Dermatologist vs. Esthetician

Dermatologist vs. Esthetician 

At 33 years old, I had my second child. Something about that pregnancy sent my hormones into overdrive. I am not sure if it was my “maternal age” of being pregnant that affected my hormones or if it was the gender of my child (girl). Needless to say, my skin was greatly affected by it. Ten years later, my skin is still going through changes. Perimenopause has crept in, and I am having more breakouts than I ever have. Trying to determine if I need to go see a dermatologist or an esthetician to find solutions has been an ongoing battle.

Oftentimes there is confusion understanding the difference between an esthetician and a dermatologist. What are their specialties? What services do they offer? How do I know who I should be seeing? Our hope is that we can answer those questions for you to eliminate the confusion.  For more information visit www.healthiline.com for more specifics.

Dermatologists

Let’s begin with specifics. A dermatologist has to attend up to 12 years of schooling. Four years of undergraduate studies, four years of graduate school and four years of residency. Dermatologists work in medical facilities with other physicians. 

After a comprehensive exam, a dermatologist can diagnose ailments and prescribe medicine for treatments. They can also perform surgical procedures.

Dermatologists treat the hair, skin and scalp. If you are suffering from alopecia or dandruff, you would see a dermatologist for those concerns. Dermatologists can treat medical and cosmetic skin conditions.

If you are looking to have Botox, skin fillers or deep chemical peels, you must go to a dermatologist.

Esthetician 

Depending on the state’s requirements, an esthetician has to get 600 hours of training and classwork within their program. To be fully licensed to practice, you must receive your state-board certification and license. During the course of their program, students must practice various techniques and procedures, similar to student teaching. In a nutshell, an esthetician is a trained beauty technician. 

As found on indeed.com an esthetician can work in spas, salons and medical offices. There, they can provide assessments and treatments for various skin conditions. Some of the services available are: hair removal, cleansing the skin, facial massages, apply body wraps/scrubs and permanent makeup application.

Having knowledge of various skin ailments, an esthetician can recommend products for their clients to use. 

Oftentimes, an esthetician can be found working alongside a dermatologist. 

The main difference between the two is that an esthetician can only provide cosmetic skin treatments. An esthetician can only work on the superficial layers of the skin. However, based on the state they reside in, various services may be provided in their facility.

Find what’s best for you!

My hope is that this article has cleared any confusion you may have when seeking treatment for your skin. Our hope is that by taking preventative measures like wearing sunscreen, using proper products and hydration, you can lessen your chances for any skin care emergencies. 

Seeing a dermatologist should be a part of your regular annual appointment list. If you have any concerning issues, research and find someone you are comfortable with.

Want to indulge in some much-needed selfcare, visit a licensed esthetician and get your facial, wax and eyebrows done.

No matter what, take care of the skin you live in. Be you. Be Unaltered.