People have been trying to reverse skin aging since ancient times. They used herbs, clay, honey, milk, and other natural ingredients to cleanse, exfoliate, brighten, hydrate, and protect the skin from environmental damage.
Scientific breakthroughs in the cosmetics industry of the past century have introduced new ways to rejuvenate the skin, from Botox and dermal fillers to surgical facelifts and nose jobs. They provide quicker and more dramatic results than natural skin care, but they also carry the risk of serious side effects.
That’s why many people look for the best of both worlds: natural skincare products with innovative, non-invasive treatments. The best person to turn to for this type of cosmetic service is a holistic esthetician.
This article explains what a holistic esthetician is, how their approach to skin care differs from the traditional, and how to become one.
Holistic Esthetician: The Meaning
A holistic esthetician is a licensed cosmetic professional who bases their practice on holistic therapy. The holistic approach means that the esthetician views the skin as inseparable from the body, the mind, and spirit. They believe what happens to the skin is as much the result of environmental factors as a reflection of internal states and, therefore, can’t be treated separately.
Holistic estheticians customize beauty treatments for each patient to improve their skin condition while addressing their lifestyle and nutritional habits, emotional and mental well-being, hormonal status, and other physiological factors.
Note: Learn more about holistic skin care.
Holistic Esthetician’s Approach
The difference between a holistic and a traditional cosmetic specialist is in their approach to skin care. While traditional cosmetic specialists rarely address what is below the skin’s surface, holistic practitioners identify the underlying reason for a skin condition and treat both the cause and the symptom.
Holistic estheticians stay away from abrasive dermatological solutions. Instead, they typically use the following products and methods.
1. Natural Skincare Products
Holistic estheticians create skincare regimens unique to each patient using products with naturally sourced ingredients. The products are made of the finest botanicals, plant extracts, clays, and essential oils to minimize the chance of skin irritation while nourishing the skin with vitamins and minerals. Star ingredients in holistic skincare products include chamomile, lavender, aloe, rosemary, calendula, Dead Sea salt, green tea, shea butter, argan oil, olive oil, and more.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, our holistic estheticians use Osmosis MD skincare products renowned for their holistic-medical focus in helping the skin renew itself without harsh chemicals.
Note: This ultimate skin care guide will teach you how to take care of your skin.
2. Meditation and Breathwork
Holistic estheticians often start their treatments with meditation and breathing techniques to help the patient overcome stress and anxiety and enter a state of calm. Calming the breath and mind also improves sleep. Studies show stress and sleep issues increase the chance of inflammation, which triggers skin issues such as acne, redness, and dry skin.
Note: Meditation and breathwork, combined with other methods and natural remedies, are often used to treat eczema holistically.
3. Massage
Massage relaxes the muscles and tissues to relieve the body of physical pain and emotional distress. Holistic estheticians are trained in different massage techniques from eastern and western traditions, and focus on watching the patient’s response and adapting to their needs.
They often incorporate other techniques into their massage, such as energy healing, and use essential oils and soothing creams to promote relaxation, healing, and internal harmony that reflects on the skin.
4. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to promote relaxation and healing. Holistic estheticians use it to enhance the massage experience, or they diffuse the oils to create a relaxing atmosphere.
5. Gua Sha
Gua sha is a type of massage based on traditional Chinese medicine and involves using a smooth-edged stone to gently scrape the skin. The purpose is to increase energy flow throughout the body, improving circulation and healing. Facial gua sha helps reduce puffiness and inflammation, resulting in a refreshed appearance.
Note: Learn more about Gua Sha benefits and how to get the most out of it.
6. Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a type of massage designed to promote the removal of metabolic waste and stimulate the flow of fresh oxygen and nutrients. Holistic estheticians use different techniques to stimulate lymphatic flow including light pressure, circular movements, and gentle pumping motions. It can help with the treatment of acne, rosacea, and inflamed skin, and promote skin regeneration.
7. Gentle Facials
Holistic facials are customized to each patient to improve their skin condition and overall health. The treatment can include meditation and breathwork, deep cleansing and exfoliation, massage, lymphatic drainage, gua sha, facial mask treatments, and treating the skin with potent serums and moisturizers.
Our holistic estheticians at Vibrant Skin Bar provide several holistic skin care treatments for different skin conditions, including acne, inflammation, and aging skin.
Note: Learn more about how holistic facials work and what benefits they provide.
8. LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy involves using a device that emits specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity, healing, and rejuvenation. Holistic estheticians incorporate LED light therapy into their treatment as a gentle alternative to invasive procedures to address acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
9. Diet Recommendations
Holistic estheticians spend a part of their session discussing the patients’ nutritional habits. They explain how diet reflects on the skin and educate the patient on how to make better food choices.
Recommendations include ingesting more of the nutrients that reduce inflammation, such as antioxidants, probiotics, and phytonutrients. Foods rich in these nutrients include leafy greens, whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables, yogurt, etc. They also emphasize the importance of avoiding sugar, saturated and trans fats.
Note: Learn what are antioxidants and what are their benefits for the skin in our antioxidant skin care guide.
How to Become a Holistic Esthetician?
Holistic estheticians are licensed professionals with formal training in cosmetology. Applicants for holistic esthetician programs are typically required to be at least 16 and have a high school diploma. Holistic programs are often similar to traditional, non-holistic skin care curriculums and include courses in:
- Skin analysis
- Skin disorders
- Natural skin care products and regimens
- Sanitation
- Hair removal
- Spa treatments
- Facial massage
- Nutrition
- Aromatherapy
- Body exfoliation
- Reflexology
The students also gain a basic understanding of anatomy, chemistry, and physiology.
Holistic Esthetician Certification
Each U.S. state has its cosmetology board with different requirements for esthetician licensure. Most states require completing at least 600 hours of training at an accredited esthetician school and passing a written and practical exam to receive the license.
After completing basic training and obtaining a license, holistic estheticians can pursue a Master Esthetician certification, which includes another 600 hours of advanced training. They also continue their education via specialized courses to stay on track with current trends in the industry.
Holistic Esthetician Program Fees
The cost of a holistic esthetician program varies depending on the length of the program and the specific courses. On average, 600-hour holistic skin care programs cost between $6,500 and $8,000, and the master level programs can cost $13,000 and more. Some schools offer scholarships or payment plans to help students pay for tuition.
Holistic Treatment Costs
The cost of holistic treatments depends on the type of treatment and the patient’s needs.
Our holistic esthetician at Vibrant Skin Bar offers various holistic skin care treatments customized for each patient. Treatments include:
- Vibrant Signature Facial at $125 - Incorporates bio-available ingredients to increase the cell metabolism. It includes a holistic skincare analysis, deep cleansing, enzyme exfoliation, marma point massage, skin nourishing mask, and vibrational sound therapy.
- Remedy Facial at $125 – Specially formulated for sensitive and intolerant skin. It stimulates collagen production, relieves pain, and helps heal inflamed skin.
- Skin Rehab at $99 - Recommended for acne-prone skin. It includes face mapping, a wellness assessment, and a customized holistic treatment.
- Revita Pen Infusion at $199 – Suitable for all skin types. It uses a micro-channeling tool that helps active organic ingredients penetrate deeper layers of the skin, increasing cellular nutrition, stimulating collagen production, and boosting skin metabolism.
Conclusion
Holistic estheticians emphasize the importance of maintaining inner equilibrium for the skin to be healthy and glowing. They offer gentle cosmetic solutions and long-term results, helping patients naturally reach their aesthetic goals while improving overall health.
