Aesthetic Therapy Courses

What is Aesthetic Therapy?

Aesthetic, or cosmetic, treatments are non-surgical procedures designed to combat signs of ageing, rejuvenate and refresh skin. They can be used on almost any part of the body but the most common areas are the face and neck.

Aesthetics generally refers to outward appearance and beauty. Specialists in the field are usually known as skincare specialists or aestheticians. An aesthetician is responsible for the appearance of a client’s skin. In this profession, you will do facials, facial massages, hair waxing, aromatherapy, chemical peels and more.

Aesthetic treatments can also be used to help with excessive sweating, remove pigmentation, treat acne, scars, skin tags and moles and improve the appearance of veins.

What 3rd level courses are available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Aesthetic Therapy in the following subject areas:

• Level 4 Diploma in Aesthetic Therapy – Gain the foundation education needed to produce an advanced aesthetic beauty therapist ready to practice.
• Beauty Therapy – Develop the knowledge, skill and competencies to work effectively as a beauty therapist.
• Full Beauty Therapy Course – This course covers nail care including manicures, pedicures & Shellac, Eyecare, Eyelash, Eyebrow Tint & Eyebrow Shape, Skin Care, Basic Waxing, Threading and Body Massage.
• Beauty Therapy Services Diploma – Learn about beauty therapy services including makeup application, hair removal by waxing, manicure and pedicure, manual facial services and lash and brow services.
• Advanced Beauty Therapy – This beauty course is ideal for students who wish to advance their current beauty qualifications and further their career within the Beauty Industry.
• Beauty Therapy and Make-Up – Developed with beauty experts and industry professionals, this course delivers the best-kept secrets and the most advanced techniques to give you the edge in beauty services.

Studying Aesthetic Therapy in college

There are many courses in Aesthetic Therapy that take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.

Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.

You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. Competition is tough and professionals are often employed on reputation and popularity. Contacts made during study and particularly through work experience are a great way to get started in the industry and are very useful to have.

By job shadowing and carrying out work experience assisting a professional in the field you’ll gain valuable insight, develop your portfolio, build a network of contacts and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Observation is one of the best ways to learn skills and techniques.

Career options

After completing an Aesthetic Therapy course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of beauty, hair and skin treatments and techniques.

The field of aesthetics focuses on beauty, especially skincare. Practitioners often are referred to as Aesthetic Therapists or Aestheticians, and they typically work in salon and spa settings.

Aesthetic Therapists will pay close attention to a client’s skin and help them decide what kind of treatment may be necessary for overall skin health. You may also clean skin, suggest products to their clients, administer laser treatments and teach clients about how to properly care for their skin.

Some aestheticians own their own businesses giving them a wide range of other duties including but not limited to hiring and managing staff as well as maintaining their business through advertising.

Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. A typical working day includes long and unsocial hours, and you’ll find that shifts and weekend work is common to meet clients needs.

Related jobs include:

• Aesthetician
• Medical Aesthetician
• Makeup Artist
• Brand Representative
• Beauty Therapist
• Beauty Advisor
• Salesperson
• Cosmetics Buyer
• Beauty Blogger
• Beauty Writer
• Brand Trainer
• Spa or Salon Technician
• Spa or Salon Manager
• Hairdresser
• Barber
• Massage Therapist

Further study

After completing a course in Aesthetic Therapy you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as cosmetology, beauty therapy, makeup, hairdressing or massage therapy.

FAQ

What does an Aesthetic therapist do?

An Aesthetic therapist performs a range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments, including device-led procedures using laser and radio frequency, advanced facial treatments such as skin needling and skin peels, and body sculpting treatments.

What is classed as medical Aesthetics?

Aesthetic medicine is a developing clinical speciality distinct from plastic surgery, providing minimally invasive medical treatments to enhance patients’ satisfaction with their physical appearance. The procedures are elective and performed on adult patients who are healthy.

Where can I study Aesthetic Therapy?

Explore your options here

Did You Know?

• During World War II, female nurses needed many supplies to perform their duties well. The strangest wartime essential on their list? Lipstick! The nurses had to wear it so they looked pretty doing their duties.
• Ancient Egyptians used perfume for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes. One famous Egyptian perfume, Kyphi, was also used as a drink to cure lung, intestinal and liver ailments.
• Did you know you can deflate eye puffiness with a simple raw potato? The common vegetable has a soothing effect on swollen skin tissues. Just cut two fresh slices from a peeled raw potato and apply them to your eyes for ten minutes. Viola!
• If you resemble a lobster after a long summer day at the beach, take a warm bath in strong black tea. The tannins take away the painful sting and swelling of sunburn.
• Need a quick fix to bad breath but don’t have any gum? Parsley contains antibacterial properties that can fight bad breath. Chew on a fresh parsley leaf to get the best breath.