Esthetician vs Aesthetician: What’s the difference?

If you’ve ever embarked on a skincare specialist journey, then Google’s probably thrown you for the esthetician vs aesthetician loop at some point. Or maybe you just finished all your training and never considered the difference between aestheticians and estheticians—only to see the “aesthetician” title on your diploma when you swore your program was for estheticians.

You wouldn’t be the first one caught off guard. The skincare world has seen countless searches from skincare specialists eager to understand:

• Is an aesthetician and esthetician the same?
• What exactly does an aesthetician do? What does an esthetician do?
• Can I get in trouble for calling myself an esthetician instead of an aesthetician?
• What is the difference between an esthetician and a medical aesthetician?
• What’s a medical aesthetician vs esthetician? What about a master aesthetician vs esthetician?
• Educational backgrounds: Aesthetician vs. Esthetician?
• Can I get insurance coverage for both esthetics and aesthetics?

To help specialists like you feel confident about your title and services, we’re addressing these esthetician vs aesthetician questions and concerns.

Esthetics vs. Aesthetics

The terms “esthetician” and “aesthetician” stem from the words “esthetics” and “aesthetics.” Both borrow from the Greek word aisthētikós, meaning “of sense perception, sensitive, or perceptive.”

According to Merriam-Webster, the only difference is the added -a between “esthetics vs aesthetics.” Otherwise, the words are interchangeable and have evolved to encompass attractiveness—i.e., “the qualities in a person or thing that as a whole give pleasure to the senses,” Merriam-Webster says.

What’s the difference between aestheticians and estheticians?

The same applies for “esthetician” and “aesthetician.” Merriam-Webster uses both to refer to someone “licensed to provide cosmetic skin care treatments and services” like facials.

Many sources will claim a technical difference between estheticians and aestheticians. For example, Indeed’s guide to estheticians vs aestheticians explains that aestheticians work closely with medical procedures and in clinical settings to treat skin damage, as seen with burns and scars. Meanwhile, estheticians are said to perform more cosmetic procedures for aging and acne, typically in spas and salons.

However, when we look closer, we see little to no difference between aestheticians and estheticians beyond how they’re spelled. Indeed’s guide says estheticians perform tasks like skin rejuvenation, scar and blemish reduction, and lymphatic drainage treatments. But an esthetician who goes the extra mile to become a master esthetician in qualifying states can perform the same advanced treatments. Since master estheticians can work anywhere from a standard spa to a med spa, dermatology clinic, or plastic surgeon’s office (depending on your state), this debunks the theory that aestheticians are for medical contexts and estheticians aren’t.

So, is an aesthetician and esthetician the same? Generally, yes. The main difference is that “esthetician” is the more common American spelling, whereas “aesthetician” is more common outside the U.S. But regarding the services they offer, they’re interchangeable, estheticians on Reddit and TikTok explain.

What about a master aesthetician vs esthetician?

In the world of skincare specialists, the biggest distinction is whether you’re licensed to offer advanced treatments associated with the “master” title. Both estheticians and aestheticians can become “masters.” Therefore, a master aesthetician vs esthetician refer to the same jobs, as well.

That being said, some skincare specialists have raised concerns about accidentally advertising themselves as the “wrong” kind of specialist.

“Will you get in trouble if you, an aesthetician, call yourself an ‘esthetician’ and vice versa?” One TikTok user commented on @rollerskatingesthetician’s video on the topic.

The answer is no. Between the titles esthetician vs aesthetician, you can call yourself either. Just avoid calling yourself a master esthetician or aesthetician when you aren’t licensed or trained for the title. And tread lightly when advertising medical aesthetics.

What is the difference between an esthetician and a medical aesthetician?

There isn’t a significant difference between aestheticians and estheticians and a master aesthetician vs esthetician. Still, be careful with the titles medical aesthetician vs esthetician.

Although master estheticians often work in medical spas, states like Utah specify that “master-level esthetics” are “not for the treatment of medical, physical, or mental ailments,” Utah’s code states.

As such, depending on your state’s laws, calling yourself a “medical esthetician” could be misrepresentative since it implies you’re performing medical services you aren’t licensed to perform, explains Skin Inc in their article. It could also put your coverage at risk, since many insurance programs (like ours) exclude coverage for claims arising out of the practice, prescription, or administering of any medicine.

“Because in many states estheticians are expressly prohibited from treating medical conditions, using the word ‘medical’ is misleading … and, therefore, in violation of state law,” Alex R. Thiersch and Renee E. Coover of Thiersch & Associates wrote for Skin Inc. “Thus, it is crucial that you use the correct terminology when advertising on your website, on your business card and in person to clients. This information always comes as a shock because, unfortunately, many estheticians are not properly informed of the laws and regulations that govern their scope of practice.”

This cautionary advice about medical aesthetics is not legal advice. Please check your state’s laws to ensure you’re practicing within your scope and under the required supervision. When in doubt, consult legal counsel who understands medical spa regulations where you live, the Skin Inc article says.

Educational Background: Aesthetician vs. Esthetician?

With esthetician and aesthetician being interchangeable terms, there shouldn’t be a big difference between aestheticians’ and estheticians’ education requirements. To become an esthetician or aesthetician, several states require a high school diploma or GED as proof of your education. Our past article explores age, education, and examination, and other state requirements in greater detail. We also analyze the states where estheticians make the most money and experience the highest demand here.

There are, however, distinct differences in training if you want the “master” esthetician title.

If you’re training to enter the skin specialist field, refer to your state’s licensing regulations to verify compliance, since laws change over time and vary across states.

Can I get covered as an esthetician vs aesthetician?

The differences between aestheticians and estheticians, between master aestheticians vs master estheticians, can feel confusing to a budding skincare specialist. Luckily, for the WellnessPro team, our knowledge of your profession’s nuances is as clear and blemish-free as your clients’ dream skin.

Whether you’re an esthetician, aesthetician, or master of either one, you’re covered under WellnessPro’s program for skincare professionals. This means you’re protected against the risks and challenges of being an esthetician.

Click here to learn more about our coverage for skincare specialists. Or get covered today by completing our online application.