Acne Expert vs. Esthetician: What’s the Difference (and How to Choose the Right One for You)

Oct 1

Spoiler: all acne experts are estheticians… but not all estheticians are acne experts.

Skin health is having a moment (finally). With more licensed estheticians entering the field, you’ve got options—which is awesome when you’re seeking support for real concerns like acne, sensitivity, or aging gracefully. In my article “How to Find Your Perfect Esthetician,” I talk about the non-negotiables: kindness, empathy, and a genuine passion for skin. But if acne is your main character, you might be wondering: what exactly sets an Acne Expert apart?

Short answer: training, continued education, and a very nerdy obsession with how acne actually works.
Long answer… keep reading.

Esthetician 101

A licensed esthetician is trained to care for the skin using homeopathic measures: cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, masks, facial massage, and choosing products suited to your skin type and goals. They’re your go-to for facials, waxing, brows, and helping you build a routine that makes sense with your skin type.

So, What Is an Acne Expert?

An Acne Expert is an esthetician who has gone deep into acne specifically—how it forms, why it persists, and how to treat it without wrecking your barrier in the process. It’s a specialty built on:

Ongoing education – Acne is a complex skin disease with new research emerging all the time. An Acne Expert stays curious: digging into root causes and triggers, the skin microbiome, lipid barrier health, and corneotherapy-based care (because we need healthy skin to heal).
Ingredient fluency – Not just “this is hydrating,” but why it’s hydrating, which forms of an ingredient play nicely with acne-prone skin, and what to avoid based on your specific type of acne. They don’t need to have every ingredient memorized, but the awareness that ingredients play an integral role in treating skin.
Modalities with discernment – Knowing when tools and treatments help—and when they don’t. (Example: some protocols that used to be blanket “no’s” for active acne are being re-evaluated as research evolves; a true expert keeps up and tailors choices to your skin.)
Systems and structure – Clear intake, tracking, progress photos, and an evolving plan that adjusts as your skin responds.

In other words: being certified once isn’t the destination—it’s the starting line.

How to Spot a Real Acne Expert (Checklist Time)

Use this when you’re vetting someone—online or in the treatment room:

Training & Certifications
Do they list acne-specific education? Have they trained with reputable programs? Even if their insta isn’t covered in certificates, can you tell they invest in learning (blogs, saved highlights, resources on their site)?
Receipts (a.k.a. Proof of Work)
Before/after photos, testimonials, and word-of-mouth referrals matter. Look for consistent, realistic progress—not filtered perfection.
Customization Over Cookie-Cutter
Acne isn’t one thing. There are different acne types, acne imposters, and lots of skin variables (oiliness, dehydration, sensitivity, pigment, age). Your plan should be tailored: products, actives, frequency, and in-studio treatments based on your skin—not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Clear Protocol & Expectations
They should explain the process: what happens in appointments, what you’ll use at home, how often you’ll check in, and how long it typically takes to see changes. Acne isn’t solved overnight (or in a week). A steady, structured plan wins.
No Overpromising
If someone promises “poreless skin” or “perfect, texture-free glass skin,” that’s marketing, not intentional treatment. Real experts talk about progress, maintenance, and sustainable results—because acne management is ongoing.

A Few Real-Talk Notes About Acne

Acne does not discriminate. Teens, 20s, 30s, 60s—anyone can have breakouts.
Lifestyle matters—but it’s not everything. You can eat clean and still break out.
Maintenance is key. Even when your skin is clear, keeping it clear requires care.

If you’re seeking support, use the checklist above to find an Acne Expert who feels aligned. Your skin (and your sanity) deserve thoughtful, evidence-informed care.

To learn more about acne, visit our Acne Program Page (scroll until you see More About Acne).

Acne Program

I’m Valerie Hansel, owner of V’s Skin Studio in Appleton, WI. I earned my esthetics license in 2016, opened my studio in 2019, and became a Certified Acne Expert with Face Reality in 2020 (though my acne deep-dive started long before that). I’m big on continued education and staying current with the science so my clients get care that actually makes sense for their skin.

I’ve taught a 4-hour Acne Class in the Master Esthetician program at our local technical college, and I plan to bring acne education to both licensed pros and the public—because understanding acne changes everything.

Email: valerie@vskinstudio.com
Instagram: @vskinstudio

Ready to work together on your skin? Book a consultation and let’s map a plan that fits you.

TL;DR (for the skimmers)

All acne experts are estheticians. Not all estheticians specialize in acne.
Look for ongoing education, real results, customization, clear protocols, and honest expectations.
Acne is manageable—with the right guide and a plan you’ll actually follow.

Valerie Hansel