blog

The Difference Between Cosmetic Dermatology, Aesthetic Medicine, and Other Terms

a cosmetic dermatologist treating a patient’s skin issues

May 12 2022

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Author: Patricia Pezzano

There seems to be a widening gap in dermatology.
The field is splitting into two camps.
One side is medical dermatology.
The other is cosmetic dermatology.

Medical dermatology focuses on skin health.
It diagnoses and treats conditions like skin cancer, hives, and psoriasis.

Cosmetic dermatology focuses on skin appearance.
It uses minimally invasive procedures like injectables (Botox and fillers).
It also offers skincare products, vein removal, and laser therapy.

Sometimes, cosmetic and medical treatments work best together.

What Conditions Fall Under Cosmetic Dermatology?

Over 13 million non-invasive cosmetic procedures were done in 2020.
Many people want to improve their appearance.

More people seek help for these cosmetic skin concerns:

Fine lines
Wrinkles
Premature aging
Scars
Pigmentation
Enlarged pores
Facial veins
Skin tone and texture
Saggy skin

What Is The Difference Between a Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, and Aesthetician?

Dermatologists, cosmetologists, and aestheticians are all skincare specialists.
Each term has unique meanings.
Understand them to decide which is right for you.

Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a doctor.
They diagnose and treat skin, hair, nails, and mucous membrane diseases.
This title requires college, a medical degree, and five years of training.

a dermatologist checking a mole on a patient’s back

They need a full license or certification, plus other requirements, to practice.
Dermatologists focus on skin health.
They remove moles, cysts, and treat skin cancers.

Cosmetologist

The focus of cosmetology is beautifying skin, hair, and nails.
It includes many services:

Hair cutting
Hair colouring
Washing, shampooing, and drying hair
Braiding
Installing hair extensions
Manicures and sterilization
Pedicures
Nail artistry
Barbering
Shaving facial hair
Fitting hair pieces
Facials
Skin conditions
Waxing
Eyebrow threading
Makeup

A hair specialist dyeing a woman’s hair in a salon

Cosmetologists are not medical professionals.
They must undergo training to get certified.
Depending on your focus, you need about 2,000 hours as an apprentice before certification.

Aesthetician or Aesthetic Nurse

Like cosmetologists, aesthetic nurses or aestheticians are not doctors.
But they are medical practitioners, usually registered or practical nurses.
Their expertise is more specialized: the skin.

Dermatologists and aestheticians both deal with the skin.
But aestheticians focus on enhancing its appearance.

Many titles refer to this occupation.
Aesthetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology are two common ones.

Also called “aesthetic nurses,” they can do the following:

Assess a patient’s skin;
Obtain a patient’s medical history;
Maintain medical charts;
Recommend a skincare routine
Explain ways to treat skin issues; and
Provide treatments like microdermabrasion, laser acne treatments, and chemical peels.

Can Aesthetic Nurses Inject Botox and Fillers?

Aesthetic nurses need relevant training from a reputable institution to give injectables safely.
They must take a course with theory and practice taught by experts.

The requirement to become an aesthetic nurse is rigorous.
You must be a nurse, physician, dentist, or licensed health practitioner.

An aesthetician performing a facial treatment

Aesthetician vs Esthetician: What’s the Difference?

Two other terms are often confused: “aesthetician” and “esthetician.”

Apart from spelling, are they the same?

Both are skincare specialists.
But they have key differences.

Estheticians work at salons, spas, health stores, resorts, and fitness centres.
Aestheticians work in medical spas, hospitals, clinics, burn centres, and reconstructive surgery clinics.

Estheticians focus on skin appearance but are less medical.
They analyze skin and do facials.
They cannot perform skin resurfacing, microlaser peels, or skin tightening.