The international term for beauty therapist is Aesthetician or Aesthetic Therapist, the term coming form the Greek word Aesthetikos which means appealing to the sensors.

Whether an aesthetician uses grooming practices such as make-up, waxing, cosmetic tattoo or the more therapeutic modalities such as electrolysis, massage therapy, lymphatic drainage or non-surgical face lifting her ultimate objective is to improve the outward appearance of the client.

As aestheticians work extensively on the human body, they are required to undergo comprehensive studies in Anatomy and Physiology, Bacteriology, Cosmetic Chemistry, Skin Disorders and Nutrition as part of their core units of study. They are therefore trained to assess the body also from a holistic point of view determining the effects of stress and their consequences on the overall appearance and well being of their clients.

When a beauty therapist/aestheticians gives you a facial she is trained to:

• Correctly analysis your skin condition through observation and questioning or through sophisticated equipment designed to measure sebum and moisture levels.
• Determine which treatments will re-balance your skin and enhance its appearance
• Soothe, relax and relieve stress from your mind and body both through the use of appropriate products as well as techniques
• Increase oxygen and nutrients to the skin through appropriate massage techniques or external application of products and treatments
• Remove toxins from the skin through carefully delivered movements for lymphatic drainage
• Improve texture and tone of the skin
• Enhance your personal appearance through appropriate temporary, semi-permanent or permanent procedures
• Recommend appropriate concentrated serums and home care products to improve and maintain your skin to an optimum level
  

Facials and a variety of specialised facial treatments using active ingredients, serums, Alpha Hydroxy Acids and numerous specialty mask are only a small part of what an aesthetician is trained to do. She is also qualified to perform a number of other treatments including body treatments to relax and eliminate stress and fluid retention.