Let’s be honest; a cosmetologist and a dermatologist operate in the same field – your skin. Thus, many of us believe that both cosmetology and dermatology are pretty similar.
However, that’s not true.
As the name suggests, cosmetology usually takes care of the cosmetic aspects of your skin. For example, if you want to look better without undergoing any specific medical procedure, you will need to contact a cosmetologist.
Nonetheless, in case you are suffering from a skin disease, only a dermatologist can help you out. So, in essence, a skin specialist usually takes care of the medical side of your skin while a cosmetic expert enhances your beauty.
But, that’s not all!
There are a plethora of other differences available between cosmetology and dermatology. Here’s what you need to know in this regard!
Table of Contents
Dermatology – A Brief Introduction
Dermatology, also known as medical dermatology, usually focuses on an individual’s overall health. Therefore, the specialists in this field tend to take care of various severe diseases like psoriasis, pre-cancerous skin lesions, etc.
The usual dermatologic skin care products usually include antibiotics and other related medicines to treat dangerous ailments. In some cases, a dermatologist will also provide you with injectable products, immunomodulators, and other topical therapies.
What Is Cosmetology?
Cosmetology, in essence, entails the study or application of beauty treatment. Hence, for a cosmetologist, the branches of specialty may include – cosmetics, skincare, pedicures or manicures, cosmetics, permanent or non-permanent hair removal procedure, etc.
Generally, a cosmetology expert will offer three different types of services. These are –
Hair Services
As the name implies, hair services in cosmetology refer to the coloring or styling of your hair. The services, in this regard, may include –
- Perms
- Shampooing and haircuts
- Hairstyles
- Bleaching
- Hair straightening
- Chemical treatments
Skin Services
Unlike a dermatologist, a cosmetologist will focus more on improving your skin tone. Here are a few things that they may apply to achieve the required beauty –
- Makeup
- Facials
- Tweezing
- Waxing
Nail Services
The nail services in the cosmetology segment usually include –
- Pedicures
- Manicures
- Acrylic nails
- Gel nails
- Silk nails
The available treatments in cosmetology do not really help cure any skin problems. Hence, if you are experiencing something skin-related, make sure to visit a dermatologist first. They will diagnose the issue and, if required, refer you to a cosmetologist.
Dermatology And Cosmetology: The Differences
In this section, we have tried to differentiate between dermatology and cosmetology through different viewpoints. Thus, without making any further ado, let’s get started!
Difference: 1 – Products
In essence, dermatologic skin care products tend to be pretty different than cosmetic ones.
How?
The former is usually used to take care of specific skin diseases. For example, your doctor will ask you to take an antibiotic called flucloxacillin, a dermatology-based medicine, to treat eczema.
Nonetheless, the products of cosmetology are entirely different and, therefore, are used for other aspects. For instance, Botox is a popular cosmetic procedure utilized to reduce the prominence of facial wrinkles.
Difference: 2 – Definition
The definition-related difference between dermatology and cosmetology is pretty simple. The former is generally required to treat various medical conditions affecting skin, nails, or hair.
However, a cosmetologist will focus more on your beauty and try to enhance it appropriately. Usually, cosmetology does not entail any major surgery or other related treatments at all.
Difference: 3 – Treatment Options
The treatment options in dermatology are much more medical-focused than their cosmetic counterparts. For example, a dermatologist can help you treat –
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Warts
- Eczema
- Skin cancer
- Alopecia, etc.
In addition, they will also diagnose the issues affecting your facial skin, hands, legs, hair, nail, etc.
On the other hand, a cosmetologist will take care of various treatment options like –
- Chemical peels
- Facials
- Dermal fillers
- Wrinkle remedies
- Botox
- Brow lift, etc.
The techniques mentioned above generally do not help patients with any medical problems. However, they can improve your overall appearance to some extent.
Final Say
Although it may seem so at first, cosmetology and dermatology are quite different than one another. Therefore, you will have to understand your needs before going to any of the aforesaid specialists.
Nevertheless, if you are unsure about what’s happening to you, we’d ask you to go to a dermatologist first. They are the actual skin specialists and, therefore, can tell you precisely what’s causing your problem.
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