More and more people are seeking professional skincare treatments that go beyond basic facials and massages, leading to demand for medical aestheticians able to bridge the gap between conventional spa services and medical dermatological treatments. But what do medical aestheticians do? Let's take a look.
Regular aesthetician or medical aesthetician, what do I need?
In today's beauty-conscious world, more Canadians are seeking professional skincare treatments that go beyond basic facials and massages.
This growing demand has led to the rise of medical aestheticians, professionals who bridge the gap between conventional spa services and medical dermatological treatments.
But what exactly do these specialized skincare experts do, and how can they help you achieve your skincare goals? Let's explore the world of medical aesthetics.
What is a medical aesthetician? How do they differ from a regular aesthetician?
A medical aesthetician is a skincare professional who has undergone specialized training to perform advanced treatments in medical settings such as dermatology clinics, plastic surgery offices, or medical spas.
While both regular and medical aestheticians have foundational training in skincare, the key difference lies in their scope of practice and work environment.
Regular aestheticians typically work in day spas or salons, offering services such as basic facials, waxing, makeup application, and relaxation massages. Their training focuses on beautification and relaxation techniques.
Medical aestheticians, on the other hand, have additional education in clinical skincare and often work under the supervision of healthcare professionals such as dermatologists or plastic surgeons. They are trained to perform more advanced procedures and use medical-grade products and devices that regular aestheticians cannot access.
In Canada, the regulations for aestheticians vary by province, but medical aestheticians generally need to complete specialized certifications beyond basic aesthetics training. Their advanced knowledge allows them to better understand skin conditions, assess skin health, and recommend appropriate medical-grade treatments.
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What types of skin treatments do medical aestheticians offer?
Medical aestheticians in Canada provide a wide range of advanced skin treatments designed to address specific concerns in a variety of skin types. These treatments often yield more significant results than typical spa services.
Medical-Grade Facial Treatments
Unlike standard facials, medical-grade facials utilize pharmaceutical-quality products with higher concentrations of active ingredients. These facials are customized to address specific skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, or aging skin. Medical aestheticians perform thorough skin analyses to determine the most effective treatment protocols for each patient's unique needs.
Microdermabrasion & Dermaplaning
These exfoliation techniques remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals or diamond tips to gently abrade the skin's surface, while dermaplaning uses a surgical scalpel to remove fine facial hair and dead skin. Both treatments are performed to help reveal fresher, brighter skin and enhance product absorption.
Microneedling
Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling involves creating controlled micro-injuries to the skin using fine needles. The goal of this treatment is to stimulate the body's natural wound healing process, resulting in increased collagen and elastin production. Medical aestheticians use medical-grade microneedling devices to treat acne scars and fine lines and improve skin texture.
Light Therapy
Medical aestheticians may offer various light therapy treatments, including LED (Light Emitting Diode) therapy, which uses different wavelengths of light to target specific skin concerns. Red light is used to promote collagen production, blue light to kill acne-causing bacteria, and near-infrared light to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Can medical aestheticians perform laser treatments?
Yes, in most Canadian provinces, medical aestheticians can perform laser treatments, but regulations vary. Typically, these treatments must be conducted under the supervision of a physician, especially for more advanced procedures. The level of supervision required differs by province, with some requiring direct supervision and others allowing for general oversight. Laser treatments offered by medical aestheticians Include:
Laser Hair Removal
One of the most popular services, laser hair removal uses concentrated light to target hair follicles, preventing future growth. Medical aestheticians must understand different skin types and select appropriate laser settings to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
These treatments improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and address pigmentation issues. They range from gentle, non-ablative procedures with minimal downtime to more intensive ablative treatments that remove outer skin layers.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy
Though not technically a laser, IPL devices emit multiple wavelengths of light to target various skin concerns. Medical aestheticians use IPL to treat sun damage, age spots, rosacea, and broken capillaries.
Laser Vein Therapy
This treatment targets and reduces the appearance of spider veins and small varicose veins, particularly on the face and legs.
Tattoo Removal
Using specialized lasers, medical aestheticians can help break down tattoo ink particles, which are then eliminated by the body's immune system.
Do medical aestheticians provide chemical peels?
Yes, chemical peels are a staple in a medical aesthetician's treatment arsenal. They apply chemical solutions that exfoliate the skin and stimulate new cell growth. The depth and intensity of chemical peels vary widely, from superficial peels that target the outermost skin layer to deeper peels that penetrate further for more dramatic results. Benefits of chemical peels can include:
Improved Skin Texture & Tone
Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin, revealing smoother, more evenly-toned skin underneath. They're particularly effective for sun-damaged skin and uneven pigmentation.
Reduced Fine Lines & Wrinkles
By stimulating collagen production and cell turnover, chemical peels can minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth.
Acne & Acne Scar Reduction
Certain chemical peels effectively clear pores, reduce inflammation, and help heal acne. Regular treatments can also gradually improve the appearance of acne scars.
Minimized Pore Size
Chemical peels can help refine pore size by removing dead skin cells and excess oil that can enlarge pores.
Enhanced Product Penetration
After a chemical peel, skincare products can penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.
How do I find a medical aesthetician to meet my needs?
Whether you're dealing with acne, signs of aging, pigmentation issues, or simply want to maintain healthy skin, a qualified medical aesthetician can help you develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. When seeking advanced skincare treatments, look for professionals who:
- Have completed provincially recognized aesthetics programs
- Hold additional certifications in medical aesthetics
- Work within reputable medical spas, dermatology clinics, or plastic surgery practices
- Maintain continuing education in their field
- Have experience with your specific skin concerns
A professional medical aesthetician will always conduct a thorough consultation before recommending treatments and will work collaboratively with supervising medical professionals when necessary.
ClaraDerma+' Medical Aesthetics & Laser Centre has an elite team of advanced skincare experts ready to unlock your skin's beautiful potential.
Our collaborative approach unites medical aestheticians, aesthetic nurses, nurse practitioners, and specialized technicians to deliver exceptional, personalized results.
Experience the difference that medical-grade expertise makes. Contact us today to book your customized skincare consultation and begin your journey to radiant, healthier skin.
Are you interested in a career as a medical aesthetician?
Medical aestheticians play a valuable role in the skincare landscape, offering advanced treatments that bridge the gap between day spa services and medical procedures. From laser treatments to chemical peels, these skilled professionals help clients address specific skin concerns with targeted, results-oriented approaches. As the field continues to evolve with new technologies and techniques, medical aestheticians remain at the forefront of non-surgical aesthetic treatments.
Becoming a medical aesthetician takes dedication and a true passion for helping others look and feel their very best. A career in this fast moving field can offer financial stability, job security and an opportunity to combine science, artistry and compassion to achieve outstanding skincare results for your clients. Visit the ClaraDerma+ Academy to find out how you can begin your journey to a rewarding new career in skincare.