Esthetician Definition
According to the New World Encyclopedia, one definition of the word "esthetic" is the study of beauty. Estheticians are practitioners of the branch of cosmetology that specialize in skin care. Care of the body's largest organ has evolved from prehistoric days to become a highly technological science administered by a licensed esthetician.
An esthetician needs a broad knowledge base to treat various skin types. She must also understand product usage, the range of equipment found in the treatment room such as galvanic and microdermabrasion, contraindications to products and treatment usage, and knowing what treatments to recommend. It encompasses knowledge of skillful massage techniques to help improve skin functions as well as providing a relaxing experience for the client.
Estheticians draw the line where an analysis indicates a disease or disorder requiring a physician's care.
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History
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Prehistoric documents indicate that early man engaged in some form of caring for the skin to relieve discomfort caused by extreme exposure. Early Egyptians recorded not only beautifying but engaged in the beginnings of experimenting with ingredients to enhance the skin. Current practices that exfoliate and moisturize the skin find their roots in Cleopatra's fabled milk baths dating back to 51 B.C.
The healing arts of Kobido and Ayurveda existed many centuries ago. Kobido incorporates massage including facial massage movement of acupressure and lymphatic drainage while Ayurveda utilizes herbs and aromatic oils to create harmony with the environment. Both are examples of ancient modalities that are incorporated in skin treatments today.
The Living Pharmacy
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Cultures throughout history looked to what was available to beautify and adorn themselves. Plants and herbs being what was available became the common source of ingredients used in cosmetic preparations.
Around 200 A.D. a Greek physician named Galen mixed a concoction of rosewater, olive oil and beeswax to make the first historically documented cold cream.
During the Middle Ages, beginning in the 1500s, fruits, vegetables, wine and milk were used for beautification.
Even during the austere Elizabethan Age toward the end of the 19th century, women were known to use packs made from honey, fruits, vegetables, milk and oatmeal to preserve the health and beauty of the skin. -
Elizabeth Arden
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Canadian born Florence Nightengale Graham who later became known as Elizabeth Arden had a tremendous impact on the esthetics trade. Arden found her way to the United States in the early 1900s after dropping out of nursing school in Canada. Elizabeth became intrigued with the concept of product formulation through her affiliation with a chemist who was experimenting with a cream to treat acne.
Arden quit her job at Squibb Pharmaceutical Company and began working at a beauty culture salon as a treatment girl, dabbling in her home laboratory in evenings.
She partnered with Elizabeth Hubbard in 1910 to open a lavish "salon" offering beauty treatments to the upper class. The partnership with Hubbard failed but the beauty business survived and Arden took the name "Elizabeth" and added "Arden," a name that appealed to her from a poem and Elizabeth Arden was born.
Elizabeth Arden Spas were the first in the industry to specialize in skin care and Arden's brilliance and innate understanding of the "psychology of beauty" continue to influence the esthetic industry today.
Scientific Advancements and Industry Regulation
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Scientific advancements moved forward at a stunning pace in the early 20th century. How and why certain ingredients impacted the skin became a legitimate science.
During the early half of the 1900s, the U.S. became more aware of taking on the role of protecting consumers. Under current law, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the governing board defining product guidelines to ensure consumer safety of products.
Sanitation and sterilization techniques became an increasing concern after Louis Pasteur's discovery of the role bacteria plays in causing infection. State-governed licensing standards are now in place to ensure consumer safety in the cosmetology industry, particularly cleanliness and sanitation.
Subsequently, esthetic training and licensing separate from cosmetology licensing have been established in all states. Range of study is fairly standard and includes the business of esthetics such as sales techniques, management and presenting a professional image.
Industry advances require today's esthetician to have more in-depth technical knowledge of physiology of the skin, bacteriology, anatomy and chemistry.
Where to Find a Skin Care Professional
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Most day spas amd many hair salons now offer the services of an esthetician. Some estheticians build and manage their own business.
Dermatology and cosmetic surgery practices often employ estheticians to perform advanced medical techniques including laser, advanced chemical peels and pre- and post-surgical treatment.
Today's esthetician goes far beyond a relaxing facial. She has the products, techniques and tools to correct, repair and regenerate your skin.
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