Aestheticians are state-licensed health and wellness professionals that can perform cosmetic procedures on the epidermis, the outer layer of skin. This career could mean working in high-end spas, doctors’ offices or medical spas, upscale boutique hotels, cruise ships, or world-famous resorts. It is an emotionally rewarding career. Main duties include conducting consultations, tracking clients’ skin progress by keeping records of treatments, and using and applying skin care products.

Annette Hanson is the founder of Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics in Manhattan, a New York state licensing, NACCAS-accredited skin care school, post-graduate facility, and the first United States aesthetics college to be recognized by London’s International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC). Her professional experience spans more than 30 years as a Paris-trained aesthetician, waxing specialist, body therapist, salon manager, and spa consultant. She was instrumental in the development of the 600-hour curriculum for the New York state aesthetics license, as well as the written and practical exam. Hanson was inducted into the Aesthetics International Association (A.I.A.) industry legends in August 2009 by DERMASCOPE Magazine.