Distinguishing Between Aesthetician and Esthetician: Key Insights for Medical Spa Businesses

 The beauty industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by the introduction of innovative techniques and technology that enhance all things beauty and skincare.

This industry not only offers cosmetic services like facials, acne treatments, and makeup applications but also provides advanced non-surgical procedures such as laser hair removal, chemical peels, and microplanning.

Delivering these services requires highly skilled professionals, and terms like "aesthetician" and "esthetician" are often used interchangeably. However, for beauty business owners and professionals, it’s essential to understand the subtle distinctions between these roles. This understanding aids in hiring the right talent and ensuring that clients receive services tailored to their specific needs.

This blog delves into the differences between aestheticians and estheticians, shedding light on their distinct roles, training, and the services they provide.

What is an Aesthetician?

Aestheticians are licensed skincare experts who perform a wide array of advanced non-surgical and minor surgical skincare procedures. These include anti-aging treatments, fillers, dermabrasion, light therapy, microneedling, manual lymphatic drainage, sclerotherapy, and more. Aestheticians often work in day spas, medical offices, hospitals, niche boutiques, and medical spas. They undergo rigorous training that includes theoretical study, hands-on practice, and certification exams to become professionals.

What is an Esthetician?

Estheticians are skincare therapists specializing in surface-level cosmetic treatments. Their training focuses on techniques to address skin issues like dullness, pigmentation, and hair removal through tweezing, threading, and waxing.

Estheticians’ expertise encompasses skin analysis, facial techniques, anatomy, circulatory system knowledge, product application, and more. They typically work in salons, spas, resorts, and even on movie sets.

Aesthetician vs. Esthetician: Key Differences

Now that we understand the roles of aestheticians and estheticians, let’s explore the key differences in detail. These differences can be categorized into three main areas: training requirements, scope of services, and career opportunities.

1. Training and Certification

The training for aestheticians is tied to the complexity of the procedures they perform. Courses for procedures like laser hair removal, microneedling, and dermabrasion are typically short, lasting 2-3 weeks. Advanced treatments, such as fillers or anti-aging procedures, require lengthier training programs.

Medical aestheticians undergo even more extensive training, which can span several months to over a year. They must pass State Board Exams to secure their licenses and regularly update their skills to maintain certifications.

In contrast, esthetician training is generally shorter and less rigorous. While some states require estheticians to pass the State Board Exam, the certification process isn’t as intensive as that for medical aestheticians.

2. Scope of Practice

Aestheticians handle advanced skincare procedures like Botox fillers, chemical peels, skin condition diagnosis, and lymphatic drainage. Medical aestheticians, in particular, assist patients with burn injuries or scars.

Estheticians, on the other hand, focus on surface-level treatments such as facials, aromatherapy, and scrubs. Their work emphasizes relaxation and beautification.

3. Career Opportunities and Income

Estheticians commonly work in salons, spas, and resorts, where the environment is designed for relaxation. They can also pursue roles in makeup artistry and skincare product consultation.

Aestheticians, by contrast, often work alongside dermatologists or plastic surgeons in clinical settings. Their work includes addressing complex skincare concerns and providing medical-grade treatments, which opens doors to opportunities in dermatology clinics, medical spas, and research institutions.

Salary differences also reflect the varied roles. A 2023 study revealed that the average aesthetician salary is $33,000 per year, while estheticians earn an average of $35,000 annually.

Choosing the Right Career Path

Choosing between a career as an aesthetician or an esthetician depends on your interests and goals. If you enjoy helping clients relax and enhancing their external beauty, becoming an esthetician might be ideal. This role allows you to work in tranquil environments, focusing on beautification treatments.

Alternatively, if you’re drawn to clinical-grade skincare treatments and prefer working in medical settings, a career as an aesthetician may be more rewarding. This role demands a deeper understanding of skin health and involves performing advanced procedures.

Both career paths are lucrative, with the U.S. Labor Bureau projecting a 9% annual growth rate in demand for skincare specialists from 2022 to 2032—a figure significantly higher than the overall beauty industry average.

Supporting Aestheticians and Estheticians with the Best Medical Spa Software

Running a successful salon, spa, or medical spa involves more than just professional skills. Efficient administrative tools are equally important.

Software solutions like medical spa software and medical spa EMR software can streamline operations for both aestheticians and estheticians. These tools offer features like appointment scheduling, client record management, and marketing automation, helping professionals save time and provide better services.

For example, medical spa pos software and med spa management software make it easy to manage appointments and track client preferences. Similarly, med spa booking software enhances client convenience, ensuring seamless bookings and improving customer satisfaction.

A Recap

Understanding the differences between aestheticians and estheticians is vital for beauty professionals and business owners alike. While both require formal training and certification, their roles differ significantly in scope and setting.

Whether you choose to pursue the clinical expertise of an aesthetician or the beautifying skills of an esthetician, both paths offer fulfilling opportunities to positively impact clients’ lives.