An Introduction to Beauty Therapy

When speaking of Beauty Therapy, the first thing that comes to mind are Cosmetology courses which deal on beautification and beautifying people. But, Cosmetology deals more with the hair, the face and the nails (for both the feet and the hands). Beauty Therapy on the other hand, deals with the face and the body. Yet, let’s take a look at Beauty Therapy in a different light, a light that entails both the look and the feel.

When speaking about beauty, people often refer to the line, "if you like to feel good, you have to look good." Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand as one complements the other. Looking good entails beauty secrets that make not only the face look splendid but ensures that the body as a whole looks splendid too. Feeling good on the other hand ensures that while your face and body looks good, you also have a feeling deep in you that makes you say to yourself “it is indeed glorious and gratifying to look good.”  Feeling fit therefore is synonymous to looking good. Fitness is taken in terms of food, exercise, and aesthetics to ensure that the total persona looks and feels good.

Treatments are used to ensure that the skin is maintained if not improved. Therapy is aimed at improving body conditions and well being without the aid of a doctor. [Note though that Aestheticians or Beauty therapists know when to refer clients to doctors] The hands are a critical point for which the skill set needed for this course is centered on. Very much like massage, the hands have to know the vital parts for which the aesthetics and electrotherapy would be set on.

As mentioned earlier, unlike Cosmetology that deals with the hair, the face and the nails. Beauty therapy trains individuals touching subjects like: the skeletal system, body functions, weight gain and weight loss, healing, diseases, respiratory system, digestive system, reproductive system, circulatory system, muscles (to include the heart), the hair, nails, reasons for damaged nails, tissues, cells, skin, sweat glands, personal hygiene, skin discolor, skin odor, skin type, skin nourishing, skin care, exercise, food, vitamins and everything and anything to do with the body as a whole. The aging process is studied, as well as ways and means to try to stop if not minimize the process. Personal hygiene includes cleaning, conditioning, moisturizing and care. Food and any intake are vital to the study as they may well spell the reason for the condition of the skin and may play a vital part in improving the skin and general well being. The key to the course is to understand the human body and its functions and from there use the needed therapy.

And since Beauty therapy deals with the improvement and well being of the body, Massage is also a part of the course. Make-up is coupled with facial treatment techniques. Pedicure and manicure is coupled with hand and feet massage. Hair design covers all types of hair concerns including removing unwanted hair. All techniques employ the use of manual application and electronic treatments if necessary.

Since this generation dwells more on the benefits of healthy living, job opportunities for Aestheticians and individuals who take courses on Beauty Therapy have ballooned. Though schools admit students from ages 17 and onwards, this is a course where maturity is an advantage. Three years of experience qualifies one to be a manager in this field.  And further studies offer a vast opportunity for employability here and abroad (to include Cruise Ships). The course may also be taken not for career advancement but for additional knowledge that one may be able to take good care of his or her body without relying on others to do so. This means that there is no need to go to expensive salons or spend a fortune to look fabulous. Pampering oneself is the first step to feeling good and looking good. So, why not let it be the reason for you to learn all about Beauty Therapy.