The skincare industry is vast, offering a wide range of career paths for those interested in helping others look and feel their best. Two popular career options in this field are medical estheticians and estheticians. Although their titles may sound similar, their roles, responsibilities, and required skills differ significantly. For those considering a career in skincare, here’s an in-depth look at the distinctions between medical esthetician vs. esthetician.
What is an Esthetician?
An esthetician is a licensed professional trained to perform cosmetic treatments focused on enhancing the skin’s appearance. Estheticians work in beauty and wellness settings such as salons, spas, and beauty clinics. Their services typically include facials, waxing, makeup application, chemical peels, and other non-medical treatments that contribute to healthy, radiant skin.
The goal of an esthetician is to provide skincare services that leave clients feeling refreshed and confident in their appearance. Estheticians focus on cosmetic treatments that do not involve medical procedures, and they are generally restricted from performing any treatments that penetrate the skin’s deeper layers.
What is a Medical Esthetician?
Medical estheticians, on the other hand, work in clinical environments, often under the supervision of a licensed medical professional such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Medical estheticians are trained to assist with advanced skincare treatments that may support medical procedures, including pre- and post-operative care.
This specialization requires additional training beyond standard esthetician programs. It allows them to perform more intensive treatments that target medical conditions like acne, scarring, and pigmentation issues.
Medical estheticians might also work with clients who have undergone surgery or are receiving treatments for specific skin conditions. They aid in the recovery and help manage symptoms through specialized skincare practices.
Education and Training Differences
One of the primary distinctions between medical estheticians vs. estheticians lies in the education and training each profession requires.
- Esthetician Training
Estheticians typically complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program, which involves 600 hours of training in California. The program covers topics like facial treatments, hair removal, and makeup application, as well as skin anatomy and sanitation practices. After completing the program, estheticians must pass a state licensing exam to practice professionally.
- Medical Esthetician Training
Medical estheticians complete the same foundational training as traditional estheticians but often pursue additional certifications and courses focusing on medical-grade treatments. They might receive specialized training in laser treatments, advanced chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and skin resurfacing techniques.
This enables them to work alongside healthcare providers in medical settings. As a result, they can perform treatments that require a deeper understanding of skin conditions and medical skincare.
Services Offered by Medical Estheticians vs. Estheticians
The services provided by estheticians and medical estheticians vary significantly due to their different training backgrounds and work environments.
- Esthetician Services
Estheticians are skilled in non-invasive, cosmetic procedures that do not penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Typical services include:
- Facials
- Exfoliating treatments
- Makeup application
- Waxing and hair removal
- Light chemical peels
These services are designed to improve the overall appearance of the skin, promote relaxation, and help clients achieve a refreshed look.
- Medical Esthetician Services
Medical estheticians, by contrast, work on more specialized procedures and treatments that require a clinical understanding of skincare. Their services may include:
- Laser hair removal
- Microdermabrasion
- Advanced chemical peels
- Pre- and post-surgical skincare
- LED therapy
Medical estheticians may assist dermatologists with patients suffering from acne, scarring, pigmentation issues, or skin diseases that require clinical treatments.
Work Environments for Estheticians and Medical Estheticians
Where these professionals work is another key factor that distinguishes the two roles.
- Estheticians
They primarily work in settings that focus on beauty and wellness, such as:
- Spas
- Salons
- Beauty clinics
- Hotels and resorts
Their work environments are often serene and designed to promote relaxation and pampering, catering to clients who seek beauty treatments and skincare maintenance.
- Medical Estheticians
They usually work in medical or clinical settings, including:
- Dermatology offices
- Plastic surgery clinics
- Medical spas
- Oncology clinics (assisting cancer patients with skincare needs)
Working alongside healthcare professionals, medical estheticians help support patients through treatments that may affect the skin. They bring relief and recovery options that address both medical and cosmetic needs.
Licensing Requirements and Regulations
Both estheticians and medical estheticians must be licensed, but specific licensing and certification requirements vary by state.
- Esthetician Licensing
To become a licensed esthetician, individuals must complete a state-approved esthetician program and pass a state licensing exam. In California, estheticians must complete 600 hours of training before they are eligible to take the exam. Continuing education is often encouraged to stay updated on skincare trends and techniques.
- Medical Esthetician Licensing
Medical estheticians must first complete standard esthetician training, pass the licensing exam, and often pursue additional certifications for medical procedures. In some cases, they may need specific training on devices like lasers or microdermabrasion equipment. It depends on state regulations and the medical practice in which they work.
Choosing the Right Career Path: Factors to Consider
When deciding between becoming an esthetician or a medical esthetician, consider your personal interests, career goals, and preferred work environment.
If you’re passionate about beauty and enjoy providing services that promote relaxation and self-care, a career as an esthetician might be ideal. However, if you’re interested in the medical aspects of skincare and want to help clients with complex skin conditions, becoming a medical esthetician could be a rewarding path.
Reflecting on your long-term goals can help you determine which role aligns with your vision for your career in skincare.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Both estheticians and medical estheticians have numerous opportunities for growth and specialization.
- Estheticians can enhance their careers by expanding their service offerings, obtaining additional certifications, or specializing in makeup, aromatherapy, or advanced skincare techniques.
- Medical Estheticians may pursue further certifications in advanced laser treatments, oncology esthetics, or other clinical procedures. They may also choose to work more closely with physicians, particularly in specialized fields like dermatology or plastic surgery.
Potential Earnings
Income potential in these professions depends on location, experience, and specialization. Medical estheticians generally earn higher salaries than traditional estheticians due to their advanced training and work in clinical settings.
However, both career paths bring room for growth, especially as demand for skincare and wellness services continues to increase. With experience and expertise, estheticians and medical estheticians can build a loyal client base. This boosts their earnings and achieving financial success in their chosen field.
Finding the Best Fit for Your Goals
Whether you’re drawn to the artistic side of skincare or the medical aspects of advanced treatments, both paths offer rewarding opportunities in the skincare industry. Estheticians help clients feel beautiful and confident through cosmetic treatments, while medical estheticians play a vital role in clinical settings, assisting those with more complex skin needs.
Southern California College of Barber and Beauty’s esthetician program opens doors to a rewarding career in skincare, if you’re interested in traditional esthetician services. With comprehensive training covering facials, makeup, hair removal, and specialized skin treatments, our program prepares you for success in beauty and wellness settings.
Gain hands-on experience with expert instructors in our state-of-the-art facilities, and graduate ready for licensure and employment in top salons, spas, or medical practices. Start your journey with us to make a difference in the beauty and health of your future clients.
