Throughout our lives, our skin goes through a lot of changes. We might have problems with breakouts during adolescence, pregnancy can lead to broken veins, and ageing could cause dryness and fine lines. This is why a decent skincare routine is so important regardless of your age. While we can improve the appearance and health of our skin ourselves at home, regular visits to a professional can be informative and give our skin a much-needed boost. With so many types of skin therapists out there, however, it can be hard to choose the right one for your needs.
Dermatologist
While most of us have heard of dermatology, we might not all be familiar with what medical area it actually covers. In fact, dermatologists are registered doctors who specialise in problems of the skin, nails, hair and scalp. You’re likely to be referred to a dermatologist by your general practitioner (GP) if you’re showing signs of a stubborn or unusual skin complaint such as eczema, psoriasis and even skin cancer. If you’re suffering from any of these problems, you can contact registered dermatologists directly at private clinics or through your GP. You may also be advised to see a dermatologist by an esthetician, the next specialist on our list.
Esthetician
Estheticians are not trained doctors, which means that they are unable to diagnose conditions, prescribe remedies or suggest treatment beyond topical cosmetic products. This is why estheticians often work in conjunction with dermatologists, referring clients to them for further information. However, estheticians do receive comprehensive training that makes them specialists in the latest developments in skin care. Those suffering from acne or the effects of ageing can often benefit from seeing an esthetician, who can suggest cosmetics and care routines that can soothe their ailments.
Cosmetology
While esthetics and cosmetology do overlap in some areas, there is a pronounced difference that is important to be aware of if you are considering making an appointment with either type of specialist. While an esthetician is concerned only with the skin, a cosmetologist specialises more broadly in beauty. Estheticians have a more intense training process that makes them more knowledgeable in skin problems, whereas cosmetologists are licensed to style hair, perform manicures and pedicures, and offer facials and waxing. Cosmetologists cannot suggest cosmetic treatments for skin conditions. Therefore, a facial appointment with a cosmetologist would be a good choice for someone with dehydrated skin, but not for someone with rosacea, for example.
Finding the right skin therapist can be life-changing. A good specialist can arm you with the tools you need to care for your skin at home, boosting your general well-being. In fact, many skin therapists attest to how fulfilling being a skin therapist is. It is certainly a career that allows an individual to watch people grow in confidence. Those considering a move into this field can find hundreds of courses and a wide variety of high-quality, affordable care equipment for therapists working in hospitals, care facilities or in private clinics online.