This question comes up a lot, especially since both terms get thrown around online almost interchangeably — they're actually pretty different experiences.
What a Skincare Studio Offers
A studio like mine focuses on esthetic care — facials, extractions, peels within esthetician scope, lash and brow services, and skin maintenance. It's relationship-based, personalized, and centered on prevention and glow rather than medical intervention.
What a Medspa Typically Offers
Medspas usually operate under a medical director and offer treatments like injectables, laser procedures, or medical-grade microneedling — services that require medical oversight and go beyond esthetic scope of practice.
Why the Distinction Actually Matters
In Florida specifically, certain treatments legally require a medical director's involvement. A good provider — medspa or studio — should be upfront with you about what's actually within their scope, not blurring the lines to make a sale.
Which One Do You Actually Need?
If you're focused on skin health, maintenance, glow, and prevention, a boutique studio is often the better fit — more personalized time, lower cost, and a real ongoing relationship with one esthetician. If you're looking into something medical-grade, that's a medspa (or a dermatologist) conversation.
Not Sure Which You Need?
Come in for a consultation. If what you're looking for is outside what I can safely and legally offer, I'll tell you honestly and point you in the right direction.
