What is the Difference Between an Esthetician & an Aesthetician?

If you've ever looked for a facial person or skin care expert, you’ve probably come across the terms esthetician and aesthetician. These titles are often used interchangeably, but they aren't exactly the same. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right path—whether you're interested in receiving treatment or starting a career in the beauty industry.

At Meraki Aesthetics Institute in North Houston, we specialize in preparing students for both paths through a comprehensive esthetician program that includes advanced laser certification and medspa training.

Training Requirements

The difference between an esthetician vs aesthetician often starts with education. Both roles require foundational knowledge in skin care, but the scope and focus of training can vary.

Esthetician Training

At Meraki, our 750-hour esthetics certification program meets Texas state licensing requirements and is based on the CIMA Milady Esthetics curriculum. It covers:

• Core Topics: Skin physiology, anatomy, disorders of the skin, and infection control

• Hands-on Skills: Facials, waxing, makeup application, massage techniques

• Advanced Education: Facial devices, treatment room management, and skincare chemistry

• Career Preparation: Professionalism, client communication, and business development

Students also receive access to exclusive medspa certifications, including:

• Texas Laser Technician Licensure (two-week hands-on laser training)

• Dermaplaning and microneedling with SkinPen

• Advanced chemical peels and acne certification through Face Reality

• Medical charting using Aesthetic Record

• Product training with luxury brands like SkinBetter and iS Clinical

• NCEA National Esthetician Certification prep and exam

Aesthetician Training

The term aesthetician often refers to professionals who have additional or specialized training, particularly in medical aesthetics. These practitioners may work in clinical settings and handle advanced procedures like microneedling, laser treatments, and medical-grade skincare—training that Meraki includes in its curriculum.

The Difference

The core difference between an esthetician and an aesthetician lies in their work environment and services offered.

• Estheticians work in salons, spas, and wellness centers. They focus on beauty-based treatments such as facials, makeup, hair removal, and product consultations.

• Aestheticians, also known as medical estheticians, often work in dermatology clinics, medspas, or cosmetic surgery offices. They are trained in more clinical procedures such as:

  • Laser hair removal

  • Microneedling

  • Advanced chemical peels

  • Pre- and post-surgical skin care

At Meraki, we train our students for both roles by blending traditional esthetics education with real-world medspa certifications—making our graduates well-prepared for either setting.

Career Options in Esthetics

Graduates who focus on traditional esthetics can pursue careers such as:

• Facial specialist in a spa or salon

• Waxing or eyebrow technician

• Makeup artist

• Lash and brow expert

• Skincare product consultant

• Esthetician business owner

This path is ideal for individuals passionate about beauty, wellness, and client care in a relaxed environment.

Career Options in Aesthetics

With additional training and licensure like those offered at Meraki, students can move into the medical side of skincare. Career options include:

• Medical aesthetician in a clinic or medspa

• Laser technician

• Acne specialist

• Pre- and post-operative skincare technician

• Clinical skincare sales or product trainer

These roles are ideal for individuals who want to work closely with dermatologists or plastic surgeons in more advanced skin health services.

Become a Licensed Esthetician with Laser Certification at Meraki

If you're searching for how to become a facial person or wondering what is an esthetician, Meraki Aesthetics Institute offers everything you need to launch a successful career.

Our North Houston esthetician certification program doesn’t just meet state requirements—it goes beyond. We prepare you for today’s competitive beauty and medspa industries with in-depth education, business training, and hands-on experience, including:

• Texas Laser Technician License

• Microneedling and dermaplaning

• Medical charting and client documentation

• Real-world product and device training

Apply now and join an institute that prioritizes innovation, professionalism, and long-term career success in esthetics.

Your future in skincare starts here at Meraki Aesthetics Institute.