Stay Sharp, Stay Certified: Why Continuing Education for Estheticians Is a Must

How many people see continuing education for estheticians as a burden, or simply a means to an end?

For those who live in states with licensing requirements, continuing education units (CEUs) might be the thing you “get over with” to renew your license. They’re a chore—another box to tick off. If you live somewhere without CEU requirements, you might struggle to make time for additional esthetician training and certifications. You have experience. Haven’t you seen it all by now?

If you’re passionate about fostering a long, rewarding career in the beauty industry (or any industry, for that matter), continuing education is nonnegotiable. You cannot settle for “good enough.” You owe it to yourself, your clients, and your business to go the extra mile and seize every learning opportunity you can find. It’s as Albert Einstein once said: “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”

Mindset matters. Let’s start embracing continued learning as an avenue to continued self-improvement. You’ll be surprised at how many doors it can open.

Don’t believe us? Here are a few examples.

Continuing education for estheticians is crucial. Here’s why.

1. It sparks joy.

If you adore all things organization, you’ll probably recognize these sage words from decluttering queen Marie Kondō:

“The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one’s hand and ask: ‘Does this spark joy?’ If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it.”

Oxford University’s Saïd Business School performed an extensive study which determined that happy workers are 13 percent more productive. Meanwhile, a Gallup survey found that companies with happier employees see 147 percent higher earnings per share than competitors. Happy workers are more confident, engaged, creative, and likely to foster a positive environment, said Penn LPS. 

But according to the Pew Research Center, less than half of non-self-employed workers are highly satisfied with their work. One of the biggest contributors? Lack of opportunities for training and developing new skills, the Pew Research Center reported.

Learning new skills and enhancing your expertise keeps things exciting and interesting, Skin Science Institute wrote on their blog. So if your routine facials are starting to feel stale, consider mixing it up with additional skincare specialist classes. It just might reinvigorate the “spark” you’ve been looking for. 

2. It keeps you competitive and relevant.

Your state or other regulating bodies may require you to comply with CEU requirements so you can keep your esthetician’s license. But regardless of legal requirements, if you really want to stand out, you can’t stand still.

Training and researching helps estheticians stay on top of ever-developing trends, techniques, products, and technology, Skin Science Institute wrote. This introduces a gamut of opportunities, like offering new services, using advanced tools and techniques, or selling research-backed products for better results. By becoming a one-stop resource for your clients’ skincare concerns, you can attract new clientele and retain existing customers long term—all while staying relevant and competitive. (Because if you don’t, your competitors will.) 

Does your state recognize master estheticians? If so, that extra continuing education for estheticians can unlock a whole new title: master esthetician! We break down the differences between estheticians vs master estheticians here. 

3. It can earn you more money.

Some people say mo’ money, mo’ problems. But those who’ve run their own business know money isn’t just nice to have—it’s what keeps the doors open, the bills paid, and the dream alive. 

And, yes, additional revenue is certainly a nice payoff for an esthetician’s additional training. You can reinvest that additional income to foster even more growth by hiring employees, purchasing new equipment, or pursuing even more skincare certifications. Or maybe you’ll set it aside for some extra peace of mind when your business needs it. Whatever the case may be, it pays to learn.

4. It’s a marketing opportunity.

Whether you’ve been in the industry for two years or 20, you can’t overlook the value of marketing your learning.

Some programs offer courses specifically for better marketing, growing, and managing your business, as licensed esthi Adriana Perez-Nakamura shares on her blog. But you can also use your additional esthetician certifications as a marketing tool.

Are you passionate about a hot skincare topic? Do you read extensive research materials? Share that with your audience. Did you just earn an exciting new certification? Post on social media or spread the word in your company’s newsletter. You might even use your platforms to answer their questions (while subtly repping your credibility). 

For example, what is the highest level of education for an esthetician? Depending on the state you live in, it could be the National Esthetician Certification or a master esthetician license. What is the most prestigious qualification for an esthetician? You might say it’s the CIDESCO diploma or certificate, which is the highest qualification recognized globally. Consider using your social media to promote which you’ve earned and how it benefits your clientele. That’s some powerful promo right there!

5. It’s a networking opportunity.

You might be able to earn credits through online esthetician schools. But in-person learning offers value you can’t always find online. By attending live events, conventions, and workshops, you have the unique opportunity to learn hands-on and alongside like-minded peers. In addition to earning extra certifications for estheticians, you also get the chance to network.

Use learning opportunities to grow your professional network, Skin Science Institute recommends. Make connections, share your experiences, and try to stay in touch. As time goes by, you might use that network to find work, swap research or advice, get referrals for clients, and even meet potential new hires for your own business. 

6. Continuing education for estheticians is good risk management.

Finally, as an insurance provider, we’d be remiss not to highlight the risk management benefits.

With a lifelong pursuit of learning, you develop a sixth sense for client safety. After all, you’re sharpening your skills, polishing your proficiency with tools, learning your scope, and mastering the ins and outs of ingredients and contraindications. As a result, you’ll get better at preventing injuries and accidents, like skin lifting or irritation from bad waxing techniques or scarring from extraction tools. Additionally, you’ll feel more confident sharing aftercare tips that promote speedy recoveries and mitigate infections, especially after microneedling.

Don’t learn the hard way: Insurance is the best risk management.

Continuing education for estheticians is more than just a baseline standard; it’s the pursuit of excellence. 

But excellence and popularity come at a cost. The busier and more popular your esthetics business becomes, the more likely you are to face challenging customers and expensive claims.

So don’t learn the hard way. Secure the peace of mind you deserve today with esthetician liability insurance that knows your industry.