5 Reasons To See An Esthetician At Your Dermatologist
When there’s a problem with your skin, you’ll immediately search for a nearby dermatologist. For a little pampering or glow-up before a special event, however, you’ll consider an esthetician. But what if there is a way to get the best of both worlds? Now, it’s not uncommon to find an esthetician in your dermatologist’s office. At Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, for instance, you can see an esthetician in a board-certified dermatologist setting, which can benefit you. Here’s why you should see an esthetician at your dermatologist.
Esthetician vs. dermatologist: What’s the difference?
Dermatologists and estheticians are two distinct professions that play complementary roles in the care of your skin. Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They are trained to provide medical treatments for skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and can prescribe medications and perform procedures such as biopsies, cryotherapy, and skin cancer surgeries. Dermatologists also play a critical role in preventing and detecting skin cancer through routine skin checks and screenings.
Your dermatologist also has a deep understanding of your hair and what causes hair loss. There are many medical causes for hair thinning or hair loss, including alopecia, CCCA, telogen effluvium, and several others. Your dermatologist can provide prescription medication and in-office procedures to resume growth. In severe cases, hair transplants are also possible.
Estheticians, on the other hand, are skincare professionals who focus on improving the appearance and overall health of the skin. They have several years of training and can provide a wide range of non-medical treatments, such as facials, peels, and microdermabrasion, that can help improve the texture, tone, and clarity of the skin. Estheticians can also recommend skincare products and provide advice on how to care for the skin at home. While estheticians cannot diagnose or treat medical skin conditions, they can work closely with dermatologists to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address both medical and cosmetic concerns. Some also have advanced training in these procedures which significantly improve your skin.
1. You get skincare expertise
While a dermatologist can diagnose and treat medical skin conditions, an esthetician can provide a wealth of knowledge and advice on how to care for the skin on a day-to-day basis. For example, an esthetician can provide customized facials and peels that can help to reduce pore size, exfoliate dead skin cells, and improve overall skin texture. By working with a dermatologist, the esthetician can develop treatment plans that consider any underlying medical conditions that the patient may have, such as rosacea or eczema.
Additionally, a dermatologist can coach the esthetician on strategies to plump up the skin, such as using fillers or injectables. By working with a dermatologist, the esthetician can ensure that the patient receives the appropriate treatment for their specific skin concerns. For example, a patient with fine lines and wrinkles may benefit from a combination of dermal fillers and neuromodulators, while a patient with hollowed cheeks or deep nasolabial folds may require a different approach.
Some patients will have issues with dullness of the skin or pore size. The dermatologist can provide guidance on the appropriate products and techniques to use, while the esthetician can provide hands-on care and advice on how to care for the skin in between appointments. Together, they can help patients achieve their desired cosmetic goals while also ensuring the overall health and wellness of their skin. While you may not see the dermatologist, rest assured you’re receiving information and guidance from the doctor on-staff through the esthetician.
2. A comprehensive approach to skin (and hair) health
When you visit your esthetician to treat a skincare issue, you get detailed care thanks to the partnership with the dermatologist. The esthetician can recommend you see a dermatologist first for an existing issue, like hormonal acne, for example, before returning for a procedure. The dermatologist can find the root cause and provide medication or treatment.
In some cases, if you’re looking for more dramatic results, the dermatologist-esthetician duo works in your favor. The dermatologist can perform dermal fillers, Botox injections, and other minimally invasive procedures that an esthetician may not be authorized to do.
This process is simplified as the doctor and esthetician are in the same space. You can schedule both medical and cosmetic appointments while feeling comfortable, saving time and money.
3. Access to medical-grade products
Working with a dermatology-esthetician team also provides patients with access to medical-grade skincare products that may not be available over the counter. These products are typically formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients, such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, or antioxidants, and are designed to address specific skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles, or acne. Medical-grade skincare products are also subject to rigorous testing and quality control standards, ensuring they are safe and effective for use.
For example, a dermatologist may recommend a prescription-strength retinoid to a patient struggling with acne or hyperpigmentation, while an esthetician may recommend a medical-grade antioxidant serum to improve overall skin health and reduce the signs of aging. These products are often hard to find in retail stores or online and may require a prescription or professional recommendation to purchase. By working with a dermatology-esthetician team, patients can access these high-quality skincare products and receive guidance on using them effectively to achieve optimal results.
Some patients visit an esthetician for hair concerns like thinning, bald spots or slowed growth. The esthetician in the dermatologist’s setting can work with the doctor to provide fantastic hair disease and scalp treatment options. These are cost-effective, beginner options before moving on to advanced treatments from your dermatologist.
4. Consistency of care
For many people and patients seeking skincare and haircare services, quality of care is crucial. Their skin and hair, after all, is the first thing others see. For some patients, appearance is tied to social and financial capital. Therefore, it’s important that you see someone who can provide high-quality care every time.
An esthetician at your dermatologist has the added benefit of medical-grade care. The doctor will have a series of standards to upkeep, especially if they are board-certified. These same standards are passed on to the esthetician who operates in the office. The team will have a standard operating procedure for all ailments, meaning you will get constant, consistent care for medical and cosmetic concerns.
Moreover, since the patient’s records are in one place, the team can work together to adjust someone’s care as needed. For instance, if microneedling or microdermabrasion is not improving acne scars, the esthetician can work with the dermatologist to try advanced treatments and prescription medications. A high level of accountability will instill confidence and encourage you to return for more support in the future.
5. Improving patient satisfaction
Patient satisfaction is a high priority for a dermatologist, and our practice is no exception. The patient should feel comfortable, and get the best possible diagnosis and favorable results. Studies show that patients have a 95% satisfaction rate when visiting a dermatologist. These are all based on factors like accessibility, communication, availability of services, and follow-up. AtEternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, these are all qualities we strive to achieve in our practice. Estheticians, PAs, and doctors on the team share these same principles. When you visit your esthetician at your dermatologist, there should be no doubt that you receive consistent quality of care.
Should you see both your esthetician and your dermatologist?
While working with a dermatology-esthetician team can be highly beneficial, it’s not always necessary to see both professionals for every skin concern. Depending on the nature and severity of your skin issue, you may be able to receive effective treatment from either an esthetician or a dermatologist.
For example, if you’re struggling with mild acne or occasional breakouts, you may be able to see an esthetician for regular facials and use medical-grade skin care products to manage your symptoms. However, if your acne is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or scarring, it may be necessary to see a dermatologist for a more intensive treatment plan, such as prescription medication or laser treatment.
Similarly, if you’re interested in improving the overall appearance and texture of your skin, an esthetician may be able to provide effective treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser facials. However, if you have a concerning mole, a persistent rash, or other medical skin concerns, it’s important to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Ultimately, the decision to see an esthetician or a dermatologist will depend on your individual needs and goals. However, by working with a dermatology-esthetician team, you can access a wide range of expertise and resources to help you achieve optimal skin health and wellness.
Come see our esthetician
There are hundreds of skilled estheticians in any given state. Many are skilled in providing services that improve your skin’s health. Some even have the tools and expertise to treat your hair. However, when you see an esthetician at your dermatologist, you get all the benefits of a doctor. At Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, we cover all the bases of skin, nails, and hair care.
From a simple chemical peel to advanced treatments for acne, rosacea, and even skin cancer, we do it all. Visiting an esthetician at least once yearly is a great way to maintain your skin health, reduce the signs of aging, and boost your confidence. When you look good, you feel good. We understand this concept and want to help you in all stages of your skin’s health.
Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics serves the DMV area, including Baltimore, Fulton, Howard County, and much more.
Schedule an appointment to see our estheticians or our lead dermatologist, Ife Rodney, MD, FAAD, for all your skincare and hair care needs.