Difference between Dermatologist and Cosmetologist

Key Difference: Dermatologist is a doctor who provides the medical treatment related to conditions effecting skin, hair and nails. On the other hand, Cosmetologist is concerned with beauty treatment. A cosmetologist provides care for skin, hair and nails.

Many people consider Dermatologist and Cosmetologist to be the same. However, both are different from each other. A Dermatologist is a medical professional who diagnoses and then provides treatments for the diseases/condition of skin, hair and nails. To be a dermatologist, one needs to be a graduate from a medical school. Later, a recognized training or course in dermatology is required. A dermatologist is expected to have knowledge of basic surgery, rheumatology, neurology, and endocrinology.

There are numerous subspecialties and interests in Dermatology like medical, surgical, cosmetic, pediatric, hair and nail disorders, and many more. A Dermatologist have patients of all ages.

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 hair dressing to nail care. Cosmetologists are trained graduates from a cosmetology school in order to provide a safe and secure treatment to their clients. The work space of a cosmetologist is generally a salon.

However, they are many home salons and day spas where cosmetologists work and provide their services. It requires some additional characteristics to win the heart of clients. A cheerful attitude of a cosmetologist always helps him or her in building a bond with clients and these clients visit them regularly. A course in cosmetology generally includes the study of skin, hair design, decision decisions, sanitation and sterilization.

Therefore, Dermatologist and Cosmetologist are different from each other. They both may be focusing on the same entities but with different aspects. A dermatologist is a doctor who primarily deals with the diseases or disorders of 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.

Comparison between Dermatologist and Cosmetologist:

	Dermatologist	Cosmetologist
Definition	Dermatologist provides the medical treatment related to conditions effecting skin, hair and nails.	Cosmetologist is concerned with beauty treatment. A cosmetologist provides care for skin, hair and nails
Common Types	Medical dermatologist Pediatric dermatologist Cosmetic dermatologist Surgeon (Dermatology)	Manicurist Esthetician Hair stylist Cosmetic sytylis Massafe Therapist
Work as a	Health Professional	Beauty expert
Education	A doctoral degree in medicine or osteopathic medicine. A 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 a 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 work space	Hospital, clinic	Salon, spa