Is a facial specialist the same as an esthetician?

Author: Makenna Spencer DVM  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

In Florida, estheticians are often called facial specialists, and we'd love to help you pursue a future in skincare! Our facial specialist program focuses on all the essentials of esthetics, so you can pursue a career from your passion for skincare and beauty.

What is the difference between a facial specialist and an esthetician?

An esthetician, also called a skincare specialist or a facialist, provides facial skincare services in a cosmetic or salon setting. They assess clients' skin to identify issues and recommend cleaning and maintenance techniques based on the individual's skin type and needs.

What's the highest level of esthetician?

A CIDESCO diploma or certificate is the highest qualification in the esthetics industry, known by employers throughout the world. A CIDESCO graduate student is known to employers to be exceptionally prepared for any type of spa or beauty opportunity available.

What is the difference between a skin specialist and an esthetician?

Think of a dermatologist as a person more focused on the healthier side of your skin, not just the appearance. A dermatologist can treat issues like skin cancer. They can perform mole removals and cyst removals. Estheticians focus on the surface of your skin.

What's higher than an esthetician?

A medical esthetician will provide advanced, medical-level skincare. They are trained to be familiar with chemistry, nutrition, pharmacology and advanced makeup techniques, working with chemical peels, exfoliants and other, more intensive treatments.

Aesthetician vs Esthetician | Explained

Can estheticians do Botox?

Although estheticians cannot give Botox injections, many alternatives to Botox can be provided by estheticians and fall within their scope of practice. You can choose one of these alternatives as a stand-alone option or get these treatments in conjunction with Botox to make the effects last longer.

What field of esthetician makes the most money?

Those who work in medical aesthetics, on average, make more than most other types of estheticians. They have the same base training as a standard esthetician, but with advanced medical skincare training. How much you make as an esthetician will vary depending on specialty, experience, and job environment.

Which is better esthetician or aesthetician?

If you are looking for routine skincare treatments to maintain healthy skin and enhance your appearance, an esthetician would be a great fit. However, if you have specific skin concerns that require medical intervention or are seeking advanced skincare treatments, an aesthetician would be more suitable.

How to make $100,000 a year as an esthetician?

To make $100,000 a year as an esthetician, take the time to calculate clear revenue goals and then align your service offerings accordingly. For example, you can focus on offering high-ticket treatments or packages, such as monthly memberships for popular services, to help you reel in a six-figure esthetician salary.

What can you do as a facial specialist?

Skincare specialists give facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages to improve the health and appearance of the skin. Some provide other skincare treatments to remove dead or dry skin, such as masks, peels, and scrubs. They also may provide eyelash services, makeup application, and hair removal.

Who gets paid more, an esthetician or a dermatologist?

Dermatologists have a higher earning potential because of the extensive education and training their profession requires. The salary for either profession can vary based on the living cost, experience and demand in your area.

What is the lifespan of an esthetician?

However, I soon learned that many estheticians only last about three years in the career before moving on. Clients can be challenging, the workload is high, and the work itself takes a physical and emotional toll.

Who makes more, an esthetician or an aesthetician?

Another key difference is the esthetician vs aesthetician salary. A 2023 study showed the average aesthetician salary is $33000 per year, whereas the average esthetician salary is $35,000 annually.

Do estheticians do face massage?

An esthetician also called a facial specialist in Florida, is a skin care specialist who can examine the condition of the skin and perform treatments like facials, hair removal, and makeup application. Facial services include massaging and treating the face with lotions, creams, and oils.

How to go from esthetician to aesthetician?

Students who want more training can complete specialized medical esthetician courses after completing their initial esthetician program. These courses range from a few days to a few weeks and can cover skills requiring hands-on training, such as laser hair removal or collagen injections.

What is higher than an esthetician?

Dermatologists are more than just one of the types of estheticians, they're full-fledged doctors. Whether you're an esthetician or dermatologist, you'll be working with skin. But dermatologists typically require a referral for their services in order for them to be covered by health insurance.

What are the disadvantages of a esthetician?

Cons of being an esthetician
  • Career advancement. There are not typically many career advancement opportunities for estheticians. ...
  • Physically demanding. While some people enjoy being active all day, for others, this physical demand is more of a drawback. ...
  • Starting salary. ...
  • Schedule.

What is the highest degree in esthetician?

The National Esthetician Certification–NCEA Certified credential is the highest standard set by the National Coalition of Estheticians Associations (NCEA) for Estheticians in the United States.

How to make 6 figures as an esthetician?

8 Ways to Make More Money as an Esthetician
  1. Invest in Education and Training. ...
  2. Build a Strong Online Presence. ...
  3. Offer Retail Products. ...
  4. Implement Loyalty Programs and Referral Incentives. ...
  5. Upsell and Cross-Sell Services. ...
  6. Collaborate with Other Professionals. ...
  7. Focus on Client Experience and Customer Service.

What is the highest paid beauty job?

11 highest-paying cosmetology jobs
  • Skin care consultant.
  • Cosmetologist.
  • Massage therapist.
  • Hair stylist.
  • Tattoo artist.
  • Makeup artist.
  • Beauty therapist.
  • Barber.

Do estheticians get paid well?

Experienced Estheticians: With a few years under your belt, additional certifications, and a loyal clientele, annual earnings can jump to $45,000-$65,000+. Medical Estheticians: Specialized estheticians working in medical spas or dermatology clinics often earn more, with salaries often topping $85,000 per year.

Can estheticians do microneedling?

Who can perform it? It is most often performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. In California, aestheticians cannot penetrate the skin and should not perform microneedling.

What states allow estheticians to inject?

In the U.S., no state allows estheticians to perform Botox treatments on their own. Your local state laws (or country) will significantly determine what an esthetician can do. They can perform medical procedures in some states, however, they are still not allowed to provide Botox injections.

What degree do you need to give injections?

To give Botox injections, you must be a physician, physician assistant, dentist, registered nurses or nurse practitioners, and other licensed healthcare practitioners. In most cases, the minimum degree requirement for most professionals is a four-year bachelor's degree in pre-medicine, biology, or related science.

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