Dermatologist vs Esthetician: Who Should You See for Your Skin?

Updated 07/05/22. Most people know that dermatologists and estheticians aren’t the same, but they don’t know what exactly makes them different. And, what’s more, they’re unsure of which one they should see to address their specific skin concerns.

In this post, I’ll take you through the biggest differences between dermatologists and estheticians, explaining how their approaches to treating skin might differ and why you can benefit from both! (Keep in mind that I’ve been an esthetician for over 30 years, so I know that side of the skincare industry in and out. Perhaps my information is a bit biased, but I’m only sharing what I know to be true based on my experience.)

The Difference Between Dermatologists and Estheticians

The main difference between a dermatologist and an esthetician is that a dermatologist is a medical doctor. They’re trained to treat a variety of skin diseases and conditions, and they can prescribe medications in the form of topical and oral drugs. An esthetician, on the other hand, offers non-prescription solutions—things like facials, skincare products, and nutritional advice.

Here are three major differences:

1. The licensing requirements are different. An esthetician is in school for anywhere from three to nine months (depending on the state) whereas a doctor is in school studying for years.
2. A dermatologist can write prescriptions. An esthetician, since they’re not a medical professional, can’t.
3. A dermatologist can perform injections like Botox and fillers. An esthetician can’t under their license.
4. Both dermatologists and estheticians can perform professional treatments such as chemical peels. Generally speaking, though, dermatologists can perform more aggressive treatments than estheticians due to licensing and the fact that they’re being performed under the supervision of a doctor.

Note: Not all dermatologists or estheticians are the same. This is generalized information based on what I know to be true.

A Dermatologist Can Prescribe Medication

There are times when the use of prescription medication is necessary to treat certain skin conditions. Chronic rosacea, severe breakouts, skin rashes, and allergies are all examples of conditions that are often best treated with medication. In these cases, I recommend seeing a dermatologist, which is why I’ve referred some of my clients to dermatologists in the past.

With that said, you may still benefit from seeing an esthetician, too. Especially since, once you go off of certain prescription medications, the condition can come back. It can be helpful to play detective (an esthetician can help you do that) to get to the root of the problem and to manage it long-term using the appropriate skincare routine.

An Esthetician Will Spend More Time With You Than a Dermatologist

If you’re scheduling a professional treatment with an esthetician, such as a facial, your face-to-face time will usually be around 75-90 minutes. By contrast, face-to-face time with a dermatologist is usually anywhere from 10-20 minutes. Time is definitely on your side with an esthetician. You’ll have plenty of time to share your skin history and concerns. From there, an esthetician can piece together a personalized routine and unique approach for desired results.

An Esthetician Will Be More Knowledgeable About Your Skincare Routine

As one of my dermatologist colleagues said, “I was trained in treating diseases of the skin. When it comes to which products are best, what my patient’s skincare routine should look like, and when to change up their products, I refer them to you.”

Estheticians are very familiar with skincare ingredients and products. They can guide you towards the right products to use and at what time, teaching you how to enhance your skin at home. They can also teach you which products to use to help manage the side effects of certain medications a dermatologist might prescribe. A good esthetician can go into great detail and provide you with all the information you need to achieve your desired result.

For example, I had a client whose skin was dry, red, and inflamed. She thought she might have rosacea, so she was considering seeing a dermatologist. However, she consulted me first. During our conversation, I discovered she was using a harsh, high-foaming cleanser followed by an organic moisturizer that was loaded with essential oils. The cleanser was stripping her skin and damaging her moisture barrier. Then, the essential oils, which are known to cause issues if used in high concentrations, were creating irritation.

The combination was setting off an inflammation response. It wasn’t rosacea at all! Since she was a Skin Type 9, I set her up with a gentle skincare routine. I followed up with her regularly, and within a month, her redness had calmed down significantly.

Both Dermatologists and Estheticians Can Offer Effective Acne Solutions

Make no mistake: you can benefit from seeing both a dermatologist and an esthetician if you’re struggling with breakouts. While their treatment approaches will differ, they can each offer effective solutions. For a dermatologist, that might mean prescription medication or cortisone injections for cystic breakouts. For estheticians, that might mean product recommendations and deep pore-cleaning facials.

As an esthetician, trust me when I say that deep pore-cleaning facials can make an incredible improvement in breakout-prone skin types. Manually extracting pore blockages that lead to bumps and breakouts will help make the skin feel smooth and calm, and this needs to happen over the course of multiple sessions. Estheticians are the ones that perform facials, but oftentimes, they work within a dermatologist’s office.

The Bottom Line

Both dermatologists and estheticians can offer solutions for your skin concerns. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to which one you should see. Even though I’m an esthetician, and I’ve worked with skin for over 30 years, I regularly see a dermatologist for skin checks and more! As I said before, no matter who you are or what skin concerns you have, you can benefit from both! In fact, seeing both a dermatologist and an esthetician can complement your skin based on the skillset each provides.

Next, find out the best chemical peel for you, according to your skin type.

Renée Rouleau

Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”