Skin care careers allow caring individuals to help other improve their skin health, tone, and texture. Some skin care jobs require years of education and training, while others may be picked up through trade school or on-the-job training programs. Some of the most popular skin care careers include dermatologist or dermatologist assistant positions, esthetician careers, and jobs at a makeup or skincare retail store.

The most training-intensive skin care jobs are in the medical field of dermatology. Becoming a licensed dermatologist can take more than ten years of education, including undergraduate work, medical school, and dermatology fellowships. In addition, dermatologists must pass several sets of licensing exams to qualify for a license to practice legally. Dermatologists work with patients with a variety of skin conditions, including severe acne and skin cancer.

For those who wish to avoid the high cost and time commitment of medical school, it is still possible to find skin care careers in dermatology. A dermatologist's assistant may still need to attend undergraduate and graduate school as a physician's assistant, and may be required to pass examinations in order to work legally. Depending on regional regulations, some medical skin care careers may even be available to those with a two-year degree in physician assistance. These skilled professionals are able to help dermatologists with everything from office work to assisting in medical procedures.

Cosmetology is another great source of skin care careers. A cosmetologist or esthetician may work at a medical or luxury spa, specializing in treatments for facial and body skin. To qualify as an esthetician, a person will need to attend trade school for one to two years, and may complete internships or apprenticeships to improve skills. Many regions require that estheticians become licensed, which may include proof of completion of a cosmetology program as well as rigorous examinations. For those that like to work in a tranquil environment to help clients feel refreshed and relaxed, skin care careers in the spa and salon world can be a great option.

For those who simply like being around makeup and skincare products, a job with a beauty supply store can be a great entry-level position. While training is often provided on the job, it helps to have strong knowledge of product lines, innovations in the skin care industry, and the common skin concerns of clients. A friendly personality and sales skills can also help land a job in this fun and innovative area of the skin care market.