The right esthetician can be the difference between great skin and not-so-great skin. But what makes a good esthetician? If you want to know how to find a good esthetician, keep reading to see our list of 5 traits to look for and red flags you should avoid.

Wondering 'what’s an esthetician’? Esthetician definition: A licensed skin care professional that has gone through training and is certified to perform certain treatments on your skin. Learn more about esthetician training and why we rely on estheticians for great skin here. 

What makes a good esthetician? 

1) They ask you questions. A lot of questions.

Your esthetician should observe your skin and ask you questions at the beginning of your facial or spa treatment no matter what. A Bioelements esthetician will perform a SkinReading, and ask you questions that include what current products you use, any allergies you may have, any medications you are taking that may affect your treatment, whether you tan or smoke, and much more. And your esthetician should always ask what your skin concerns are that day – after all, that's why you’ve booked an appointment.

A good esthetician is like a detective – she will “read” your skin and look for clues as to what it needs. She’ll ask you questions to gather even more crucial information, so she can choose the most effective treatment protocol and product choices. No facial should be “cookie-cutter” – it should be tailored to your exact needs that day – and SkinReading is the tool a good esthetician will use. 

2) They customize your treatment

Want one tip to know how to find a good esthetician? Look for an esthetician who customizes your spa treatment.

“If your esthetician has performed a SkinReading, they should know specifically what your unique skin concerns are. This allows them to customize your treatments to target these exact concerns.” –Teresa Stenzel, Bioelements Director of Education

Bioelements estheticians can use Custom Blending to tailor any facial specifically for your needs. Just a few drops of these highly concentrated formulas allow your esthetician to zero in on your immediate, specific skin concerns – from aging to irritation, and everything in between. 

3) Their spa is spotless

This one is plain and simple – if their spa is dirty, you should find a new esthetician. The lack of proper sanitation can bring your skin harm and lead to an unsafe treatment.

Since any spa treatment performed in unsanitary condition can potentially spread bacteria, you should inspect the spa as soon as you enter. Glance at the floors, walls, and ceilings to make sure they are sanitary. Look at the tools and products in the treatment room – are they dusty or dirty? Are the towels and bathrobes spotless? If something appears to be unsanitary, find a different spa. 

4) They NEVER cause your skin pain

The old saying ‘pain is beauty’ is a dangerous myth. While certain treatments can cause a little tingling, tightness, or moderate changes in temperature, a facial should never be painful. If you experience any pain, speak up. If your esthetician tells you that the facial or spa treatment is supposed to be painful, find a new esthetician immediately. 

5) They make you smarter

Your esthetician should be knowledgeable in the latest treatments, ingredients and and advances in skin care – and they should share this knowledge with you. She should always be open to your questions, and help you follow the best at-home skin care agenda so you’ll see the best results.

Now that you know how to find a good esthetician, here are the red flags and signs that you need to find a new esthetician: 

Red flags you shouldn't ignore 

1) They never ask you questions

If your esthetician doesn’t ask you any questions, this is a huge red flag! The more information they have the better they can treat your skin.

What makes a good esthetician is the desire to learn about their clients’ skin in depth. When an esthetician goes into your facial “blind,” and not knowing anything about your skin or habits, there’s a greater chance she will harm your skin. 

2) They don't give you directions for at-home skin care

Your esthetician should always professionally recommend an at-home skin care agenda to follow. These product recommendations are crucial to help maintain the great results of the treatment you just received, as well as to extend the results far between facial visits. 

3) They are distracted

Does your esthetician listen to your questions and give you thoughtful answers? If the answer is no, your esthetician could be distracted – a big no-no when it comes to treating your skin.

If your esthetician is distracted they are much more likely to make mistakes during your treatment, which could lead to irritation, pain or injury. A good esthetician will focus their mind and energy on you and only you during a treatment. 

If you are asking yourself ‘where can I find an esthetician near me?’, use our spa locator to find an esthetician near you. Never had a facial before? Learn what to expect here.