The History of Beauty

Beauty and aesthetics began in ancient times and continue with new techniques, medications, and products. Fascinating discoveries have created novel treatments and procedures that are currently possible due to advances in research and technologies such as electron microscopes, toxicology studies, and immunotherapies. In this section, the origins of cosmetics and aesthetics, anatomy and physiology of the skin, properties of the aging face, and psychological aspects of aesthetics will be reviewed. These are the foundations of education for any aesthetic practitioners who wishes to have a thorough understanding of the face and the process of aging. The ability to understand changes that occur in the aging face and how to prevent or reverse these changes will allow practitioners to reach advanced skill levels. This chapter will review the origins of cosmetics and the history of beauty.