If you’re passionate about skincare, glowing complexions, and helping others feel confident in their own skin, esthetics may be the perfect career path for you. But as you begin exploring schools and programs, you’ll quickly notice two terms that come up a lot: basic esthetics and advanced esthetics.

At Aveda Institute Las Vegas, we believe in equipping students with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive—whether they’re just beginning their journey in skincare or ready to take it to the next level. So what’s the difference between basic and advanced esthetics, and which path is right for you?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Esthetics?

Before we dive into the differences, let’s cover the basics.

Esthetics is the practice of improving and maintaining healthy skin through various treatments and services. Estheticians are licensed professionals trained in:

• Facials
• Hair removal (like waxing or threading)
• Skin analysis
• Makeup application
• Product recommendations
• Exfoliation techniques
• Lash and brow treatments

Esthetics is a growing field, especially as people become more aware of skincare and wellness. With advancements in technology, science, and beauty trends, the scope of esthetics has expanded beyond what was traditionally taught in a basic program.

That’s where the distinction between basic and advanced esthetics comes in.

Basic Esthetics: The Foundation of Skincare

What You Learn in a Basic Esthetics Program

A basic esthetics program is your entry point into the world of skincare. It typically focuses on the fundamentals of skin health, sanitation, anatomy, and product knowledge. At Aveda Las Vegas, our esthetics curriculum is designed to blend holistic wellness with practical, hands-on experience in a real-world salon environment.

In a basic esthetics program, you can expect to learn:

• Facials (including hydro-facials)
• Body treatments
• Chemical peels
• Light therapy
• Microdermabrasion
• Hair removal with sugaring
• Makeup Artistry
• Product knowledge (what we call “purescribing”) and retailing
• Growing clientele

This foundational training can prepare you to sit for the Nevada State Board exam, which is required to become a licensed esthetician. Once licensed, you can work in spas, salons, resorts, and wellness centers—or even start your own skincare business.

Advanced Esthetics: Expanding Your Skill Set

If you’re looking to elevate your skincare expertise, an advanced esthetics program could be the perfect next step. Sometimes called master or medical esthetics, this training dives deeper into clinical, results-oriented treatments using cutting-edge technology and advanced techniques.

What You Learn in an Advanced Esthetics Program

Advanced esthetics teaches you the foundational knowledge you would learn in the basic esthetics program, but also introduces more science-based treatments. These procedures often require additional training because they involve deeper skin penetration or the use of medical-grade equipment.

Advanced esthetics topics can include:

• Using medispa equipment
• Performing laser hair removal
• Providing IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments
• Doing tattoo removal
• Using micro needling and body contouring devices
• And more

In many states, including Nevada, these treatments may only be performed under a medical director or with additional certifications beyond a basic license. That’s why advanced esthetics training is so valuable—it not only helps you qualify for these roles but gives you the confidence to work with cutting-edge skincare technology.

Career Paths After Basic Esthetics

A basic esthetics license can open many doors. With this foundation, you might pursue a career as a:

• Esthetician
• Waxing Technician
• Salon Owner/Manager
• Make-Up Artist
• Consultant
• Spa Professional in the Medical Field
• Educator – with completion of the Educator course

Many estheticians start with a basic license, build experience, and then decide whether to specialize further.

Career Paths After Advanced Esthetics

With additional training in advanced esthetics, you may qualify for roles in more clinical or specialized settings, such as:

• Medical spa technician
• Laser skincare technician
• Skincare specialists in dermatology clinics
• Cosmetic treatment assistant
• Oncology esthetician
• Esthetics educator (with completion of the Educator course)

As the beauty industry continues to evolve with high-tech tools and medical integration, advanced estheticians can be in high demand.

Which Program Is Right for You?

It really depends on your goals, interests, and where you are in your career.

You might choose basic esthetics if you:

• Are new to skincare and want a strong foundation
• Want to get licensed and start working quickly
• Are interested in traditional spa services
• Prefer a more holistic or wellness-based approach

You might choose advanced esthetics if you:

• Want to specialize in corrective or clinical skincare
• Are passionate about working in medical spas or dermatology clinics
• Are ready to learn about lasers, devices, and deeper treatments

Why Aveda Institute Las Vegas?

Real-World Experience

You’ll work with real clients in our *student clinic, giving you confidence and hands-on experience before you graduate.

Career Preparation

From resume help to portfolio development, we can help you get ready for the job market—whether your goal is a spa, a med spa, or launching your own skincare line.

Location, Location, Location

Being based in Las Vegas, we’re at the heart of a thriving beauty and wellness scene. From resort spas to cutting-edge aesthetic clinics, you’ll have incredible opportunities right in your backyard.

*All services provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Your Esthetics Journey Starts Here

The beauty of esthetics is that you don’t have to choose between basic and advanced forever. One is not better than the other—it’s all about where you want to start and how you want to grow.

At Aveda Institute Las Vegas, we’re here to support your journey from day one. Whether you’re learning how to give your first facial or mastering advanced skincare techniques, we’re committed to helping you build a creative and successful career in esthetics.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re curious about esthetics and want to see what the Aveda experience is all about, we’d love to meet you!

Contact us today to get started. We look forward to hearing from you!