What Do Aestheticians Learn?

Behind every effective facial treatment and skincare recommendation lies years of specialized education and hands-on training. Discover what aestheticians really learn and how medical aesthetician qualifications differ in the Canadian beauty industry.

Aestheticians are trained professionals who apply these principles to help clients achieve optimal skin health and appearance through various non-invasive treatments and protocols.

The term derives from the Greek word "aisthetikos," meaning "perceptive of things through sensation." In modern practice, aesthetics has evolved to include a comprehensive understanding of skin physiology, product chemistry, treatment techniques, and client care.

Estheticians vs. Medical Aestheticians: Defining the Difference

In Canada, the aesthetics industry recognizes two distinct professional paths: standard estheticians, who focus on cosmetic treatments and relaxation services, and medical aestheticians, who receive additional specialized training to work in clinical settings alongside healthcare providers. This key distinction shapes everything from their education requirements and treatment capabilities to their workplace environments and career trajectories.

What does a standard esthetician do?

Standard estheticians in Canada typically work in spas, salons, and beauty centres offering a range of cosmetic treatments aimed at improving skin appearance and promoting relaxation. Their services generally include:

• Basic facials and skin analysis
• Makeup application and consultation
• Hair removal techniques (waxing, threading, sugaring)
• Manicures and pedicures
• Lash and brow treatments
• Body treatments like scrubs and wraps
• Basic product recommendations

What does a medical aesthetician do?

Medical aestheticians, on the other hand, typically work in medical settings such as dermatology offices, plastic surgery clinics, and medical spas. Their advanced training enables them to:

• Collaborate with healthcare providers on treatment plans
• Perform more intensive skin treatments using medical-grade equipment
• Assist with pre and post-operative skin care
• Treat specific skin conditions and concerns
• Administer more advanced cosmetic procedures
• Work with patients undergoing treatments that affect skin appearance (like cancer therapy)

The key distinction lies in the medical component – medical aestheticians have specialized knowledge to work alongside healthcare professionals and perform treatments that require advanced training and understanding of medical procedures.

What are the core subjects in standard and medical aesthetician training programs?

Standard Esthetician Training

Esthetician school programs in Canada typically cover these foundational subjects:

• Skin Anatomy & Physiology - Understanding skin structure, functions, and the basics of skin health.
• Facial Treatments - Learning the steps and techniques for various facial treatments, from cleansing to masks and massage.
• Makeup Application - Techniques for everyday, special occasion, and corrective makeup.
• Hair Removal - Methods including waxing, threading, and sugaring.
• Nail Care - Basic manicure and pedicure procedures.
• Business Skills - Client consultation, booking, and retail sales techniques.
• Product Knowledge - Understanding skincare ingredients and formulations for client recommendations.
• Safety and Sanitation - Protocols for maintaining hygienic practices.
• Client Communication - Developing consultation skills and building client relationships.

Standard esthetician programs typically range from 8-12 months in duration, depending on the province and whether the program is full-time or part-time.

Medical Aesthetician Training

Medical aesthetician programs build upon the foundation of standard aesthetics education with additional specialized training:

• Advanced Skin Science - Deeper study of dermatological conditions, skin disorders, and healing processes.
• Medical Terminology - Understanding the language used in healthcare settings.
• Pharmacology Basics - Knowledge of how various medications affect the skin.
• Advanced Treatment Techniques - Training for chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and other intensive procedures.
• Laser and Light Therapies - Safety and application techniques for various light-based treatments.
• Pre and Post-Operative Care - Specialized protocols for patients undergoing surgical procedures.
• Clinical Documentation - Proper methods for recording treatments and patient progress.
• Medical Ethics and Compliance - Understanding healthcare regulations and patient privacy.

Medical aesthetician programs often require an aesthetician certificate as a prerequisite and add an additional 6-12 months of specialized training.

What types of skin treatments do medical aestheticians offer?

The depth of training directly impacts the types of treatments each professional can perform.

Standard Esthetician Treatments

Standard estheticians are trained to perform treatments that primarily focus on maintenance, relaxation, and cosmetic enhancement:

• Basic facials with cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and masks
• Superficial chemical exfoliation using mild acids
• Manual extraction of blackheads and whiteheads
• Facial massage techniques
• Traditional hair removal methods
• Basic body treatments and scrubs
• Relaxation techniques and aromatherapy

Medical Aesthetician Treatments

Medical aestheticians can perform more intensive procedures that may include:

• Advanced chemical peels with higher concentrations of acids
• Microdermabrasion and hydrodermabrasion
• Dermaplaning
• LED light therapy
• Microneedling (in some provinces with proper certification)
• Laser treatments for hair removal, photorejuvenation, and vascular concerns
• Specialized acne treatments
• Post-surgical care and camouflage techniques
• Specialized treatments for conditions like rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and scarring

Do aestheticians learn about skin types and conditions?

Both standard and medical aestheticians learn about skin types and conditions, but the depth and clinical application of this knowledge vary significantly.

Standard Esthetician Knowledge

Standard estheticians typically learn to identify and work with:

• Basic Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI)
• Primary skin types (dry, oily, combination, normal)
• Common skin concerns like acne, sensitivity, and aging
• Basic contraindications for treatments
• Product selection for different skin needs

Their training focuses primarily on cosmetic improvement and maintaining healthy skin through preventative care.

Medical Aesthetician Knowledge

Medical aestheticians develop a more comprehensive understanding of:

• Dermatological conditions and pathologies
• Specific protocols for medically diagnosed skin disorders
• How systemic health conditions affect the skin
• Interaction between medical treatments and aesthetic procedures
• Advanced treatment planning for complex skin issues
• Post-treatment healing processes and complications
• Adaptation of treatments for compromised skin

This advanced knowledge enables medical aestheticians to work more effectively with clients who have specific skin concerns requiring medical oversight.

How can I choose the best aesthetics career path for me?

Whether you're drawn to the wellness-focused environment of a spa or the clinical setting of a medical practice, aesthetics offers rewarding career paths focused on improving clients' appearance and confidence. The choice between standard esthetician training and medical aesthetician education depends on your career goals, interests, and desired work environment.

Ready to start a career in advanced skincare? Specialized education makes all the difference. ClaraDerma+ Academy's medical aesthetician program provides comprehensive training in advanced techniques, dermatological conditions, and clinical protocols that prepare you to work confidently in medical settings.

Our graduates bring a higher level of expertise to their practice, allowing them to address complex skin concerns while collaborating with healthcare professionals. Investing in medical aesthetician education opens doors to diverse opportunities in dermatology clinics, medical spas, and plastic surgery centers where your specialized skills will be highly valued. Still have questions? We're here to help. Contact our team today.