Esthetician, Medical Aesthetician, or Dermatologist: Who Should You See for Your Skin?

If you’ve ever wondered who to turn to for your skin concerns, you’re not alone. Between estheticians, medical aestheticians, and dermatologists, it can get confusing. Here’s a breakdown of each professional and when it makes sense to see them.

Esthetician: Your Skincare Guide & Consultant

What They Do:
Estheticians are licensed skincare professionals focused on improving the appearance and health of your skin. They provide:

• Facials, masks, and exfoliation

• Chemical peels, dermaplaning, microneedling/microchanneling

• Lymphatic drainage, facial & buccal massage, and microcurrent

• Hair removal (waxing, threading)

• Brows & lashes

• Makeup application

Best For:

• Healthy, glowing skin

• Acne care with a holistic approach, hyperpigmentation

• Preventative skincare and long-term maintenance

• Relaxing, spa-like treatments

Fun Analogy:
I love to say that estheticians are like psychologists for your skin. We take the time to understand the nuances of your lifestyle, routine, and skin history. We explore alternative routes and focus on a slow, sustainable approach to create long-lasting results.

What They Don’t Do:

• Diagnose or treat medical skin conditions

• Prescribe medications

Medical Aesthetician: Treatments with a Medical Focus

What They Do:
Medical aestheticians hold the same license as estheticians but use the title to indicate that they work with various machines, lasers, and medical-grade treatments, often under a dermatologist. Services include:

• Facials, masks, and exfoliation

• Chemical peels, microneedling, and dermaplaning

• Laser treatments and skin resurfacing

• Pre- and post-procedure care for cosmetic or medical treatments

Best For:

• Quicker or deeper corrections

• Acne, hyperpigmentation, and scarring

• Preparing for or recovering from dermatology or cosmetic procedures

What They Don’t Do:

• Prescribe medications independently

• Diagnose medical conditions

Dermatologist: The Medical Expert

What They Do:
Dermatologists are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and manage skin, hair, and nail conditions. They can:

• Prescribe medications for acne, eczema, psoriasis, and more

• Perform surgeries, biopsies, and other medical procedures

• Provide cosmetic procedures like Botox, fillers, and laser resurfacing

Best For:

• Persistent or severe acne

• Medical skin conditions

• Skin cancer screenings

• Prescription or surgical treatments

Analogy:
Dermatologists are like psychiatrists. They focus on the medical side of skin care and address more serious or clinical conditions.

How to Decide Who to See

• For glowing, healthy skin and long-term care: Start with a licensed esthetician.

• For advanced cosmetic treatments under supervision with machines or lasers: A medical aesthetician can provide specialized support.

• For medical concerns, prescription needs, or severe conditions: A dermatologist is your go-to.

Professional Takeaway

While dermatologists handle medical concerns and prescriptions, esthetician-led care is where long-term skin health really shines. Regular esthetician treatments help prevent issues before they start, maintain hydration and barrier health, and create a foundation for radiant skin. Many clients benefit from combining esthetician care with dermatologist guidance when needed, but the esthetician often acts as your daily skin advocate.

✨ Unsure where to start? I can help assess your skin, create a personalized routine, and guide you toward the right professional while keeping your skin healthy, balanced, and glowing.