What is an aesthetician vs a dermatologist?

An aesthetician and a dermatologist are two different types of professionals who specialise in different aspects of the skin and skin care. For many people the idea of seeing a skin specialist is expensive and only seen as something you would do if you had an extreme skin concern or a large sum of disposable income - we want to change that. 

What is the difference between an aesthetician and a dermatologist? 

What is an Aesthetician?

An aesthetician, also known as a skin care specialist, is a licensed professional who performs aesthetic treatments such as laser, microneedling and peels in a clinical environment. They are trained to analyse the skin, recommend appropriate skin care products, and provide customised treatments to improve the appearance and overall health of the skin. Aestheticians usually work in aesthetic clinics, often alongside doctors and dermatologists.

What can an Aesthetician do?

Some of the services that an aesthetician may provide include:

1. Skin analysis and product recommendations: Aestheticians can analyse a client's skin type and make recommendations for appropriate skincare products to create a routine to use at home.
2. Educate: Aestheticians can teach you how to look after your skin, specifying what your skin is lacking and even getting too much of and answer any questions you might have on skin health.
3. Advanced facials: An advanced facial is a skincare treatment that typically involves a device in clinic with a specific technology such as radiofrequency, laser, or microneedles. This type of facial can also include skincare - cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturiser, as well as various masks, serums, and other treatment products to address specific skin concerns.
4. Chemical peels: A chemical peel is a skin treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the outer layers, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin.
5. Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that uses a device to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, resulting in a brighter, smoother complexion.

Overall, an aesthetician's job is to help clients achieve and maintain healthy, radiant skin through a range of skincare services and treatments [1].

Why should you see an aesthetician regularly? 

1. To maintain healthy, radiant skin: Regular visits to an aesthetician can help us understand what our skin needs to keep the skin healthy, clear, and glowing.
2. Prevent visible signs of ageing: A lot of members come to us wanting to prevent early signs of ageing. The earlier we start caring for your skin, the better we can look after your future skin health.
3. To address specific skin concerns: Aestheticians can provide customised treatments to address specific skin concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines and wrinkles.
4. To relax and prioritise self-care: Many of our members benefit from the service that our Renude aestheticians provide in more ways than just getting advice. It reminds us to prioritise ourselves, making even a small amount of time every day to put it into practice during our skincare routine.
5. To improve confidence and self-esteem: Improving the appearance of the skin can also improve our confidence and self-esteem. Regular visits to an aesthetician can help us feel more confident in our own skin.
6. To prepare for a special event: Many people visit an aesthetician before a special event, such as a wedding or a photo shoot, to ensure that their skin looks its best.

Overall, visiting an aesthetician regularly can help us achieve and maintain healthy, radiant skin, address specific skin concerns, reduce stress, and boost confidence and self-esteem.

What is a Dermatologist  

 A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. They have a medical degree and are licensed to prescribe medications as well as perform medical procedures such as skin biopsies. Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer, and more. They may also provide cosmetic treatments such as Botox and fillers.

While both aestheticians and dermatologists work with the skin, aestheticians focus on recommending skin care and performing non-medical skin treatments to enhance the appearance of the skin, while dermatologists are medical doctors who diagnose and prescribe treatment for skin diseases and conditions.

What can a Dermatologist do? 

Some of the services that a dermatologist may provide include:

1. Diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions: Dermatologists can diagnose and prescribe medical treatment for a wide range of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, skin cancer, and more [2].
2. Skin cancer screening and treatment: Dermatologists can perform skin cancer screenings and treat skin cancer, including Mohs surgery.
3. Cosmetic treatments: Dermatologists may also offer cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, fillers, laser therapy, chemical peels, and other treatments that can improve the appearance of the skin.
4. Hair and nail conditions: Dermatologists can also diagnose and treat conditions that affect the hair and nails, such as alopecia, hair loss, and nail fungus.
5. Education and prevention: Dermatologists can provide education to patients on how to care for their skin and prevent common skin conditions, including skin cancer.

Overall, dermatologists diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions, provide education and prevention strategies, and offer cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of the skin.

How is an Esthetician different from an Aesthetician?

It’s very likely, if you have had an interest in skincare previously that you’ve heard the word Esthetician thrown into the mix, rather interchangeably with the word Aesthetician. Although they sound very similar, there is a slight difference in what the title allows the professional to practise. 

Much like a Beauty Therapist, Estheticians focus on cosmetic treatments, and you may find them more often in hotels, spas, salons, and beauty clinics offering services such as massages, facials and other treatments such as waxing. Estheticians are trained to analyse a client's skin and recommend appropriate treatments.

Both roles require formal and certified training but to become an aesthetician, more extensive training is required [3]. In addition to completing a basic esthetician training program, an aesthetician may need to complete additional coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. They may also need to complete an apprenticeship or supervised clinical experience working alongside a licensed medical professional.

Can an aesthetician prescribe medical skincare?

An aestheticians’ role is arguably more medical as they specialise in more advanced skincare, although they cannot prescribe medical grade skincare like Tretinoin (often prescribed by GPs or Dermatologists for extreme cases of persistent acne) or Hydroquinone ( prescribed by GPs or Dermatologists for stubborn hyperpigmentation).

What do our Renude Aestheticians say?

We spoke with Shirin, A Renude Aesthetician who has been with us for almost 2 years and has over 15 years of experience.  We wanted to know what it was that drove her to be an aesthetician and why she chose to work with Renude,

"I have always been intrigued by beauty and skincare, even from a young age. My own skincare journey over the years and throughout my career has made me want to do more to help other people with their own skincare challenges. With a relevant background as an esthetician in spas, I knew what I was doing when caring for my skin, but for so many people who don't know how to treat their skin correctly, that kind of journey can be hard! That’s why I chose to become a medical aesthetician.

I love my job as I get to be in touch with my clients regularly and provide a personable and professional service. I am passionate about managing skincare conditions and helping clients select a suitable regime for them. I also get to educate my clients on basic skin science and ingredients. This then builds their knowledge helps them set realistic expectations and stops them from being hard on themselves when they get breakouts or a flare-up that’s out of their control.

I chose to work with Renude as I feel like we bridge a gap in the market. Everyone wants great skin now, but usually, once they’re sold a product or treatment that's the end of the line in communication and care. I get to follow my clients' skincare journey closely and my clients can also get in touch with me at any time. Giving online consultations is fantastic, mostly I find it allows my clients to feel comfortable seeing a specialist."

Why does Renude use aestheticians and not dermatologists? 

Our Renude Aestheticians really know their stuff. Not only do they build your personalised routine, but they will accompany you on your skincare journey, showing you what ingredients and products are right for you; helping you strengthen your skin barrier and develop your understanding of skin health. 

A skin consultation with one of our qualified aestheticians in a clinic today may cost you up to £250. Renude believes skincare should be accessible for everyone, which is why we offer any consultations after your first free consultation at such an affordable rate and to make sure you reap the benefits of every penny you spend with us. 

Our Renude aestheticians are some of the UK's top skincare professionals, having worked in prestigious skin clinics alongside famous Dermatologists on Harley Street and beyond. Their experience and knowledge are like no other, and they are perfectly aligned with Renude’s mission to cut the confusion over skincare shopping. Having tried and tested countless products and brands over the years they are experts at identifying the good from the brand. 

Skincare is not a one-stop shop or a solution to be fixed, your skin will change whether it’s over weeks in the month, seasons in the year or over the course of years. If you feel like you would benefit from seeing an aesthetician regularly (you will), you can speak with a Renude Aesthetician like Shirin for more information on your skin health. 

Just take our quick skin health quiz as a first step on your skincare journey and choose between a video consultation or a photo upload consultation.

References

What Is an Aesthetician? (webmd.com) 

Esthetician vs. Dermatologist: What They Treat and How to Choose (healthline.com)

Aesthetician Vs. Esthetician: Which Specialist Do You Need? (thelist.com)