Where do cosmetologists come from: from ancient Egypt to the present day

The first beauticians were the ancient Egyptians. During the excavations, scientists found primitive makeup kits that were actively used: Egyptian women lined their eyes, painted eyebrows, painted eyelashes and lips.

They did the same in ancient Rome, in ancient Greece and in the countries of the Orient. Cosmetics were of natural origin – crushed minerals were used, as well as berry juice, which was used to tint lips and cheeks.

Ingredients hazardous to health have also been used: cinnabar, lead.

The cosmetology of those years was largely decorative, but procedures for improving the appearance were already underway.

So, in the 21-meter ancient Egyptian papyrus, which today is considered the first manual of cosmetology, the process of removing warts, as well as hair removal techniques, are described in detail.

The doctor Galen, who lived in ancient Rome, wrote an entire manual of cosmetology. He brought together everything that was known at that time about decorative and medicinal products.

Despite the fact that beauty standards were constantly changing and the interest in emphasizing certain features and concealing others remained, cosmetology as a separate specialty to be studied did not exist for a long time.

Only in the XIX century people began to appear professionally engaged in this particular profession, schools were opened where it was possible to master the specialty of a cosmetologist, at the same time special cosmetology clinics were started working.

In 1908, a decree was issued in Russia, according to which only graduates of special schools who had been trained in “medical gymnastics and massage” could provide skin care services.

It was the first attempt to introduce some sort of professional standard. In 1930, the first “medical cosmetic bureau” was launched in Moscow, which later turned into a beauty salon. Another specialized institution in activity today: the Institute of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology, the prototype of which was inaugurated in 1937.

The development of aesthetic cosmetology in Russia has come a long way, and in 2009 the specialty “cosmetology” approved by the Ministry of Health was included in the national nomenclature of medical specialties.

Cosmetologist today: the study never ends

Modern cosmetologists are doctors who have undergone long-term training. They not only understand the intricacies of the procedures, but also know everything about physiology, anatomy, biochemistry and all other disciplines.

Our expert Gayane Bayramova talks about the requirements for doctors working in the field of aesthetic cosmetology.

“In 2023, our clinic will be 20 years old, and throughout that time our top priority has been to comply with all licensing requirements that apply to the operation of these institutions in Russia.

Among these requirements: the mandatory presence of a medical license, the use of medical devices and products registered in the Russian Federation, labeled in the “Honest Sign” drug system, compliance with the sanitary regime, etc. But the special pride of the clinic are our employees, on the knowledge and skills on which our successful work depends.

A specialist who has documents on the following education can work as a cosmetologist:

The long training path as a cosmetologist begins when the future doctor enters a medical school. After 6 years of study, 2 years of full-time residency follow, and the doctor devotes approximately six additional months to primary specialization. Only after this can the doctor pass state accreditation, receive a specialist certificate – it is he who gives him the right to work in the cosmetology profile.

My colleagues and I undergo constant training and improvement, we regularly confirm our right to work in the chosen specialty, passing accreditation. By the way, this is a standard scheme not only for cosmetologists, but for all doctors.

Education is very important to us. Not only do we educate, but we also educate ourselves. Clinic “Medaesthetic” is the clinical base of specialized departments, we regularly have courses for dermatologists, cosmetologists, trichologists. Doctors at our clinic constantly improve their skills, attend educational events in person and online.

Often the training sessions are held on a clinic basis. It is important for us to maintain a high level of competence of our doctors, taking into account modern realities. Modern specialized digital applications are becoming a practical and modern form of training and experience exchange.

For us, the most frequently used platform was the MERZ City application developed by MERZ. With its help, in real time, we have access to new information and have the opportunity to improve our skills.

In order to understand whether the procedure is suitable for the patient, in our clinic we are guided by the principle of an individual approach. Complex methods of correction are selected based on the clinical picture, anamnesis, the absence of contraindications and the wishes of the patient.

In our practice, we actively use objective diagnostic methods: a mandatory photo protocol, the use of 3D computer programs for dynamic observation and assessment of the condition of the skin, taking into account the activity of the vascular bed and pigment, evaluation of the micro- and macrorelief of the skin.

All this together makes it possible to assess the result not only visually, but also to support it with objective diagnostic methods.

People turn to aesthetic medicine specialists when they want to change something about their appearance. Therefore, of course, the wishes of the patient are taken into account. But we must not forget that cosmetology, like any medical specialty, is guided by the principle of “Do No Harm”, which is also reflected in the principles of “Responsible Cosmetology”, which we follow.

In each case, we evaluate the indications, contraindications, determine the sequence of manipulations – we draw up a treatment plan. A consultation in our clinic takes all the time necessary for the doctor to discuss the treatment protocol in detail with the patient and to explain the feasibility and clinical validity of certain procedures.

It often happens that a patient comes after reading reviews, consulting friends and being absolutely sure that he knows exactly what procedures he needs.

The doctor’s task is to correctly conduct a consultation, hear all requests, wishes and come up with the optimal treatment plan for this particular patient.

Remember that if the procedure suits your friend, it does not mean that it is shown to you at all.

Injection procedures, like any other medical manipulation, have their own indications and contraindications (they are divided into absolute and relative). Everything is decided on an individual basis, after collecting the anamnesis and examination at a doctor’s appointment.

Our clinic presents the whole arsenal of modern medical cosmetic manipulations. It includes a huge range of techniques – from non-invasive procedures that do not violate the integrity of the skin to modern hardware methods. Assessing the feasibility of a particular procedure, the doctor gives his recommendations for the necessary cosmetic correction. The key to the success of the therapy is the correct interaction between the doctor and the patient,” concludes Gayane Bayramova.

Health as the basis of beauty is also the principle of “Responsible Cosmetology”.

And the doctors of the Medaesthetic Clinic strictly follow it.