Aestheticians: What Do They Do?Introduction / OverviewIf you are searching for an aesthetician in Ireland, you are likely interested in improving your skin health, addressing cosmetic concerns, or maintaining long-term skincare results with professional support. Aestheticians are skincare specialists who focus on the health, appearance and maintenance of the skin through non-surgical, non-medical treatments that are tailored to individual skin needs.In Ireland, aestheticians work in a wide variety of settings, including aesthetic clinics, medical clinics, wellness centres and dedicated skincare studios. Some aestheticians practise independently, while others work closely with doctors, dermatologists and aesthetic nurses as part of a wider care team. Whether you are based in Dublin, Cork, Galway or elsewhere in Ireland, choosing the right aesthetician can have a meaningful impact on both your skin outcomes and your overall experience.This page explains the aesthetician meaning, what aestheticians do, how they are trained in Ireland, when you may want to see one, and how to find a good aesthetician suited to your needs.What is an Aesthetician?An aesthetician, sometimes referred to as an esthetician, is a skincare professional trained to improve and maintain skin health through cosmetic and preventative treatments. Unlike medical professionals, aestheticians do not diagnose or treat skin disease. Instead, they focus on supporting healthy skin function, appearance and long-term maintenance.Aestheticians provide treatments that address concerns such as congestion, dehydration, uneven texture, pigmentation and signs of ageing. They are often described as skincare experts because of their detailed knowledge of skin types, skincare ingredients and treatment protocols. Many aestheticians work with clients over time, creating personalised skincare routines and treatment plans that evolve as the skin changes.In some clinical environments, aestheticians work alongside doctors or dermatologists, particularly when supporting patients before or after medical or aesthetic procedures.What Does One Study to Become an Aesthetician?Becoming an aesthetician in Ireland involves completing specialised education focused on skin anatomy, skin health, skincare techniques and client safety. Training pathways vary depending on whether the aesthetician plans to work in a beauty, wellness or medical-adjacent environment.Most aestheticians complete a recognised qualification in aesthetics or skin therapy, which typically takes one to two years. These programmes cover topics such as skin structure, common skin concerns, cosmetic ingredients, professional skincare treatments and hygiene standards. Practical training is a core part of most courses, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with real clients under supervision.Some aestheticians pursue additional education in advanced treatments such as chemical peels, advanced facials or device-based skin therapies. Medical or paramedical aestheticians may complete further training to work in clinical settings, often alongside doctors or aesthetic nurses. Ongoing education is common within the aesthetics field, as products, techniques and technologies continue to evolve.Are There Different Types of Aestheticians?Yes, aestheticians often specialise depending on their training, experience and work environment. Some focus primarily on traditional skincare treatments such as facials, exfoliation and skin maintenance. Others work as medical or paramedical aestheticians, supporting patients in medical clinics and assisting with skin preparation or recovery around aesthetic procedures.There are also aestheticians who specialise in advanced cosmetic skin treatments, working closely with licensed medical practitioners who perform injectable or medical procedures. While aestheticians do not treat medical skin disease, their role is important in supporting overall skin health, treatment outcomes and client education.How Does One Become an Aesthetician in Ireland?To become an aesthetician in Ireland, an individual must complete a recognised aesthetics qualification and follow professional standards for hygiene, safety and client care. Unlike medical professions, there is no single national licensing body, but reputable aestheticians complete accredited training programmes and commit to ongoing professional development.Those working in medical or clinical environments often complete additional training and follow stricter protocols. A qualified aesthetician typically works within a clearly defined scope of practice and collaborates with other healthcare or aesthetic professionals when appropriate.Do You Need a Doctor Referral for an Aesthetician?You do not need a doctor referral to see an aesthetician in Ireland. Most people book appointments directly for skincare consultations and cosmetic treatments. This makes aestheticians easily accessible for individuals seeking professional skincare advice, routine skin maintenance or support with cosmetic concerns.In medical or aesthetic clinics, aestheticians may work as part of a broader care team, supporting treatment plans designed by doctors or dermatologists. In these situations, collaboration ensures that clients receive appropriate and coordinated care.How to Find a Good Aesthetician in IrelandFinding a good aesthetician involves understanding their training, experience and areas of expertise. A reputable aesthetician should be open about their qualifications and comfortable explaining which treatments are suitable for your skin type, goals and concerns.MeTime helps users discover and compare aestheticians in Ireland and internationally. Through MeTime, you can explore verified provider profiles, review areas of expertise and identify aestheticians who align with your skincare needs. This makes it easier to choose a trusted provider and book with confidence.What Aestheticians Can and Cannot DoAestheticians focus on non-medical skincare treatments and do not diagnose or treat skin disease. They cannot prescribe medication or perform medical procedures. However, they play an important role in maintaining skin health, improving cosmetic outcomes and guiding clients toward medical care when appropriate.Many aestheticians work collaboratively with medical professionals, helping clients navigate the boundary between cosmetic skincare and medical evaluation safely and responsibly.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan aestheticians do Botox?Aestheticians cannot perform Botox injections unless they are also licensed medical professionals. Botox is a prescription treatment and must be administered by qualified practitioners such as doctors or nurses.What is the difference between a cosmetologist and an aesthetician?An aesthetician focuses primarily on skincare and skin health, while a cosmetologist typically provides a broader range of beauty services such as hair styling, makeup and nail care.Do aestheticians do lashes?Some aestheticians offer lash treatments depending on their training and certification. This varies by provider and clinic.What is the difference between an esthetician and an aesthetician?The terms are often used interchangeably. In Ireland and the UK, aesthetician is more common, while esthetician is more widely used in the United States.When should I see an aesthetician instead of a dermatologist?An aesthetician is a good choice for cosmetic skincare concerns, maintenance treatments and professional skincare advice. A dermatologist should be seen for medical skin conditions, suspicious lesions or skin disease.
