Aesthetician vs Esthetician: Understanding the key differences for medspa businesses

The beauty industry is constantly evolving with the introduction of newer techniques and technology leading to a rapid rise in all things beauty and skincare.

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

Delivering these services requires highly qualified and skilled individuals, and terms like "aesthetician" and "esthetician" are often used interchangeably. However, for beauty business owners and beauty professionals, understanding the nuanced differences between these two roles is crucial. Not only does it help in hiring the right talent, but it also ensures clients receive the appropriate services tailored to their needs.

This blog will help clarify the distinctions between aestheticians and estheticians, highlighting their unique roles, training requirements, and the services they provide.

Aestheticians are licensed skincare specialists who perform a range of skilled non-surgical and minor surgical skincare procedures. Procedures they oversee include antiaging treatments, fillers, dermabrasion, light therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, microneedling, sclerotherapy, and more. Aestheticians typically work in day spas, doctor's offices, hospitals, niche boutiques, and medical spas. Those entering this field undergo comprehensive training involving theoretical study, hands-on experience, and certification exams to practice professionally.

Related reading: Maximizing medical spa revenue: A path to profitability

Estheticians, unlike aestheticians, serve as skin therapists. They specialize in cosmetic treatments, focusing on the skin's surface. Esthetician training equips professionals with skills to address various skin concerns like dullness, pigmentation, and hair removal through tweezing, threading, and waxing.

Their expertise includes detailed skin analysis, facial techniques, anatomy, circulatory system, product knowledge, and application techniques. Estheticians typically work in salons, spas, resorts, and even on movie sets.

Having gained insight into the difference between aesthetician and esthetician roles, let's now explore the key differences further. Essentially, these differences can be categorized into three main areas – qualification and training requirements, the scope of services provided, and income levels.

The primary difference starts from the qualification and training requirements of the roles. The courses pursued by aestheticians is invariably linked to the criticality of the procedure. Typical courses for procedures such as laser hair removal, microneedling, and dermabrasion are brief, spanning 2-3 weeks. In contrast, courses for anti-aging treatments, filler administration, and other advanced procedures tend to be lengthier.

Medical aestheticians undergo even more extensive training, typically lasting anywhere from several months to over a year in the U.S., and must pass State Board Exams to secure their licenses. They continuously update their knowledge on new procedures and methodologies, periodically re-sitting exams to maintain their aesthetician certifications

Esthetician training is relatively shorter and less intensive than that for medical aesthetician training. While estheticians in some U.S. states also need to take the State Board Exam for their esthetician certification, the requirements are not as rigorous as those for medical aestheticians.

Aestheticians perform various non-surgical skin care procedures like Botox fillers, chemical peels, skin condition diagnosis, skin resurfacing, and lymphatic drainage. Medical aestheticians in particular work with patients who have suffered burns and have injury scars.

An esthetician will focus only on surface level treatments. They conduct thorough skin analysis and offer solutions for wrinkles, pigmentation, facials as well as aromatherapy and scrubs. Their expertise also lies in product application for optimal results.

Estheticians typically find employment in places focused on beauty and relaxation, such as day spas, salons, and resorts. Their work environment is designed to provide clients with a serene and rejuvenating experience. Career opportunities for estheticians also extend to makeup artistry and skincare product consultations.

Aestheticians, however, often work in clinical settings alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Their work involves addressing more serious skincare concerns and administering medical-grade treatments. This medical focus opens up opportunities in dermatology clinics, medical spas, and even research institutions focused on skin health.

Another key difference is the esthetician vs aesthetician salary. A 2023 study showed the average aesthetician salary is $33,000 per year, whereas the average esthetician salary is $35,000 annually.

Related reading: Mastering medspa success: What patients look for when choosing med spa services

Deciding between a career as an aesthetician or an esthetician depends largely on your interests and career goals. If you are passionate about helping clients relax and enhancing their outward beauty, a career as an esthetician may be the right fit. This path allows you to work in tranquil environments and focus on providing beautifying treatments.

Alternatively, if you are intrigued by medical-grade skincare treatments and wish to work in a clinical setting, becoming an aesthetician could be more fulfilling. This role requires a deeper understanding of skin health and the ability to perform advanced procedures under medical supervision.

Ultimately, understanding these distinctions can help you make an informed decision and choose a career path that aligns with your interests and professional aspirations. Both however, are lucrative career paths with a US Labor Bureau study showing that between 2022-2032 the demand for skin care specialists is expected to rise annually at 9%. This rate of growth is substantially higher than the average for overall beauty industry.

Managing a successful beauty salon, spa, or med spa requires more than just skilled professionals; it also needs efficient administrative tools. Zenoti AI first software is designed to support both aestheticians and estheticians in streamlining their operations.

Appointment scheduling, client record management, and marketing automation tools help professionals manage their time effectively, track client preferences and history, and run targeted marketing campaigns to attract new clients. These features allow aestheticians and estheticians to focus more on providing excellent service and less on administrative tasks.Zenoti offers features like appointment scheduling, client record management, and marketing automation.

Related reading: Unlock the power of AI in beauty & wellness: A comprehensive guide

Understanding the key differences between aestheticians and estheticians is essential for beauty professionals and beauty business owners. While both roles require formal training and certification, their scope of practice and career opportunities differ significantly. Aestheticians perform advanced, medical-grade treatments, often working in clinical settings, while estheticians focus on beautifying services in more relaxed environments.

For those considering a career in skincare, knowing these distinctions can help you choose the right path. Whether you opt for the clinical precision of an aesthetician or the beautifying expertise of an esthetician, both roles offer fulfilling opportunities to make a difference in clients' lives.