Cosmetology vs aesthetician

While cosmetologists are styling professionals that address beauty, hair, makeup, and general skin-care, an esthetician performs specific skin care treatments. Common procedures that an esthetician may conduct, include deep cleansing treatments, microdermabrasion, facial massage, exfoliation, body wraps, waxing, and superficial chemical peels.

Estheticians are more focused on direct skin care. An esthetician does not cut or work with hair or nails, but cosmetologists do. These careers might allow you to work in similar environments such as spas and salons, but do not have the same job descriptions.