincare treatment that utilizes pressurized, therapeutic oxygen to infuse the skin with a tailored serum comprising modified Hyaluronic acid, essential vitamins, antioxidants, and amino peptides. Estheticians can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it especially appealing to their aging clients.
LED Therapy
Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy is a non-invasive type of phototherapy with specific wavelengths that penetrate the body. It’s specially aimed at stimulating collagen production, cellulite repair, and skin regeneration to release toxins from cells and improve overall skin texture. By addressing multiple skin concerns, LED therapy is becoming a go-to for estheticians looking to enhance their service offerings.
Advanced Acne/Scarring Treatments
Acne is a skin condition typically caused by hair follicles becoming clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This can lead to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads or pimples on the face. While it’s most prevalent amongst teenagers, the Mayo Clinic states that acne generally affects people of all ages.
The American Academy of Procedural Medicine (AAOPM) asserts that training for acne treatment and scarring often ranges from conventional cases to more serious scenarios. Some solutions include chemical peels and microdermabrasion, which are highly sought after by clients looking for long-term skin solutions.
Tech & Tools Reshaping the Industry
As technology advances, so too do the tools available to estheticians, reshaping how they engage with their clients by using:
- AI-Powered Devices: Estheticians can use tools like skin analyzers and smart-skin devices to assess their clients’ skin health and recommend personalized treatments in real-time.
- Remote Coaching and Consultation: Virtual skincare coaching allows board-certified estheticians to deliver expert advice and guidance from the comfort of their own homes, offering clients convenience and accessibility.
Training & Certification: Easier Entry Points
The esthetics field offers accessible entry points, particularly in areas like health coaching, fitness instruction, and online wellness content creation. Working a part-time job, particularly in healthcare and wellness, can be a potential springboard for redefining your current career and gaining personal fulfillment in this growing field.
Whether you’re looking to complete in-person training or opt for online courses, certification and licensing requirements often vary depending on location and specialization.
Esthetician Licensing
In many states, estheticians are required to have active licenses to practice. Additionally, certain specializations, such as lymphatic drainage or oxygen facials, may require other forms of certification, such as a National Esthetician Certificate from the National Coalition of Estheticians Association (NCEA).
Specialty Training
As the demand for niche services increases, estheticians can pursue specialized training in advanced skincare treatments like acne therapy or LED therapy. These certifications not only enhance an esthetician’s skillset but also boost their earning potential.
| Speciality | Training | Certification | Cost |
| Lymphatic Drainage | Often needs specific training in dermatology. Training can take between 24 hours and 12 years, depending on training level and specialization Training and certification can be done online | Certification from the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy, or the ACOLS Academy of Lymphatic Studies | $300-$1,300 |
| Oxygen Facials | In-person workshops or online courses | Not state-mandated for all locations | Just under $1000 |
| LED Therapy | Usually in-person to 135 hours | Education and training cover introduction to LED therapy, benefits, contraindications, practical applications, etc. Trainees can take online courses in LED therapy | Less than $200 |
| Acne Treatments | Often needs specific training in dermatology. Training can take between 24 hours and 12 years, depending on training level and specialization. Training and certification can be done online | Qualifications available from the American Board of Dermatology (ABD), American Academy of Procedural Medicine (AAOPM) and the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) | $500-$800 |
Why Choose a Career in Esthetics?
Skincare is a personal journey, both for clients and practitioners. Estheticians play a key role in helping clients achieve their wellness goals, whether through rejuvenating treatments or holistic skincare advice.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and want to be part of a thriving industry, now is the perfect time to explore esthetician careers. Join a community of purpose-driven professionals and shape the future of skincare.