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Esthetician vs Aesthetician: Differences Explained

esthetician vs aesthetician

We get this question constantly. And it makes sense, esthetician and aesthetician look like the same word with different spellings. But there’s actually a clear difference between them, especially when you’re trying to figure out which direction your career should take.

Let’s keep this simple. If you’re exploring any type of skincare as a career path, this breakdown will help you understand exactly what separates the two and why it matters when choosing a school.

Esthetician vs Aesthetician: What’s the Real Difference?

The key difference between an esthetician and an aesthetician is the type of work they do and where they do it.

Estheticians are typically focused on cosmetic skincare services, like what you’d expect at a spa, salon, or beauty bar. Aestheticians are more connected to clinical or medical settings. They often work under the supervision of medical professionals and assist with more advanced skincare procedures. The training overlap is huge, but the jobs look different. You’ll see different tools, different clients, and different outcomes depending on which route you go.

What Estheticians Do

Estheticians help people feel good in their skin, literally. Their work is about improving the appearance and condition of the skin using non-invasive methods. It’s hands-on, personal, and often focused on relaxation and long-term skin health.

Common services estheticians perform:

  • Facials and advanced facial massage techniques
  • Skin analysis and treatment planning
  • Waxing, tweezing, and brow shaping
  • Enzyme peels and superficial chemical exfoliants
  • Product recommendations based on skin type
  • Back facials, body scrubs, and décolleté treatments

Estheticians commonly work in:

  • Spas and salons
  • Day resorts
  • Lash and brow studios
  • Cruise ships and luxury hospitality environments

Their work is face-to-face (and sometimes full body), and it’s often the first step for people looking to get into skincare. Some estheticians stay in spa work forever, while some use it as a launching point.

what do estheticians do

What Aestheticians Do

This title shows up more in clinical or results-driven environments. Think dermatology offices, medical spas, or plastic surgery clinics. In contrast, if an esthetician focuses on comfort and pampering, an aesthetician focuses on results, especially for skin issues that are more complex or tied to medical conditions.

Aestheticians often assist with or perform:

  • Microneedling
  • Medium-depth chemical peels
  • LED light therapy
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Lymphatic drainage
  • Laser or energy-based skincare tools (with the right training)

Settings where you’ll see an aesthetician work:

  • Med spas
  • Dermatology offices
  • Plastic surgery clinics
  • Skin care centers tied to wellness practices

The work tends to be more technical and driven by protocols. Still, there’s a client-facing, personal side, but it’s more focused on correcting issues like hyperpigmentation, scarring, or signs of aging. The aesthetician is part of a treatment team, not just a spa menu.

what do aestheticians do

Do You Need Different Licenses?

Not in Florida. That’s where a lot of the confusion comes from. Florida only issues one type of facial specialist license, which covers all standard esthetic training. The terms esthetician and aesthetician are often used to describe what you do, not what you’re licensed to do. However, while the state doesn’t make a distinction, the industry does.

So Which One Should You Be?

That depends on the type of work you want to do!

You might lean esthetician if:

  • You love skincare, beauty, and wellness
  • You enjoy hands-on work with clients in a relaxing setting
  • You want to work in spas, salons, or run your own studio

You might lean aesthetician if:

  • You’re interested in clinical treatments or dermatology
  • You like working with equipment, protocols, and science
  • You see yourself in a medical office or med spa setting

Neither is better. What matters is where you see yourself, and what kind of training gets you there.

Esthetician vs Aesthetician: Final Thoughts

There’s no reason to stress over the esthetician vs aesthetician title. What matters is your training, your passion, and where you want to take your career. The difference between an esthetician and an aesthetician is just a label. What you do with your license and the skills you bring into the room is what really counts. Still have questions, or want to go the aesthetician route? Call us at (813) 749-1800