Beyond the Face

While most estheticians are trained with the face in mind, true skin wellness doesn’t stop at the jawline. In fact, as the demand for whole-body skincare continues to rise, today’s modern esthetician has a growing opportunity to bring their magic to the rest of the body. From smoothing and sculpting to detoxifying and deeply hydrating, body treatments are more than just a luxury—they’re an extension of your client’s holistic self-care. 

Whether you’re creating your first full-body menu or looking to elevate your current offerings, here are ten body treatments every esthetician should consider incorporating into their practice: 

1. Full Body Exfoliation: Reset and Renew

Dry, dull skin doesn’t just affect the face. Offering full body exfoliation—using sugar scrubs, salt blends, or enzymatic polishers—can instantly revive a client’s glow. This treatment not only smooths the skin but also stimulates circulation, promotes lymph flow, and enhances product absorption. It’s a luxurious, results-driven ritual perfect for seasonal changes or pre-event prep. 

2. Back Facials (a.k.a. “Bacials”)

The back is often neglected, yet it’s prone to congestion, breakouts, and rough texture. A back facial mimics a traditional facial—think double cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, mask, and hydration—customized for hard-to-reach areas. Bacials are especially popular with acne-prone clients, athletes, and those preparing for weddings or vacations. 

3. Detoxifying or Hydrating Body Wraps

Wraps aren’t just spa indulgences—they’re therapeutic skin treatments. Depending on the chosen product (think seaweed, clay, or aloe vera), body wraps can detoxify, remineralize, soothe inflammation, or deeply moisturize. Add heat or infrared blankets to enhance results and create an immersive self-care experience. 

4. Lymphatic Drainage Massage

One of the most sought-after treatments in holistic skincare, lymphatic drainage helps reduce puffiness, support immune function, and enhance detoxification. Performed manually or with specialized tools, this gentle, rhythmic technique is a powerful addition to post-operative care, sculpting protocols, or seasonal detox packages. 

5. Body Sculpting Massage

This more vigorous approach uses deep massage strokes, kneading, and sometimes tools (like wood therapy or fascia rollers) to break up stagnation, improve circulation, and contour the body. While results vary by client, many experience visibly toned skin and a sense of energizing release. It’s especially effective for the abdomen, thighs, arms, and hips. 

6. Chemical Peels for the Body

Why limit your peeling expertise to the face? Professional peels can dramatically improve body skin texture and tone—especially for concerns like keratosis pilaris, body acne, or hyperpigmentation. Areas like the back, shoulders, chest, arms, and even buttocks benefit from controlled exfoliation using lactic, glycolic, or salicylic acid formulas. 

7. Cellulite and Circulation Treatments

Whether you’re using caffeine-based creams, lymph-stimulating massage, or circulation-boosting tools, these treatments target one of the most common client concerns: cellulite. While no one-size-fits-all solution exists, consistency combined with technique can create noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture. 

8. Deeply Hydrating Body Treatments

Not all clients need detox—some need nourishment. Hydrating body services use barrier-supportive ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or botanical oils to treat dry, depleted skin. These are perfect for post-sun exposure, winter care, or clients with eczema-prone or sensitive skin. 

9. Body LED Therapy

The benefits of LED light therapy aren’t limited to the face. Red, blue, and near-infrared wavelengths can support wound healing, acne management, and inflammation reduction across larger body areas. Incorporating LED panels into your treatment room creates additional value with minimal labor—and serious skin benefits. 

10. Booty Facials 

A playful but powerful addition to your menu, booty facials combine exfoliation, extractions, and brightening treatments to target acne, ingrowns, and discoloration on the buttocks. Ideal for summer or self-conscious clients, this service offers real results—and a lot of Instagram buzz. 

As a licensed esthetician, your ability to treat the skin holistically is what sets you apart. Offering body treatments is more than a business expansion—it’s a chance to meet your clients’ needs in new, deeply nourishing ways. These services support body confidence, functional skincare, and a reminder that self-care doesn’t stop at the shoulders.