Phonetically aesthetician and esthetician are very close! However, there are important differences between practicing aesthetics and esthetics. While both types of providers focus on helping patients improve the quality of their skin, aestheticians and estheticians are allowed to perform different types of services based on their licensing and qualifications.
At the core, aestheticians are licensed to practice medical-grade cosmetic treatments and injections, like Botox, whereas estheticians are able to practice skin treatments that are not considered medical, such as facials.
Education Requirements
Aesthetician Education Requirements
Aestheticians are administering medical treatments meaning they have been medically trained. Education requirements for aesthetic injectors vary state to state but all aestheticians must obtain a higher education degree in the medical field. For example, all Skin Clique aesthetic providers are board-certified Nurse Practitioners, Physicians Assistants, or Medical Doctors.
Esthetician Education Requirements
Estheticians are not required to have a higher education degree. While state guidelines vary, estheticians usually receive a license or certification from a cosmetology program. Upon program completion, many states require that graduates pass state board exams to obtain their esthetician license. Skin Clique estheticians receive additional training through our skincare program that they use to make expert recommendations to their patients. Depending on state and licensing they may also offer additional services. For example, in some states estheticians can practice microneedling while other states require this treatment to come from an aesthetician.
Career Opportunities
Careers for Aestheticians
Aestheticians are often medically trained and board-certified in a specialty outside of aesthetics. They could have previously worked in medical environments ranging from the ER to dermatology practice.
An aesthetician's higher education degree allows them to pursue a wider range of career options compared to an esthetician and often gives them more autonomy in practicing aesthetics. Although depending on state and regulations, estheticians and aestheticians can practice a different range of services.
Skin Clique contracts NPs, PAs, and MDs to offer a wide range of services including microneedling, injectables (tox, filler, and biostimulators), medical-grade skincare, and weight loss prescriptions.
Careers for Estheticians
In some states estheticians can fully operate their own med spas or salon. They could work for someone else providing skin care treatments that they are allowed to in the state they reside. They can also enter education and training fields to help develop other estheticians.
Skin Clique contracts estheticians to offer medical-grade skincare and consults to their patients.
Skin Care Services Provided by Aestheticians and Estheticians
We aren’t able to provide a comprehensive list of services offered by aestheticians and estheticians because the regulations and license requirements vary from state to state. However, it is fair to summarize as the following.
Aestheticians are medical professionals who are licensed to administer medical-grade cosmetic treatments or services. They can administer medical aesthetic injections and treatments like Botox, dermal filler, chemical peels, microneedling, and more. They assess skin health and recommend a holistic treatment plan and, in some states, prescribe pharmaceutical treatments for your skin.
Estheticians are certified through a secondary school to perform skin treatments that do not qualify as medical but still enhance cosmetic appearance. These services include facials, hair removal (waxing and laser), dermaplaning, makeup application, dermaplaning, and acne extractions. They can work with clients to recommend skincare and treatments as it relates to skin care.
Choosing Between an Aesthetician and an Esthetician
When deciding between an aesthetician and an esthetician, it's important to know which professional provides the specific services you need in your area. Always seek out a licensed provider who specializes in the treatment you're looking for. If you're considering a medical aesthetic procedure, be sure to consult a qualified medical professional for safe and appropriate care.
