Estheticians and Dermatologists: Similarities and Differences

As a skin care specialist, I get clients every day that are curious about what sets estheticians apart from dermatologists. No need to worry! Kalón By Kiesha is providing clarity on the similarities and differences and how we are able to help.

Both Estheticians and Dermatologists Understand and Address Skin Conditions

Estheticians and dermatologists are both experts on the science of skin. Dermatologists are medical doctors with specialized training and experience in skin, hair, and nail conditions. Estheticians, on the other hand, we are trained, licensed skin care professionals in 49 states (in Connecticut, licensure is not required).

Both Estheticians are Dermatologists analyze skin conditions, suggest approaches and products for addressing concerns, and perform treatments to maintain healthy, beautiful skin.

Estheticians and Dermatologists Perform a Variety of Non-Invasive Procedures

Common skin concerns include signs of aging and sun damage, acne, and overly dry or oily skin. These conditions can be identified and remedied by either an Esthetician or a Dermatologist. When meeting a client for the first time, an Esthetician will conduct a skin analysis, which identifies positive attributes about skin types and conditions, areas in need of improvement, and suggestions for treatments, products, and skin care regimens.

Estheticians perform a range of skin treatments including facials, extractions, peels, wraps, light and cryo-therapies, waxing, and microdermabrasion. Treatments are tailored to a client’s skin type and condition. Dry patches, age spots, dull skin, and clogged pores each require a different approach. A Dermatologist can also provide these treatments.

Only Dermatologists Can Perform Medical Treatments and Write Prescriptions

When a skin condition requires medical treatment, a Dermatologist should be consulted. A Dermatologist must perform biopsies, dermabrasion, and any type of surgical removal. Dermatologists perform skin cancer and mole checks and may prescribe medications for acne, psoriasis, or other skin diseases.

Estheticians Focus More on Holistic Well-Being

Most Dermatologists work in a clinical setting set up for medical procedures rather than relaxation. In contrast, most Estheticians create soothing environments that promote tranquility. Although a generalization, many Dermatologists will look for clinical or pharmaceutical strategies, whereas most Estheticians will focus on holistic wellness and how lifestyle, as well as skin care routines and products, affect the skin’s appearance.

Estheticians may be more knowledgeable about skin care trends, the mind-body connection, holistic health, and organic skin care products. Many Dermatologists may also be current on these topics, but their focus is likely to be on the clinical presentation of skin conditions.

Skin Care Provider Choices are Personal

Just as every person’s skin is unique, so is his or her approach to maintaining healthy skin. Considerations include the extent of treatment or care that is needed, the range of desired strategies for healthy skin, the type of products recommended, and the environment in which skin care is provided.

Visiting an Esthetician

It is always a good idea to schedule a consultation appointment prior to your first treatment, especially if you are new to esthetic treatments. This gives you and your therapist a chance to discuss your goals and expectations for the first visit, and long term goals for the future. During a consultation, your therapist will go over an extensive intake form, and most likely do a cleansing of the skin followed by a detailed skin analysis. This will give your therapist the information she/he needs to create an individualized treatment plan, both for a series of professional treatments and recommendations for products you can use at home.

What about home care?

Much of the success of maintaining a visible improvement after treatment depends on consistent, correct home care. Your esthetician is trained to select the products that will most benefit your skin, and to advise you on how to maintain your professional results between visits. Like medical or dental care, following the right daily regimen at home is essential if you are to get the most out of your visits to a professional.

Your Esthetician

Your skin care treatments should be provided by a properly trained professional. Don’t hesitate to ask your skin care therapist about her background, training, and experience—especially as it relates to the treatment you are considering. Your therapist is a professional member of Associated Skin Care Professionals. We  have been validated as meeting our state’s licensing credentials and/or core training requirements, and agree to follow a code of ethics which ensures you’ll be treated responsibly and with the utmost respect. ASCP also provides us with comprehensive resources that allow us to keep up with changing trends, making certain you’ll receive the most up-to-date therapies available.

What’s the difference between dermatology, cosmetology, and esthetics?

Dermatology is a branch of the medical profession, practiced by licensed physicians who specialize in disorders of the skin. Esthetic practice specifically excludes diagnosis, prescription, or any other service, procedure, or therapy that requires a medical license. If you’re being treated by a dermatologist, your esthetician can provide complementary and support therapies. In addition, estheticians are trained to recognize early signs of many medical conditions affecting the skin, and will refer you to a dermatologist in such a case.

Cosmetology is the study of beauty treatments including nail care, hair care and styling, makeup application, skin care and more. Esthetics is one branch of cosmetology; some estheticians work in other branches of cosmetology in addition to their skin care practice.
Techniques and products

Techniques used by estheticians include facial steaming, wrapping, exfoliation, waxing, pore cleansing, extraction, and chemical peels. Creams, lotions, wraps, clay or gel masks, and salt scrubs are used. Machines may also be used to help deliver high-tech services.

Some common therapies:

Chemical peel: An exfoliation process, very effective in treating a large range of skin concerns such as aging, sun damage, acne, mild scarring, improving overall skin brightness and evening skin tone. Peels can be light, moderate or deep. Light peels require no down time from work or normal activities. Moderate peels may require a day or two of down time, and deep peels can require a week or more to allow the skin to fully heal. Estheticians who are not working in a medical setting perform light to moderate peels only. Deep peels are performed by a physican, or under a physician’s supervision, for your safety.

Exfoliation: The removal of dead skin cells manually (scrubbing, brushing, or using a system such as microdermabrasion), with a chemical peel (a product that causes dead skin cells to shed) or with an enzymatic product that digests dead skin cells.

Extraction: This is the process of deep cleansing the pores, either manually (using gloved hands and cotton or tissue around the fingers, with gentle pressure to remove the impacted pore) or using a metal extraction implement designed to clear blocked pores. This can also include the use of a lancet (a small sharp blade to lift the dead cells of the skin prior to extraction).

Facial: A facial is the most popular treatment performed by estheticians. It is a good way for your therapist to get a good understanding of your skin prior to suggesting more aggressive treatments. A facial generally includes makeup removal and skin cleansing, exfoliation by mechanical, enzymatic or chemical means, steaming, extractions, facial massage, a treatment mask, serum/moisturizer and sunblock. For most people, facials can be scheduled every four weeks, although your therapist may recommend a different schedule based on your individual needs.

Microdermabrasion: The process of resurfacing the skin using a machine that sands the skin’s epidermal (outer) layer, using either a wand tipped with crushed diamonds, or a spray of special crystals which are then suctioned back up along with the dead skin cells. It can be very helpful in improving skin texture, fine lines and the effectiveness of home care product penetration.

Waxing: Waxing removes unwanted hair at the root. There are two different types of waxes: hard and soft. Soft wax is applied warm to the skin in a thin layer in the direction of hair growth. Cloth strips are then applied to the warm wax, rubbed in the direction of hair growth, and quickly pulled off in the opposite direction. This method is best used on larger areas of the body such as the legs, back or chest. Hard wax is used without cloth strips. It is applied warm, in a layer about the thickness of a nickel, allowed to dry and then removed quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth. Hard wax is less irritating to sensitive skin and is excellent for the bikini, underarm and facial areas.