By: Liana Balicka
The history of cosmetology dates back to ancient times. The name derives from the Greek words kosmetes – beauty servant and kosmetikos – beautifying. Cosmetology is connected with the sanitary care of human life, treatment and care of the skin. Its aim is to increase by means of cosmetic and non-invasive methods – cosmetics, beauty treatments, dietary guidelines – the physical attractiveness of the face and the whole human body.
The sphere of cosmetology includes, among others, prevention aimed at delaying the external signs of the ageing process, prevention of skin defects, treatments related to making oneself beautiful, correction of defects in external appearance, treatment issues related to skin lesions, obesity problems, etc.
There exist three main branches in cosmetology:
Skin care cosmetology, which focuses on maintaining or improving physical attractiveness by maintaining and improving the condition of the skin, nails and hair with the help of cosmetic products or equipment. The applied treatments have a regenerative effect. The objective is to maintain or improve the elasticity of the skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles.
The second main field is therapeutic cosmetology, which seeks to maintain or restore physical attractiveness by supporting medical procedures in the course of skin diseases or supporting the return of the skin and its appendages to good condition after diseases. Therapeutic cosmetology supports the treatment of pigmented skin lesions such as vitiligo, seborrhoeic diseases such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, acne vulgaris and rosacea, as well as skin, nail and hair defects.
The third branch is beautifying cosmetology – it contributes to the improvement of physical attractiveness by directly changing the appearance of the skin, nails, hair without the intended impact on improving their condition. Currently, the world is dominated by the cult of beauty. We strive to look our best in every situation. It is the youthful appearance that counts, and it can be taken care of in a comprehensive manner. Styling treatments, face modelling with the help of colour cosmetics, including foundation and powder, and basic and corrective make-up can take many years off your appearance.
Contemporary cosmetology is a broad, interdisciplinary field of medicine, chemistry and biology, as well as physics, biochemistry, dietetics and pharmacology. It touches the issues of dermatology and aesthetic medicine, being a discipline strongly related to them. Moreover, the scope of cosmetologist’s knowledge includes psychology, sensory science and hygiene. The source of skin problems can be complex and caused by various factors, therefore extensive knowledge allows to maintain, restore or significantly improve the external appearance?
Cosmetology of the XXI century is based on the implementation of comprehensive knowledge, experience and application of the latest technological advances and devices of world renown and clinically proven efficiency. It is a modern discipline which meets the expectations of more and more demanding recipients – customers who, with growing awareness, look for the highest quality professional solutions. Currently, the cosmetology market provides access to options that are increasingly tailored to the individual expectations of recipients. A personalised approach translates into good and long-lasting results of treatments, which are associated with high-quality procedures and great effects that perfectly reflect the very essence of cosmetology.
All branches of cosmetology, which have developed over the years to varying degrees and using different methods, make it possible to enjoy an attractive and healthy appearance. Apart from traditional treatments that have been used for years, cosmetology has made use of non-invasive methods, which are now as effective as surgical procedures. What we are talking about here is aesthetic cosmetology, which is currently one of the most dynamically developing branches combining cosmetics and medicine. It offers consumers (recipients) a variety of new treatments, such as carboxytherapy, electrocoagulation, cryotherapy, cryolipolysis, platelet-rich plasma, endermologie, radio wave treatments, injection lipolysis, cavitation, needle mesotherapy, laser treatments such as photoepilation, vascular closure, removal of discolouration, acne treatment. Modern treatments can also include permanent make-up, tattoo removal and innovative Body Space therapy. Treatments in the field of aesthetic medicine are performed in beauty parlours by appropriately qualified physicians. Modern cosmetology also involves modern equipment and certified devices.
Aesthetic medicine allows the skin to restore a healthier, more youthful appearance in a non-invasive way, and therefore should not be confused with plastic surgery. It should be noted that non-invasive methods allow for time-limited effects that are completely reversible. An important issue is the fact that biodegradable and safe for the body compounds are used in the treatments.
Non-surgical and non-invasive methods of improving the appearance and health of the skin include: botulinum toxin treatment – so called botox; dermal fillers – intradermal or subcutaneous injections of various substances such as hyaluronic acid or collagen substances; mesotherapy – applying small doses of therapeutic and nutritional substances by intradermal injections in appropriate skin areas such as the face, neck, décolleté, scalp; stimulations – injection of polylactic acid which stimulates fibroblasts responsible for production of collagen and elastin; chemical peels – superficial, medium deep and deep and other types of peelings such as microdermabrasion.
Nowadays, in order to improve one’s beauty, there is no need to resort to plastic surgery or invasive aesthetic medicine procedures. Modern cosmetology acts as a “bridge” between traditional cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, cooperates with the medical world and uses its knowledge and expertise.
