Blog
Esthetician vs. Dermatologist: Who Should You See for Your Skin?
Two Skin Experts, Different Roles
If you’re dealing with acne, aging, or general skin concerns, you may be wondering: should I book with an esthetician or a dermatologist? At Skin Renew Co., we believe there’s room for both in your skin journey — but they serve different purposes. Here’s how to know which one is right for you.
What Is an Esthetician?
Estheticians are licensed skincare professionals trained in cosmetic treatments that support skin health. At Skin Renew Co., this includes:
-
Custom facials
-
Acne-safe treatments
-
Microneedling
-
Chemical peels
-
LED light therapy
-
Homecare product guidance
Estheticians focus on:
Improving skin appearance, supporting long-term skin health, and educating clients on personalized skincare routines.
💡 Estheticians do not diagnose or prescribe medication, but we can support and maintain skin between dermatology visits.
What Is a Dermatologist?
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. They can:
-
Diagnose chronic conditions (like cystic acne, eczema, psoriasis)
-
Prescribe medications (topicals, oral treatments, etc.)
-
Perform skin biopsies and medical procedures
-
Treat severe acne or skin infections
Dermatologists focus on:
Medical treatment, diagnostics, and managing more complex or severe conditions.
Which One Should You See?
| Your Concern | Who to See |
|---|---|
| Mild to moderate acne | Esthetician |
| Severe, cystic acne | Dermatologist (then esthetician for support) |
| Want glowing, hydrated skin | Esthetician |
| Skin condition affecting health | Dermatologist |
| Preventative aging + skincare advice | Esthetician |
| Suspicious mole or lesion | Dermatologist |
Best of Both Worlds
In many cases, the best results come from collaboration — seeing a dermatologist for diagnosis or prescription support and an esthetician for custom treatments, ongoing skin health, and results-driven facials.
At Skin Renew Co., we often work with clients who’ve been to a derm and are now looking to reduce inflammation, repair the skin barrier, and prevent future breakouts naturally.
Let’s Work With Your Skin — Not Against It
If you’re in the Grand Rapids or Grandville, MI area and ready to take your skin seriously, we’d love to see you. Whether you’ve already seen a dermatologist or are just starting your journey, Skin Renew Co. offers a holistic, acne-safe space to truly care for your skin.
