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Some people seem to be blessed with naturally beautiful skin that requires little maintenance to remain smooth and glowing. However, an estimated 80% of adults experience skin concerns at some point in their lives, such as acne, rashes, dandruff, psoriasis, allergic reactions, or skin cancer.

Over time, everyone suffers signs of aging, from fine lines and wrinkles to sagging and dryness.

Luckily, there are skin care professionals, including dermatologists and cosmetology professionals like estheticians, who can address such issues with a variety of treatment options. What are the differences between these professionals, and what type of care can clients expect?

Professional Qualifications

Both estheticians and dermatologists must be licensed to legally perform their jobs, although qualifications may vary by state. To become an esthetician, you must complete a cosmetology program at a state-approved institution, often entailing several months of study that includes both academic instruction and hands-on training.

Once you have completed a program, you may be required to pass a state exam to prove competence and obtain a license.

Dermatologists, on the other hand, are doctors. They complete up to 12 years of education to obtain a medical degree and complete a residency. They may even continue training to become a specialist within their field.

Board-certified dermatologists complete the process by taking an exam to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, proving exceptional knowledge and competence.

Scope of Work

Aside from the level of education required, the primary difference between estheticians and dermatologists is the scope of work they’re permitted to perform.

Estheticians provide treatments designed to target surface skin issues. Dermatologists can offer such treatments, but as doctors, they can also diagnose and treat conditions of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes, as well as prescribe medications and perform a range of medical procedures.

Estheticians usually work at salons or day spas and offer skin treatments like facials, microdermabrasion, and superficial chemical peels, as well as body treatments (scrubs, masks, wraps, etc.).

They are qualified to perform hair removal procedures, like threading and waxing, along with eyebrow tinting, lash extensions, and professional makeup application.

Dermatologists may work at medical spas, but they’re often found in private practice, specialty clinics, or hospitals/healthcare organizations. They are trained to diagnose over 3,000 skin conditions, ranging from rosacea and warts to different skin cancers. These professionals are permitted to:

• Perform exams
• Diagnose skin conditions
• Provide education and advice about skin conditions
• Prescribe medications
• Perform treatments ranging from non-invasive cosmetic procedures to invasive surgical treatments

Dermatologists can use a variety of prescriptions and procedures to improve skin conditions and address the health of your skin, hair, and nails. While they may offer some of the same services as estheticians, dermatologists can also perform:

• Injections (fillers, Botox, etc.)
• Microneedling
• Aggressive chemical peels
• Laser resurfacing
• Laser hair removal

These professionals may specialize in either medical or cosmetic procedures, or they may offer both.

Which Path Is Right for You?

The best way to decide whether you want to become an esthetician or a dermatologist is to consider factors like the amount of training required, the cost and length of education, the scope of work, and potential earnings.

If you’re interested in obtaining an esthetician license, check out the exam prep programs for your state offered by RocketCert today.