Dermatologists and cosmetologists largely focus on the outward appearance of individuals, but the jobs are quite different. Dermatologists are physicians who treat illness and disease. Cosmetologists work to improve client aesthetics.

Dermatologist is a doctor who provides medical treatment related to conditions affecting skin, hair, and nails. No one has completed more training than dermatologists to address concerns with your skin, hair, and nails. Before they can begin practicing, dermatologists receive more than a decade of training, including: ➀ four years of college to earn a bachelor’s degree; ➁ four years of medical school to become a medical doctor; ➂ a year-long internship; ➃ three years of working alongside experienced doctors and ➄ completing 12,000 to 16,000 hours of treating patients.

Cosmetologist is the beauty expert who takes care of people’s hair, skin and nails. The word has been derived from Greek word which is related to beautifying. The work scope can vary from hairdressing to nail care. Cosmetologists are trained graduates from a cosmetology school in order to provide a safe and secure treatment to their clients. The workspace of a cosmetologist is generally a salon.

Comparing Dermatologists to Cosmetologists

The fields of dermatology and cosmetology are quite different. Dermatology is a medical field that requires many years of extensive education. Cosmetology requires a trade school education that may take less than one year. Both dermatologists and cosmetologists can help people improve their outer appearance.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Responsibilities of Dermatologists vs. Cosmetologists

Dermatologists are physicians who specialize in treating skin, hair, nails, and mucus membranes. Cosmetologists are not physicians. They specialize in haircutting, hair styling, and other beauty services.

Dermatologist

Dermatologists are primarily known for being physicians who treat the skin and other parts of the outer body. They may work in offices, clinics, and hospitals and could own their own medical practices, as well. Some diseases that are treated by dermatologists include skin cancer, eczema, acne, psoriasis, and nail infections.

To become a dermatologist, one must first earn a bachelor’s degree. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, those wishing to become dermatologists enter medical school to earn a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. After completing medical school, a 1-year internship and a minimum 3-year residency must be completed, and there are additional exams required to become a Board Certified dermatologist.

Job responsibilities of a dermatologist include:

• Taking and recording health histories of patients;
• Examining patients for signs of diseases;
• Diagnosing cancer and other diseases;
• Diminishing outward signs of aging;
• Improving the appearance of skin;
• Advising patients in preventive care of the skin.

Cosmetologist

Cosmetologists care for people’s hair, skin, and nails. They are also called beauty operators, hairdressers, or beauticians. Such professionals can perform a range of duties, while some focus on certain specialties, focus on haircutting, styling, and coloring. Cosmetologists also sometimes are responsible for booking appointments and collecting payments. Clients may discuss what type of hairstyle they would like with a cosmetologist. Some cosmetologists focus on caring for nails and may perform manicures and pedicures. Cosmetologists work in salons, hotels, spas and resorts, while some own their own businesses and perform various managerial duties, as well.

Job responsibilities of a cosmetologist include:

• Providing scalp and facial treatments;
• Providing makeup analysis;
• Recommending hair care products;
• Changing the texture of hair;
• Disinfecting and cleaning tools;
• Keeping client records of services provided and products used.

Comparison between Dermatologist and Cosmetologist:

	Dermatologist	Cosmetologist
Definition	Dermatologist provides medical treatment related to conditions affecting skin, hair, and nails.	A cosmetologist is concerned with beauty treatment. A cosmetologist provides care for skin, hair, and nails
Common Types	• Medical dermatologist • Pediatric dermatologic • Cosmetic dermatologist • Surgeon (Dermatology)	• Manicurist • Esthetician • Hairstylist • Cosmetic styles • Massage Therapist
Work as a	Health Professional	Beauty expert
Education	A doctoral degree in medicine or osteopathic medicine. Formal training in dermatology provides the basics of the discipline. An additional fellowship year of dermatopathology or pediatric dermatology is also preferred by many candidates.	Cosmetologists are trained graduates from a cosmetology school in order to provide safe and secure treatment to their clients.
Tasks	Treatment of skin cancer, warts, fungal infections, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, etc.	Acne scar removal, treatment of aged or sun-damaged skin, chemical peel, dermabrasion / dermaplaning, cryosurgery, etc.
Common workspace	Hospital, clinic	Salon, spa

Resume: what difference between Dermatologist and Cosmetologist

Many people consider Dermatologists and Cosmetologists to be the same. However, both are different from each other.

Dermatologist and Cosmetologist both may be focusing on the same entities but with different aspects. Dermatologist is a doctor who primarily deals with the diseases or disorders of the skin and provides the treatment for the same. He is a person working in the field of medical science. On the other hand, Cosmetologist is a beauty expert who is more concerned with the art of beautifying the body.

Dermatologists are physicians who specialize in treating skin, hair, nails, and mucus membranes. Cosmetologists are not physicians. They specialize in haircutting, hair styling, and other beauty services.