If you have ever looked into booking a facial or skin treatment, you have likely come across two similar titles: aesthetician and esthetician. Each refers to a different type of skin care professional with their own training, treatment style and areas of expertise. The distinction between the two spellings varies by region. In North America, the spellings typically refer to different skillsets, whereas many other regions treat them simply as spelling variants.
So, what does each title actually refer to?
What Is an Esthetician?
While aestheticians work on the clinical side of skin care, estheticians specialize in spa-based treatments that keep the skin smooth, hydrated and well-maintained. Their training centers on hands-on techniques rather than medical preparation or recovery, which makes them the professionals most people visit for regular professional facials and seasonal skin care.
Estheticians learn foundational skin theory, product knowledge and practical techniques through licensed beauty school programs. Training requirements vary by region, but most estheticians complete several hundred hours of education before entering a spa or salon setting. Their work blends relaxation with results, creating treatments that support the skin’s overall look and feel.
You will typically find estheticians in:
- Day spas
- Resort spas
- Beauty salons
- Skin care studios
- Wellness and holistic centers
Common services include:
- Custom facials
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body treatments like wraps and various types of massage
- Superficial peels (often involving chemical exfoliation)
- Manual or enzyme exfoliation
- Hydrating, brightening or purifying masks
- Facial massage
- Brow shaping, lash tinting and waxing
- Makeup application and at-home product guidance
Some estheticians may choose to pursue additional certifications in areas like microdermabrasion, chemical peels or light-based therapies. Even with advanced skills, their services remain non-medical and are designed to enhance the skin’s appearance rather than support clinical treatments.
Estheticians also differ from beauticians. Beauticians work across a wider range of beauty services, including hair, nails and general grooming. Estheticians specialize exclusively in skin focused, spa-based treatments where comfort, experience and visible glow are the priority.
What Is an Aesthetician?
An aesthetician is a skin care professional who works in clinical or medically supervised environments. In North America, Medical Aestheticians commonly go by the full title “Medical Aesthetician” rather than just “Aesthetician”.
Scopes of practice for Estheticians in the U.S. vary significantly from state to state. Aestheticians specialize in the kind of skin care that supports office procedures and long-term treatment plans, which is why their training looks different from traditional spa professionals. Their education centers on corrective and treatment-supportive techniques that align closely with dermatologists, nurses and cosmetic practitioners.
Their day-to-day focus is helping the skin tolerate, recover from and maximize the results of advanced treatments. That may mean preparing the skin before a chemical peel or laser, easing visible sensitivity afterward, or building routines that support treatment outcomes over time.
Aestheticians do not perform traditional spa services. Their work leans more clinical, and they are commonly found in:
- Medical spas
- Dermatology clinics
- Cosmetic surgery practices
- Treatment focused skin care centers
Typical responsibilities include:
- Preparing the skin for lasers, peels or microneedling
- Post-treatment calming and recovery care
- Advanced exfoliation
- Managing visible irritation or sensitivity
- Tracking progress during multi-step treatment plans
Key Differences Between Estheticians and Aestheticians
Estheticians work in day spas, salons, skin studios and wellness centers where comfort and ongoing maintenance are the priority. In comparison, aestheticians typically work in med spas, dermatology clinics or cosmetic practices where clinical treatments take place.
How Your Appointment Feels
Seeing an aesthetician feels more clinical than visiting an esthetician. They pay attention to how your skin is reacting to stronger treatments like peels, lasers or microneedling and adjust your care with that in mind. The conversation often revolves around sensitivity, barrier strength, healing time and how to support the skin between procedures. Aestheticians think about how the skin behaves under stress and they watch for redness, irritation or barrier disruption and choose techniques that keep the skin calm during or after advanced treatments. They help minimize treatment side effects, improve recovery and keep your skin barrier strong enough to handle advanced procedures.
In comparison, an appointment with an esthetician is more spa-based, is hands on and focused on your relaxation and comfort. They work on the surface of the skin to refresh the complexion and maintain results over time. Their goal is to keep the skin smooth, hydrated and balanced using massage, exfoliation and targeted masks.
Who Each One Is Best Suited For
Estheticians make more sense if you want:
- Routine facials
- Seasonal updates to your skin care
- Non-medical treatments that keep your skin looking healthy
- A relaxing, sensory experience
Aestheticians are the better fit if you are:
- Preparing for a clinical treatment
- Recovering from a clinical treatment
- Dealing with sensitivity or inflammation
- Following a long-term treatment plan with a provider
How Aestheticians Treat the Skin
Aestheticians work with skin that is preparing for or recovering from clinical procedures, so their methods are more targeted. Treatments often focus on calming, strengthening and supporting the barrier.
You will commonly see aestheticians involved in:
Skin preparation for peels, lasers or microneedling
- Post treatment calming care
- Advanced exfoliation techniques
- Treatment plans that support recovery and barrier repair
How Estheticians Treat the Skin
Estheticians work with the skin in a way that aligns with regular upkeep. Their methods are hands- on, relaxing and designed to improve the skin’s surface. They rely on massage, masks, steam, exfoliation and targeted product application to refresh the complexion and keep everything balanced.
Typical esthetician services include:
- Custom facials
- Manual or enzyme exfoliation
- Hydrating, brightening or deep cleansing masks
- Facial massage and steam
- Brow shaping, lash tinting and waxing
- Makeup application and skin care guidance
How Their Techniques Differ
Aestheticians tailor every step around clinical treatments, sensitivity and recovery. Their touch tends to be lighter and more cautious.
Estheticians use more traditional spa techniques, with a focus on comfort, relaxation and visible polish.
While both work directly with the skin, their treatment methods reflect two very different roles. Aestheticians support the skin through more demanding processes, while estheticians maintain the skin’s rhythm with regular, non-medical care.
Your Most Commonly Asked Questions
Are estheticians and aestheticians the same thing?
No. The titles look similar, but they refer to different types of skin care professionals. In both Canada and the United States, aestheticians typically work in clinical or medically-aligned settings and support the skin before or after procedures. Estheticians work in spas, salons and skin studios, offering hands-on, non-medical treatments that focus on routine maintenance and overall skin comfort.
Which professional provides medical facials?
Medical facials or any treatment designed to prepare the skin for a procedure are performed by aestheticians, often called medical or clinical aestheticians in Canada and the United States. These appointments usually take place in med spas, dermatology offices or cosmetic practices. Estheticians provide traditional facials that are cosmetic, relaxing and suitable for regular upkeep.
Do both require licensure?
Yes, but the rules differ between Canada and the United States. In the United States, esthetics is regulated at the state level, and both aestheticians and estheticians must complete a set number of hours and pass a licensing exam. In Canada, requirements vary by province. Some provinces regulate the profession directly, while others allow education and certification through accredited beauty schools. In both countries, aestheticians often pursue additional or advanced training because their work relates more closely to clinical treatments.
To experience expert guidance in a relaxing setting, you can visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner and speak with a trained esthetician about the best approach for your skin.
