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How to Become a Facial Specialist in Florida

March 7, 2019 By Ivy Hultquist 37 Comments

Florida is a hot spot for sun-damaged skin and an aging population looking to bring out a youthful glow. As a facial specialist, you will spend your days remedying these common problems. There are so many different techniques you can use to bring out healthy, more youthful-looking skin. But many of those techniques can be done without a facial specialist license.

In Florida, skincare specialists, estheticians, or aestheticians are formally licensed as facial specialists by the board of cosmetology. You may even see a few of them refer to themselves as “full specialists”. A full specialist is a licensed professional with training both as a facial specialist and a nail specialist.

If you are considering a career as a facial specialist, you likely have a few basic questions.

  • How long will it take to get a license?
  • What does a facial specialist do?
  • How much do they make?
  • Where in Florida can I go for training?

Let’s answer all of those questions and a few things that you need to know that no one else has told you yet.

What is the Training Requirement?

A facial specialist is required to complete a minimum of 220 hours of training to obtain a license in Florida. This means you can become a facial specialist in just a few months. Before I show you where to find a training program, we need to first talk a little more about all of the services a facial specialist can perform.

What Does a Facial Specialist Do?

Here are eleven services a facial specialist, or full specialist, you may see a facial specialist offer.

    1. Facials
    A facial can be simple or it can be complex. A facial is a multistep process that includes cleansing pores with steam, exfoliating to removed dead skin cells, applying custom masks, and a massaging the facial muscles.

    2. Skincare Treatments
    Skincare treatments are not limited to the face. Body scrubs and masks are popular cleansing and exfoliating spa treatments that can be added to other services.

    3. Waxing
    Facial specialists learn to effectively remove hair while ensuring maximum comfort for the client. Waxing services include the back, chest, face, leg, underarm, arms, and the bikini region.

    4. Microdermabrasion
    Microdermabrasion is classified as a non-invasive, which basically means non-surgical, cosmetic technique. It uses tiny exfoliating crystals to polish the skin. It can be used to reduce the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, and other skin conditions.

    5. Peels
    Peels use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and other peeling agents to make the skin feel smoother, firmer, and appear brighter. You may see them listed on a salon menu as light chemicals, superficial peels, or lunchtime peels.

    6. Eyebrow Threading
    There are more ways to shape eyebrows than waxings and tweezing. Eyebrow threading uses a twisted thread to remove and shape eyebrows. Yes, all of those people you see in the mall threading eyebrows at a kiosk should have a facial specialist registration.

    7. Make-up
    Are you interested in applying make-up for bridal parties or learning how to airbrush make-up? A few facial specialists focus on make-up application. A make-up artist, or MUA, is someone who uses cosmetic techniques to enhance a person’s appearance or hide flaws. In the entertainment industry, make-up artists create imaginative characters and special effects for photography, theater, television, or film. Although not all MUAs have facial specialist licenses, many do so that they can offer other skincare services that require a facial specialist registration.

    8. Eyebrow Tinting
    Eyebrow tints help define translucent brow hairs, and make them more prominent without make-up or permanent techniques.

    9. Skincare Product Education
    Many spas and salons expect facial specialist employees to sell skincare products to clients. As a professional, you will educate clients about products that can benefit a client in between appointments. Selling these products can also increase your income.

    10. Spray Tanning
    Since tanning beds have fallen out of favor with most of the public, the demand for spray tanning has grown. Spray tan technicians can give a client the perfect glow they want and flattering contours without the sun damage.

    11. Dermaplaning
    Dermaplaning is a relatively new and increasingly popular method of exfoliation. It consists of using a scalpel blade to scrape off the top layer of dead skin cells and vellus, or “peach fuzz”, from the face. This removal reveals a smoother, brighter complexion. However, in 2011, Board agreed that this procedure is outside the scope of practice for Board of Cosmetology licensees.

Where Does A Facial Specialist Work?

According to Florida law and rules, facial services must be performed in a licensed salon. However, this does not mean is the only place you will find facial specialists working. Medical offices can also obtain salon licenses. Some facial specialists work in dermatology and plastic surgeon offices under the supervision of a medical professional.

Unlike a few other states, Florida does not have a separate medical esthetician license. If you want t work in a medical environment as a facial specialist, look for programs that focus on teaching students about these specific skincare services. The salary in a healthcare setting averages a little higher than salon salaries.

What is a Facial Specialist Salary?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average yearly salary for a facial specialist, or skincare specialist, at just over $30,000. This figure does not include tips or account for the differences in salons and healthcare environments. Also, many facial specialists work part-time or have multiple licenses or registrations in Florida.

Want to be more versatile or combine your education with other programs? Here are a few options.

Other Career Paths and Licenses

Many facial specialists go on to and other programs often within the school where they complete a facial specialist training. Yes, this takes more time, but allows you to be versatile in a salon and healthcare environment. I do not want you to think you must add extra credentials to your resume, but it is just an option to think about.

Here are a few additional programs that are not under the facial specialist scope. They require additional training and licenses in Florida:

Electrologist

Electrologists are professionals that perform permanent hair removal with lasers. This board requires a 320-hour electrolysis training at a Florida approved school and an examination before obtaining a license. Here is more information on electrolysis licensing.

Massage Therapist

A facial specialist can only massage the head, face, scalp, and neck. If you want to do more than that, you will need a massage therapy license. A massage therapy license requires completion of 500 hours of training and passing the MBLEx, the massage therapist licensing exam.

Nail Specialist

A nail specialist requires completion of a 180-hour program. Click here to learn more about that career path. There is not a state examination in Florida for nail specialists or full specialist license. Remember, if you complete the nail and facial specialist requirements (400 hours total), you can apply for a full specialist license in Florida.

Cosmetologist

This license requires the most training (1200 hours), but cosmetologists can perform all hair, nail, and skincare services. They also require passing the state cosmetology exam before obtaining a license.

Tattoo Artist

Yes, this may seem a little crazy, but microblading and permanent make-up are popular right now. Both services fall under the tattooing scope. Getting licensed as a tattoo artist is less work than you might think. A bloodborne pathogens course pertaining to the tattoo industry and application to the Florida Department of Health are the main requirements.

Visit this page for more information on tattoo license requirements.

Where Can I Find a Facial Specialist Program in Florida

I know this is a lot of information. If extracting blackheads, providing bikini waxes, and removing dead skin cells from the face still feel like the right career choice for you, then it is time to start looking for a training program.

Most facial specialist programs are completed at cosmetology schools, or technical colleges. If you need help finding a program, check out our tips for finding a cosmetology school in Florida. Make sure the program covers what you are interested in pursuing.

Being a facial specialist really can be a rewarding career with lots of variety from day-to-day. The best part is that no matter what you do, much of your day is spent helping clients relax and feel better about themselves.

Go make the world a more beautiful place.

I am an esthetician or aesthetician moving to Florida, how do I get a facial specialist license?

If you are an esthetician or nail technician in another state and moving to Florida, here is a board-approved 4-hour HIV/AIDS course you need to obtain your facial, nail, or full specialist license. Not ready for that just yet? Here is more information on transferring your cosmetology board license to Florida.

Need to Renew Your Florida Facial Specialist License?

For 2020, the renewal requirements for those licensed by the cosmetology board were lowered from 16 hours to 10 hours. And there are no renewal fees for 2020! You can find our board approved renewal course for 2020 right here: Florida Facial Specialist Continuing Education (2020).

Filed Under: License Types

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. HMD says

    November 7, 2019 at 11:10 am

    Can you perform facials and microdermabrasion without a facialist/esthetics license in FL? I’m concerned that a new spa just opened in my gym and they told me they’re keeping their services “low key.” Should I report this?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      November 7, 2019 at 1:44 pm

      This list here is a really good guide about services that need a license (see cosmetology) – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/services-requiring-a-dbpr-license/

      All unlicensed activity can be reported to http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/unlicensed-activity/

      Reply
    • M says

      May 20, 2021 at 7:54 pm

      Why would you ?🤔 Just mind your business!

      Reply
      • Ivy Hultquist says

        May 21, 2021 at 9:47 am

        Public health would be a good reason.

        Reply
  2. Anna says

    November 19, 2019 at 6:03 am

    Hello! can i do eyelash extensions with Facial specialists license?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      November 19, 2019 at 6:40 am

      Here is what the board website says about false eyelashes. I am not sure this is considered the same as extensions. (http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/faqs/#1488479648563-fed13fb7-29eb)

      What type of license is required to apply false eyelashes?
      A cosmetologist, full specialist or facial specialist can perform this service.

      Reply
  3. valentina says

    January 7, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    Can you facial specialist have a face-lifting with ultrasound hifu machine

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      January 8, 2020 at 7:23 am

      I suggest asking the board for a declaratory statement if you are unsure if something is within your scope of practice.

      http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/declaratory-statements/

      Reply
  4. Bria says

    February 21, 2020 at 3:00 am

    Great info! Thanks. I plan on enrolling in a program later this year.

    Reply
  5. shakennia santiago says

    August 4, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    do you have to be certified to do a basic facial? just cleaning and moisturizing

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      August 5, 2020 at 8:47 am

      Here is what the board website says a Facial Specialist is: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/

      FB – A “facial specialist” means a person registered to do facials in the State of Florida. Facial means the massaging or treating of the face or scalp with oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations. These services must be performed in a licensed salon.

      Reply
  6. Kim says

    August 10, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    Do I need a Facial Specialist license on top of my cosmetology license?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      August 11, 2020 at 7:35 am

      A cosmetologist can perform all hair, nail, and facial services. So another license is not needed.

      Reply
  7. Angi says

    November 2, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    I’m not a citizenship so how can I apply the license,I have qualifications beauty and spa from Australia also ,itec,cidesco
    Please advise

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      November 3, 2020 at 9:11 am

      Since you have an international education, you do not qualify for endorsement. I would contact the board of cosmetology and ask them how to proceed. Best wishes!

      Reply
  8. Jayne Wacker says

    December 16, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    Is RF microneedling within a licensed esthetician in FLorida

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      December 21, 2020 at 9:36 am

      I have a post on that here – https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/microblading/

      Reply
  9. Angie says

    February 4, 2021 at 9:25 pm

    Can I transfer the international esthetic certificates itec and cidesco to esthetic license Florida?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      February 5, 2021 at 10:03 am

      I know many international transfers that have used ITEC education to get licenses. The problem is that I have seen the number of hours each person with ITEC hours has a fairly broad range, so I cannot say for sure in your situation. You can apply and have your education reviewed by the board.

      Reply
  10. Rachael Hojsan says

    February 11, 2021 at 8:49 pm

    Can a Full Specialist do facials in a client’s home or at a hotel? I can not seem to get an answer from either the DBPR or Board of Cosmetology.

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      February 12, 2021 at 4:33 pm

      There is some information about changes here in the Hot Topics on the DBPR website

      http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/hot-topics/

      Reply
  11. Natalia says

    April 27, 2021 at 10:46 pm

    Can a facial specialist in Florida perform radio frequency face tightening and also led?
    I cannot find info on it anywhere

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      April 28, 2021 at 10:20 am

      Not sure. I would contact the board office. You may need to ask the board for a declaratory statement on this device.

      Reply
  12. Tessa says

    May 10, 2021 at 12:15 am

    Can a facial specialist do lash lifts and tints, as well as brow laminations and tints? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      May 10, 2021 at 9:32 am

      Here are some board FAQ answers. Look under “scope of work” tab.

      http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/faqs/#1595007276585-9243d62f-dbc9

      Reply
  13. Lee says

    May 12, 2021 at 6:29 am

    I’m coming from New York to Florida with my certification of completing the educational hours. Can that be transferred, or?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      May 12, 2021 at 8:39 am

      Hi Lee!
      Here is my page about transfers. If your NYS license is active, then you likely can apply by endorsement to Florida.
      https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/category/license-transfers/

      Reply
  14. Maria A. says

    September 11, 2021 at 2:04 pm

    Can a Facial Specialist perform non-invasive body treatments? I mean beyond face or operate equipments for lymphatic drainage?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      September 13, 2021 at 7:19 am

      Like scrubs or polishes on the body?

      As far as lymphatic drainage, I would think that would be under massage therapy. But, that is just my opinion. I would contact the appropriate boards or a lawyer to ask questions about that before practicing.

      Reply
  15. gloria a st jean says

    October 14, 2021 at 9:38 pm

    If i take a online program can i apply for my Florida facial specialist license or does it have to be a Florida school

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      October 15, 2021 at 9:46 am

      Hi Gloria!

      I do not think the whole program can be done online. I have heard of a few programs doing a hybrid model that is both online and in-person for the other part.

      Reply
  16. Samie says

    February 9, 2022 at 9:00 am

    Hi, if I become a facial specialist can I open my own beauty bar salon?

    Reply
  17. Lily says

    April 7, 2022 at 11:37 am

    The cosmetology can perform massage on arm and shoulder?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      April 7, 2022 at 12:59 pm

      I do not see arm or shoulders addressed here -http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/faqs/#1595007276585-9243d62f-dbc9

      Reply
  18. Paola says

    May 13, 2022 at 7:00 pm

    Hi,
    Can someone provide resources for online facial specialist schools? I have been searching and can’t seem to find any.

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      May 14, 2022 at 1:05 pm

      Hi Paola!

      I am not aware that Florida currently allows facial specialist training to be completed completely online.

      Reply

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