Whether you need to see a dermatologist or an aesthetician will depend on your skin’s unique needs and what you wish to achieve with aesthetic or cosmetic treatment. However, it is recommended that you should see a dermatologist at least once a year for a skin exam to help with the early detection and treatment of a variety of skin-related diseases, including skin cancer. For those with severe acne that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, or if you have skin cancer, psoriasis, rosacea, or a skin infection, you should see a dermatologist. If you are in need of one, an aesthetician may be able to recommend or refer you to one, if you see one on a frequent basis. Aestheticians are individuals who are well-equipped and trained to handle a variety of treatments to help clean your skin and for the administration of facials. They receive training and are authorized to perform the following: skin analysis; facials; microdermabrasion; aromatherapy; body wraps; and make-up application. Your aesthetician may also be qualified to perform laser hair removal, certain types of chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing – with those performing these services frequently working in concert or alongside a dermatologist. Ultimately, whether you should see a dermatologist or an aesthetician will depend on your needs. If you are looking for cosmetic treatments, then an aesthetician will be able to help you with the majority of treatments that are commercially available; otherwise, you will likely need to see a dermatologist for help with more serious conditions or concerns.