The field of aesthetic science focuses on beauty with a special preference being provided to the skin care. Practitioners of this field are often referred to as aestheticians who mainly work in the spas, salons, doctor’s offices or hotels. Their works involve paying close attention to the client’s skin and suggest products or treatments.

The main reason for the exponential growth of this industry is the increased awareness level among people about such treatments created by the rapidly flourishing Indian film and fashion industry. There used to be a time when getting beauty treatments was all a part of luxury associated with the people of affluent class only. But with the passage of time, India witnessed huge changes in the lifestyle of people with more importance being laid down at having good looks and appearance. Owing to which aesthetic procedures, especially the non-surgical ones have witnessed a 100 per cent growth rate in every successive year.

Gone are the days when all aesthetic or cosmetic procedures were all dependent on just one beautician from the neighbourhood. Now with the much-increased awareness level people, both men and women are concerned about their skin care and beauty like never before and demand professionalism for every buck they spend from their hard earned money. This increased demand is paving in way for plethora of lucrative jobs like that of make-up artist, hair stylist and massage experts and many more in the aesthetic industry.

And according to many market statistics, the Indian cosmetic industry is currently booming with $ 950 million and is sure to reap in $2.68 billion by 2020 clearly indicating the huge scope of job opportunities for the jobseeking youths. To qualify for a job, the industry demands at least a minimum qualification of +2 or equivalent examination from any stream along with a diploma course in that particular niche of the industry from a good, the government recognised institutions. But be clear with the concept that it’s not just the theoretical knowledge that can lead you to the heights of success in the industry but you also need to earn strong practical exposure and backup to land a lucrative job for your own in this highly fertile industry.

This sector of the country’s economy is quite rich with the various options available to specialise in, backed with some really great and innovative technological advances that guarantee a more rewarding and enriching profession in the field as the time progresses.

The one with a good hand at ayurvedic remedies and treatments is also in huge demand as the overall beauty and skin care industry is witnessing a huge shift of the customers towards natural, age-old treatments as it is free from the risks of causing any side-effects. The job of aestheticians or skin care experts usually involves how precisely and accurately they are able to zero in the client’s skin demands and the level of perfection with which these needs and demands are being fulfilled.

Along with keeping a steady pace with the technological and mechanical advances of the industry, the professionals in this industry also need to have a good hold over the managerial tricks and tactics. Unless and until you are good enough in client handling and multitasking not much can be achieved from this industry in terms of remuneration and incentives.

Talking about the average pay scale of entry level aestheticians currently in India it ranges between Rs.3.5 lakh to Rs.4 lakh annually. The pay scale observes quite a rapid fluctuations according to the location, expertise level and brand equity of the company they work for.

(The writer is an expert in aesthetic science & co-founder, Rejove Clinique)