Esthetician vs. Dermatologist – Key Roles and Differences

Estheticians and dermatologists specialize in skin care but have distinct roles and qualifications. While estheticians focus on providing cosmetic treatments and enhancing skin appearance, dermatologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat skin diseases.

Many people often confuse estheticians and dermatologists, assuming they offer similar services. However, these two professions, though related to skincare, differ significantly in their roles, training, and the scope of treatments they provide. Estheticians are trained to perform beauty treatments like facials, waxing, and skin analysis, focusing on cosmetic skin enhancement. In contrast, dermatologists are medical doctors who focus on diagnosing and treating skin conditions, including serious illnesses like skin cancer. 

You need to understand the differences between these two professions in order to make the right career choice or simply to choose the right professional for your skincare needs. This article will help you in both cases, so follow along to find out more.

What Is an Esthetician?

An esthetician specializes in improving the skin’s appearance and health by performing various beauty treatments and procedures. Their primary role is to improve the skin’s condition, helping clients achieve a more radiant and youthful look. Estheticians provide various services tailored to individual skin types and concerns, including facials, chemical peels, exfoliation, and microdermabrasion. They are also skilled in applying makeup, performing hair removal techniques like waxing, and providing personalized skincare advice. 

Remember, estheticians do not diagnose or treat medical skin conditions. However, they are experts in providing cosmetic skin treatments and valuable recommendations for maintaining healthy, glowing skin.

Types of estheticians

– Medical estheticians: Collaborate with dermatologists and plastic surgeons in clinics or hospitals to perform advanced procedures like laser treatments and chemical peels;

– Spa estheticians: Work in day spas, wellness centers, or luxury resorts, offering treatments such as facials, body wraps, and aromatherapy for relaxation and skin health;

– Makeup artists: Apply makeup for special events, photoshoots, or performances, often working in salons, fashion studios, or freelance;

– Hair removal specialists: Use techniques like waxing, threading, and sugaring in specialized salons or spas.

Each type of esthetician specializes in unique treatments to meet clients’ specific needs.

What Is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. With extensive medical training, dermatologists can handle many conditions, from common issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis to serious concerns like skin cancer. Their expertise allows them to assess symptoms, perform biopsies, prescribe medications, and even conduct surgical procedures when necessary. Dermatologists also help in managing chronic skin conditions by providing long-term treatment plans aimed at improving patients’ quality of life. 

In addition, dermatologists provide cosmetic services like Botox injections and laser treatments to address aesthetic concerns. Their role is critical in maintaining the skin’s health and appearance, making them essential healthcare providers for patients with skin-related issues.

Differences Between Estheticians and Dermatologists

Estheticians and dermatologists play vital roles in skin care, but their functions and expertise differ significantly. Estheticians focus on providing cosmetic treatments and beauty procedures to enhance skin appearance, while dermatologists diagnose and treat skin diseases and disorders. In the following paragraphs, we will explore the differences between these two professions in detail, examining their roles, training, and the services they provide.

Education and training

The pathways to becoming an esthetician or a dermatologist are distinctly different, reflecting the varied nature of their professions. In this section, we will examine each role’s educational requirements and training processes, including the necessary certifications, licensing, and ongoing professional development that shape their expertise and practice.

Esthetician

To become an esthetician, you first need to enroll in a cosmetology or esthetician program, which usually lasts 6 to 12 months. These programs cover essential topics such as skincare techniques, facial treatments, and product knowledge. Upon completing the program, you must pass a state licensing exam assessing the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you have acquired. Once licensed, you may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas like advanced facial treatments, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy if you want to expand your expertise. 

Continuing education is vital since, as an esthetician, you need to stay updated with industry trends, new technologies, and evolving techniques. You have to participate in workshops, seminars, and refresher courses to maintain your skills and licensure.

Dermatologist

Becoming a dermatologist involves walking down an extensive and rigorous educational path. The journey begins with earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by attending medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, typically lasting four years. After medical school, aspiring dermatologists must complete a residency program in dermatology, which generally lasts 3 to 4 years and provides in-depth training in diagnosing and providing treatment for various skin conditions. 

Following residency, dermatologists must become certified by a recognized dermatology board by passing the required exam. Additionally, they are required to regularly participate in medical education programs to keep pace with the latest advancements in dermatology, ensuring their skills and knowledge remain up-to-date throughout their career.

Role and expertise

Understanding estheticians’ and dermatologists’ distinct roles and areas of expertise is essential for appreciating their contributions to skin care. This section will explore the specific functions, skills, and knowledge each professional brings to their practice. We will highlight how their specialized training and focus impact the services they offer and the conditions they address.

Esthetician

Estheticians focus on enhancing their clients’ skin appearance by providing various cosmetic treatments and personalized skincare regimens. Their day-to-day responsibilities often include conducting client consultations to assess skin conditions and needs and recommending appropriate treatments. They perform various non-medical procedures such as facials, exfoliation, and deep-cleansing treatments and offer services like makeup application and hair removal. 

Estheticians utilize their expertise in cosmetic skin care to assist clients in achieving healthier, more radiant skin, all while creating a relaxing and pleasant experience. Their role is centered around improving the aesthetic qualities of the skin rather than diagnosing or treating medical conditions.

Dermatologist

Dermatologists are critical in diagnosing and treating various medical skin conditions, from common issues like acne and eczema to complex disorders such as psoriasis and skin cancer. Their expertise extends to performing medical procedures and surgeries, including skin biopsies, cryotherapy, and laser treatments. Dermatologists are trained to evaluate and treat various skin conditions through non-invasive and invasive techniques. They use their in-depth knowledge to provide accurate diagnoses, develop comprehensive treatment plans, and perform surgical interventions when necessary, ensuring effective skin health management and addressing severe or chronic conditions with high precision and care.

Common conditions and symptoms treated

Both estheticians and dermatologists address various skin concerns, but their focus and methods differ based on their expertise. In this section, we will outline the common conditions and symptoms treated by each professional, highlighting the range of issues they manage and their approaches to address them.

Esthetician

Estheticians address common cosmetic issues such as dry skin, signs of aging, and sun damage. They often use moisturizing facials that hydrate and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier, effectively combating dryness. For signs of aging, estheticians may apply anti-aging serums and perform microdermabrasion or chemical peels to reduce fine lines and improve skin texture. To address sun damage, they provide skincare services, including exfoliation and treatments using ingredients like vitamin C to brighten skin tone. 

Through these targeted treatments, estheticians work to enhance skin health and appearance, focusing on cosmetic improvements and long-term skincare.

Dermatologist

Dermatologists specialize in treating various medical skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and skin cancer. For acne, they may prescribe topical or oral medications to control breakouts and inflammation. Psoriasis is often managed with topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, or systemic medications to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth. In cases of skin cancer, dermatologists perform thorough evaluations and surgical procedures to remove malignant growths and provide ongoing care and monitoring. 

Their medical interventions aim to diagnose, treat, and manage skin conditions with precision, focusing on overall skin health.

Salary and job outlook

When considering a career in skincare, it’s important to understand the financial aspects and job prospects associated with each profession. This section will explore the salary expectations and job outlook for estheticians and dermatologists, providing insights into potential earnings and employment trends in these fields.

Esthetician

Estheticians typically earn an average salary that ranges from $19,849 to $97,262 annually. Nevertheless, this can differ based on the location, experience, and type of establishment they work in. For instance, estheticians in high-demand urban areas or luxury spas may command higher salaries than those in smaller towns. Experience also plays a significant role, as more experienced professionals typically earn higher wages due to their advanced skills and established client base.

Job growth for estheticians is projected to be strong, driven by the rising interest in personal grooming and wellness. Estheticians can find employment opportunities in various settings, including spas, salons, dermatology clinics, and wellness centers.

Dermatologist

Dermatologists generally earn a substantial income, with average salaries ranging from $177,680 to $492,626 annually. Specialization can influence earnings, with those focusing on complex treatments or performing advanced procedures often earning more. Geographic location also affects salary. Dermatologists in major metropolitan areas or regions with high demand for dermatologic services usually earn higher wages. 

The job outlook for dermatologists is promising thanks to growing awareness of skin health and a rising incidence of skin conditions. The field’s ongoing expansion and the increasing need for specialized medical care also contribute to a favorable employment outlook for dermatologists, ensuring robust job opportunities and a positive career trajectory.

Estheticians vs. Dermatologists: What to Consider Before Choosing Your Career Path

Becoming a dermatologist or an esthetician requires reflecting on factors like lifestyle, work environment, and personal goals. Estheticians typically work in spas and salons, focusing on cosmetic treatments with flexible hours and lower earnings. Dermatologists work in clinical settings, dealing with medical diagnoses and treatments. They might earn more, but they face a more demanding educational path. Consider differences in work settings, patient interaction, and educational investment before deciding what aligns best with your career aspirations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, estheticians focus on cosmetic skincare and beauty treatments, while dermatologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat skin diseases. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for making well-informed career choices or seeking appropriate skin care. 

For more information on pursuing a career in medicine or dermatology, explore the American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine and take the next step in your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a licensed esthetician?

To become a licensed esthetician, you need to complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program and pass a licensing exam.  

Do estheticians treat skin conditions?

Estheticians focus on cosmetic skincare and do not treat medical skin conditions.