Esthetic Technology and Classification
1. Ancient Egyptians Wrinkle Crème
If you think anti-aging crèmes are a modern invention, think again. The recipe for this anti-aging crème was found listed on a medical papyrus dating back to 1550 B.C.:
- One part turpentine
- One part wax
- One part moringa oil
- One part edible tiger nut
Grind all ingredients, mix well with cactus juice, and use on face every day.
2. About Cold Crème
The ancient Greeks were also known to be interested in skin care and beauty practices. Cold crème, a longstanding esthetics staple, has been around since the second century. Galen, the ancient Greek physician, formulated cold crème for skin health and beauty. The original
ingredients consisted of one part white wax that was melted and added to three parts rose-scented olive oil. The mixture was then blended with as much water as it could absorb.
3. Roman Bathing Terms
Romans used the following terms to distinguish each type of bath:
Alveus - a hot bathing pool
Balnea - bath buildings
Balneum - used to describe bathing tubs, the act of bathing and public bath buildings
Frigidarium - a cool bathing room
Endermology
Endermology is a non-surgical, painless cellulite treatment that includes the use of a machine
that features rollers and suction to stimulate and massage the skin. This treatment is aimed at loosening fat, or cellulite, that is trapped under the skin. A deep, stimulate massage increases blood flow to trouble zones and pulls water out of the tissues and back into circulation, helping to redefine body shape. The goal of the treatment is to increase firmness and circulation, and create smoother, tighter skin.
4. Esthetic Styles throughout the Ages
Renaissance Era (1450-1600 A.D.) defines the beginning of the switch from medieval to modern history. It also marked a change in thinking that led to the development of many of the
sciences now included in modern esthetic practices.
Elizabethan Era (1558-1630 A.D.) marked the reign of Queen Elizabeth and the introduction of facial masks. These masks were made from milk, almonds, eggs and other readily available
ingredients.
Age of Extravagance (1500-1571 A.D.) is the era in which women of status bathed in milk and adorned their bodies in fragrances and silk. Extravagant wigs, elaborate clothes and lavish
eye makeup were in style.
Victorian Age (1837-1901 A.D.) is the period in which Queen Victoria discouraged extravagance and the use of makeup. It is known as one of the most restrictive and austere time
periods.
1920s is the industrial period when America experienced financial growth allowing women to
follow the style of movie stars in the silent films.
1930s is the era when fashion was heavily influenced by movies and newly-created magazines.
1940s is the period when the emphasis waned from beauty and fashion to focus on World War
?.
1950s and 1960s is the Post War Era during which there was a re-kindled interest in clothes, makeup and hair designs. Cosmetic manufacturers offered a wide variety of lotions, soaps and
crèmes to consumers, while professional beauty services such as facials, massages and nail
care became popular. Salons offering personalized service became popular and were
frequented by men and women alike.
1970s is the period when proper skin care began to emerge as a sign of healthy, vibrant beauty.
Consumers became familiar with the process of cleansing, toning and moisturizing - the
three-step skin care regimen. They spent a lot of time in the sun working on their tan, as golden
skin was associated with health, fitness and beauty.
1980s is when consumers grew increasingly aware of the sun’s dangers. However, heavy matte
foundation was “in,” so people tended to cover up skin problems rather than concentrate on achieving beautiful skin.
1990s is when the baby boomers began to mature. The focus on health and wellness expanded
to include slowing the aging process. Proper skin care and sun protection increased and
became the number one means of maintaining a youthful appearance. The big breakthrough in
skin care was the introduction of alpha hydroxy acids, the first over-the-counter skin care
ingredient that really made a visible difference in the look and feel of the skin.
5. SPA Types
There are several types of spas. Below are a few terms you may hear. Note that many spas
fall into more than one of the following categories:
Day Spa is an in-and-out facility where guests spend an hour to an entire day. Most day spas
offer beauty and wellness services.
Destination Spa is a general term for a facility where guests stay several nights. There spas
can be health or beauty-oriented, or a combination of both. In Europe, the term still describes
a resort that offers water therapies.
Health Spa is a spa where people go to lose weight or get fit. These spas can be sparse or lushly appointed, and usually feature a personalized program of body analysis, exercise,
healthy meals, cooking classes and nutritional counseling. Stays generally extend from a
weekend to several weeks.
Club spa is a day-spa facility that focuses on fitness, although a variety of spa services are also offered there.
Cruise Ship Spa is simply a day spa located aboard a cruise ship. Medical Office could be considered a day spa overseen by doctors. Many of the treatments offered at medical offices are more clinical, such as pulsed-light facials, microderm-abrasion
and endermology. Many also offer such medical treatments as medium to heavy chemical
peels, collagen and Botox injections.
Mineral Spring Spa offers an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater used in
hydrotherapy treatments. This can de a day spa or a destination spa.
A Hotel or Resort Spa is generally a day-spa facility located within a resort or hotel
providing spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.
Vacation Spas, also called getaway spas, combine entertainment with relaxation. Visitors can engage in activities such as horseback riding, hiking or water sports. Guests can also relax
with various types of massage and water therapies. Resort spas also feature beauty services,
including scalp massages, manicures and facials.
Wellness Spas aim to treat the entire person in regard to mind, body and spirit. Most offer classes on “lifestyle issues” including stress management, smoking cessation, goal-setting
and spirituality, as well as exercise movement systems such as yoga and tai chi. Many also
feature healthy cooking instruction and various types of massage services. Wellness spa visits
run from two days to several weeks.
Skin Care Centers focus on facial treatments. Although not a “spa” per se, skin care centers
offer facial treatments with a strong focus on delivering results, while simultaneously
providing a relaxing environment for the client. Many skin care centers offer nail, massage
and waxing services as supplemental treatments, yet focus primarily on facial services.