Estheticians vs. Dermatologists: Who Should You See for Your Skin?

When it comes to caring for your skin, it’s not always clear whether you should be booking an appointment with a dermatologist or visiting your esthetician. While both professionals are highly trained in their fields and play essential roles in skin health, they serve different purposes — and often complement one another beautifully.

Let’s break it down so you can better understand what each professional offers, how their roles may overlap, and why having both in your skincare corner can be a smart strategy.

What Does a Dermatologist Do?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails. This includes everything from acne, eczema, and rosacea to more serious concerns like skin infections, rashes, and skin cancer.

Dermatologists are your go-to when:

• You need a diagnosis for a skin condition

• You require prescription medications

• You need a skin cancer screening or biopsy

• You’re experiencing symptoms that suggest a medical issue (persistent itching, changing moles, etc.)

Because they are trained in pathology as it relates to the skin, dermatologists are crucial for keeping your skin healthy from a medical standpoint.

However, most dermatologists do not specialize in skincare regimens or cosmetic treatments. They may carry a small selection of products — often mild or general-purpose, selected by a sales rep or pharmaceutical company. These are safe for a wide variety of patients but may not be targeted enough to address your specific skin needs.

What Does an Esthetician Do?

Estheticians are licensed skincare specialists trained in the art and science of skin wellness. Their focus is not medical diagnosis, but rather the health, appearance, and maintenance of your skin.

As estheticians, we work with clients regularly to help improve their skin through personalized treatments and product recommendations. We take the time to evaluate your skin type, your lifestyle, and your goals — then curate a skincare routine that supports your skin’s long-term health.

Estheticians are your go-to when:

• You want a customized facial or skin treatment

• You’re dealing with dryness, congestion, dullness, or age management

• You want help building a skincare routine that actually works

• You’re looking for results-driven products and professional guidance

We also stay educated on the latest skincare ingredients, trends, and treatment modalities — and we can safely guide you through chemical peels, extractions, LED therapy, anti-aging treatments, and more.

Yes, Estheticians Can Treat Acne and Rosacea — Gently and Effectively

Many people are surprised to learn that estheticians can successfully help manage acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions — often without the harsh side effects of prescription medications.

Choosing the right esthetician depends on what you’re looking for — whether it’s a relaxing, pampering spa experience or a results-driven, clinical approach to specific skin concerns. At Restore Skin Therapy, we offer both. Our estheticians are highly trained, results-focused, and experienced in clearing acne while maintaining a calm, restorative experience.

While dermatologists may rely on antibiotics, steroids, or strong retinoids to treat these conditions, estheticians use a more holistic, non-invasive approach. Through the right combination of gentle exfoliation, extractions, treatments, targeted ingredients, and a customized at-home regimen, we help calm flare-ups, reduce redness, and restore balance to the skin barrier. At Restore Skin Therapy we also work on getting to the root cause of your issues vs a medical approach of treating symptoms.

This type of esthetician is ideal for clients who:

• Are not cleared after using prescriptions

• Want to avoid long-term medication and its side effects

• Have sensitive skin that reacts to pharmaceutical products

• Prefer a natural or progressive approach to healing their skin

• Are seeking ongoing support and maintenance

Many of our clients experience significant improvement in their skin without needing to resort to internal medications. And when acne or rosacea is already being treated by a dermatologist, we can provide complementary care to support healing and minimize side effects like dryness or irritation.

Where the Two Overlap

There’s a growing collaboration between dermatologists and estheticians — and for good reason. A dermatologist may refer a patient to an esthetician for ongoing skincare support, such as facials for acne-prone skin or post-treatment recovery. Likewise, a seasoned esthetician knows when to refer a client to a dermatologist if they notice something suspicious or outside the scope of cosmetic treatment.

In some dermatology offices, you may find estheticians working alongside doctors. However, it’s important to note that the skincare sold in dermatology offices is often chosen for medical liability and safety — not necessarily effectiveness or personalization.

Why See an Esthetician for Skincare?

If you’re serious about achieving real results with your skincare — whether that’s improved tone, texture, clarity, or long-term acne/rosacea relief — an esthetician is your best starting point. We offer:

• Personalized attention and education

• Access to advanced, professional-grade products

• Safe and effective skin treatments

• Ongoing support and visible progress

• A gentle but powerful approach to skin conditions like acne and rosacea

Think of your esthetician as your skin’s personal trainer — someone who sees you regularly, tracks your progress, and adjusts your “routine” to make sure your skin is getting exactly what it needs.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to choose between an esthetician and a dermatologist — in fact, you’ll get the best care by understanding the strengths of each. Dermatologists are essential for diagnosing and treating medical skin issues. Estheticians are your partner in ongoing skincare health, beauty, and maintenance — often helping you manage conditions like acne and rosacea without the risks of medication.

So, whether you’re looking for clinical treatment or just want your healthiest, glowiest skin ever — make sure you have the right expert by your side.