Esthetics (Skin Care) Program

About the Esthetics (Skin Care) Program

Compete in the thriving beauty industry as an esthetician and skin care expert as you work toward your esthetician's license. This dynamic field is a perfect fit if you are creative, entrepreneurial, and enjoy working with people. You will take classes specifically designed to help you pass both the practical and written portions of the California State Board of Cosmetology licensing examination for estheticians.

Licensed estheticians are able to perform many skin care services including:

Manual facials
Microdermabrasion
Manual lymphatic drainage
Electrical facials including microcurrent
Chemical facials and peels
Massage
Eyebrow tweezing
Hair removal
Makeup application
Eyelash application

All students who complete the esthetics program at SMC earn a Department Certificate and become eligible to take the California State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam for estheticians.

To qualify to take the California State Board of Cosmetology exam for estheticians, you must complete a minimum of 600 hours of training. Santa Monica College offers many opportunities to fulfill your training hours as you work toward your esthetician's license.

Our esthetics program is available for full- and part-time students.

Degrees and Certificates

Department Certificate - Esthetics (Skin Care)

12+ units

Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate professional-level skill in client consultation, skin analysis, and manual, chemical, and electrical facials, as well as eyebrow shaping, waxing, the application of strip and individual eyelashes, and makeup application. Additionally, the student will be proficient in health and safety procedures in common use in salons and spas.

View Requirements