The fusion of holistic and medical aesthetics is a very sticky topic. There are many different opinions, definitions, and interpretations of both from various skin care professionals. Skin care professionals who have an opinion on their preference, may not be willing to share.  I have been involved in education long enough to know that my purpose is not to offer opinions but to give facts. As a teacher or skin care professional, I provide the information that the student, or client uses to determine their own thoughts, opinions, and actions.  

While the phrase “medical aesthetics” has multiple definitions, in most cases, it refers to a licensed skin care professional that administers services as a medical practitioner. This upper end of a skin care professional’s scope of practice enables the practitioner to not only consult their skin care expertise but to also take into account a physician’s diagnosis and treatment recommendations. It is especially valuable to help clients struggling with major skin concerns.  

Holistic aesthetics takes a slightly different approach. It looks at the entirety of an individual to determine the underlying causes of skin concerns and skin health needs. Holistic aesthetics considers every aspect of an individual’s life, such as lifestyle habits, eating, drinking, digestion, medical conditions, medications, health history, sleep habits, stress level, and exercise. It then factually assesses how each of these factors directly impact the overall health and condition of the skin.  

Until recently, the biggest question has been, what happens next? The medical approach most often relies on medication and aggressive therapies to achieve results, whereas the holistic approach utilizes lifestyle and habit changes. 

To fuse these approaches together is a gamechanger and a life-changer for those in need of skin care treatment thanks to groundbreaking short-term medical relief and long-term source prevention.