Aesthetician vs. Esthetician vs. Dermatologist: Understanding the Difference

April 18, 2023

When it comes to skincare, there are three main professionals people tend to visit: aestheticians, estheticians, and dermatologists. While all are involved in the care of skin, there are differences in their areas of expertise and the services they offer. In this post, we'll explore the differences between an aesthetician, an esthetician, and a dermatologist, as well as when it's best to see each of them.

What is an Aesthetician vs. Esthetician

Not only do aesthetician and esthetician sound alike, they are also alike in that they are both skin care specialists who focus on the beautification of the skin. The biggest difference is that an esthetician generally focuses on cosmetic treatments, whereas an aesthetician’s role is more medical. Sometimes referred to as medical aestheticians, they are skincare specialists with a clinical focus, so they can do more.

The Benefits of Seeing an Aesthetician

While everyone who works with an aesthetician at the Centre for Pure Skin has a unique experience, there are some common benefits. These are what keep our patients coming back, and telling their friends and family to come, too.

Feel Better in Your Own Skin… Literally

Visiting an aesthetician can be a great way to improve the look and feel of your skin. At the Centre for Pure Skin, our Grand Rapids aestheticians have a deep understanding of different skin types and the best ways to care for them. They can provide personalized recommendations for products and treatments that will work best for your individual needs. And when we say skin treatments, we’re talking about all areas of your body, not just your face. In fact, we offer treatments for:

New Level of Self Care

Bonus: aesthetician services can be relaxing and enjoyable. A HydraFacial®, for example, can be a soothing experience that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Many of our patients chill out during CoolSculpting treatments, which is the world’s most popular non-surgical fat loss solution. Think of it as unlocking a new level of self care.

Save Time

Our services can also help you save time. Did you know that women spend 1,728 hours over their lifetime shaving just their legs? Laser hair removal means no more shaving. What could you do with more time in your life? More importantly, what would you want to do? Whatever it is, let us help you make it happen.

Get Results

How many times have you bought a skincare product with high hopes, only to find the results were meh? How often have your eyes glazed over trying to understand different skin care treatments? We take the guesswork out of choosing products and treatments so you can stop wasting your money and sidestep the overwhelm. More importantly, we base our recommendations on proven science and consistent patient outcomes, so you’re more likely to get results.

More Effective Treatments and Products

Don’t get us wrong, we all have our drugstore fan favorites and our fair share of TikTok skin care hacks bookmarked. But when it comes to efficacy, quality matters. That’s where clinical and medical-grade skincare products and treatments come in, which is our specialty. Simply put, clinical and medical-grade skincare products have higher concentrations of active ingredients and typically have more advanced delivery systems (i.e. how the product gets into the skin) to penetrate deeper versus their over-the-counter (OTC) cousins. Additionally, they tend to target specific skin types and/or concerns whereas OTC products are geared toward the general population with average skin health. While clinical and medical-grade skincare products typically have a higher price point, they are a worthy investment as they’ll be more effective.

So, What is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, hence why they are sometimes referred to as skin doctors. They are trained to identify and treat skin conditions that require medical attention, such as skin cancer, eczema, and psoriasis. Dermatologists can also perform procedures like biopsies, Mohs surgery, and more.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you have a skin condition that requires medical attention, a dermatologist is the best person to see. Dermatologists can diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions, from minor issues like acne to more serious conditions like melanoma. If you have a suspicious mole, persistent rash, or other skin concern, it's important to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It’s also important to know that the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you schedule a full body skin cancer screening at least once a year with a dermatologist.

Ready for a Better Skincare Experience?

If you're looking to improve the appearance of your skin and maintain its health, our aestheticians are here to help! Schedule a consultation and you’ll be well on your way toward looking and feeling your best.