You’ve probably seen estheticians perform facials, chemical peels, and skin care treatments—but where do their skills stop? What can dermatologists do that estheticians can’t? The difference isn’t always obvious, but it can mean choosing between a relaxing spa session and a medical procedure that directly affects your skin’s health. Before booking your next appointment, let’s look at how these two professionals differ and why that matters.
Expert skincare solutions—Schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in Bronx, NY! 🌟
What Procedures Can a Dermatologist Perform That an Esthetician Can’t?
While both dermatologists and estheticians focus on skin care, there’s one essential difference: dermatologists are licensed medical doctors who can diagnose skin conditions, prescribe medications, and perform both medical and surgical procedures. Estheticians, by contrast, focus on non-invasive, cosmetic treatments.
Here’s a closer look at the procedures exclusive to dermatologists.
Diagnosing and Treating Skin Conditions
Dermatologists can diagnose a wide range of skin diseases using clinical methods and specialized tests. Their medical training allows them to accurately assess skin conditions and distinguish between surface issues and more complex diseases that require specific treatments.
They use direct observation to evaluate the skin, often identifying signs of disease without additional tests. When necessary, they may perform biopsies, scrapings, cultures, and skin tests to detect conditions such as skin cancer, infections, allergies, or psoriasis.
They also use tools like Wood’s lamp to examine pigmentation changes and detect fungal infections, or the Tzanck test to identify viral skin infections. These methods help dermatologists deliver accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
Conditions they treat include severe inflammatory acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, vitiligo, and other medical issues that significantly impact quality of life and require specialized care.
Estheticians, on the other hand, are not trained or authorized to diagnose or treat skin diseases. Their role is limited to aesthetic advice and performing cosmetic treatments that don’t involve medical intervention or address underlying health concerns.
Prescribing Medications
Dermatologists are licensed to prescribe medications. Their education and specialization allow them to recommend safe and effective pharmaceutical treatments for various skin conditions.
They may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to treat bacterial skin infections or inflammatory acne. Retinoids, another common prescription, help with severe acne and signs of aging by promoting cell turnover and clearing pores.
They also prescribe topical or systemic steroids to manage inflammatory conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis. For chronic or autoimmune skin diseases, they may recommend immunomodulators or advanced biologic therapies.
Estheticians cannot prescribe medications of any kind. They can only recommend over-the-counter cosmetic products without approved therapeutic effects. While these may enhance the skin’s appearance, they cannot treat medical conditions.
Performing Medical and Surgical Procedures
Dermatologists are trained and certified to perform medical and surgical procedures for both therapeutic and aesthetic purposes.
Examples of dermatologist-only procedures:
- Skin biopsies to diagnose diseases
- Removal of moles, warts, cysts, and tumors
- Mohs surgery for precise treatment of skin cancers
- Laser treatments for blood vessels, pigmentation, scars, hair removal, and tattoo removal
- Light therapy for conditions like vitiligo or psoriasis
- Scar revision and tissue reconstruction
- Botulinum toxin and dermal filler application
- Varicose vein treatment and hair transplantation
Esthetician-approved services include:
- Facials
- Exfoliation and moisturizing treatments
- Facial massages
- Cosmetic masks
- Superficial peels with non-medical products
Dermatologists have medical training to diagnose, treat, and manage skin diseases. Estheticians provide non-invasive treatments aimed at improving the skin’s appearance.
How to Choose Between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician
Choosing between a dermatologist and an esthetician depends on what your skin needs. If you’re dealing with a medical issue or want a professional diagnosis, a dermatologist is the right choice. If your goal is to enhance your skin’s appearance through cosmetic treatments, an esthetician may be a suitable option.
Start by identifying what you’re looking to achieve with your skin care. Knowing your goals will guide you to the right professional.
If you have a skin condition or health-related concern, visiting a dermatologist is recommended. For aesthetic improvements like hydration, facials, or exfoliation, estheticians can help.
Tips for Making the Right Decision
- Check credentials and experience: Make sure the professional is properly trained and certified.
- Ask about treatments: Learn about the procedures offered and what results to expect.
- Read reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback from other clients.
- See a dermatologist first if unsure: Get a medical opinion before pursuing aesthetic treatments.
- Set realistic expectations: Cosmetic treatments can improve appearance but have limits.
- Make skin care part of your routine: Lasting skin health takes consistency over time.
Choosing the right expert ensures better results—whether you’re treating a medical issue or simply enhancing your skin’s look. When in doubt, start with a dermatologist to confirm that your skin is healthy before seeking cosmetic services.
Achieve Radiant Skin with Dermatology Services Book Your Visit
Dermatologists and estheticians both care for the skin, but their training, scope of work, and capabilities are very different. Dermatologists are medical professionals who can diagnose diseases, prescribe treatments, and perform procedures that estheticians legally cannot.
Knowing what each professional can offer helps you make the right decision for your skin. Getting professional care from the appropriate expert ensures that your skin gets what it really needs—not just for beauty, but for long-term health and confidence.
Sources:
- Wilmer, E. N., Gustafson, C. J., Ahn, C. S., Davis, S. A., Feldman, S. R., & Huang, W. W. (2014). Most common dermatologic conditions encountered by dermatologists and nondermatologists. Cutis, 94(6), 285-292.
- Kim, N. Y., & An, M. R. (2019). Study on the work stress, burnout and compassion satisfaction of the estheticians. Journal of Convergence for Information Technology, 9(11), 247-253.