Mysterious growth factors have become one of the most popular ingredients in cosmetology in recent years. Any mention of them - “cream with growth factor”, “gel for eyelashes with growth factor” - makes the product more popular, according to marketers. However, not only potential buyers of cosmetics, but also many cosmetologists do not understand very well what these factors are and what they can increase. And most importantly, why is this good?

The first substance called growth factor was discovered by biologists Stanley Cohen and Rita Levi-Montalcini in 1952. After transplanting an extra limb into a chicken embryo, they discovered that the embryo developed extra nerve endings around the graft. Then they transplanted mouse tumor cells into the same unfortunate embryo, and sensitive nerve endings appeared in the tumor! The extract isolated from the tumor was called a growth factor: NGF (nerve growth factor) - nerve tissue growth factor. In 1959, another nerve growth factor was isolated from snake venom, and in 1962, the first epidermal growth factor was discovered - it was found in the submandibular gland of a mouse. The researchers even received a Nobel Prize for their discovery, although only in 1986. Today, dozens of different growth factors have been discovered, and their number continues to increase. Biologists believe that growth factors marked the beginning of a new era in cell biology and significantly changed views on the processes occurring in the human and animal bodies.

If we describe the mechanism of action of growth factors as simply as possible, we can say that they regulate the growth and reproduction of cells, their differentiation (the transformation of unspecialized cells into specialized ones), and maintain the healthy state and functioning of all organs and tissues.

As it turned out, any cell in the body produces certain growth factors. For example, epidermal cells (keratinocytes), dermal cells (fibroblasts) and pigment cells (melanocytes) secrete and respond to different factors. All growth factors activate biochemical processes aimed at restoring and regenerating the skin, increasing the volume of synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers, which helps restore skin elasticity and density.

Various factors interact with each other, being synergists, that is, friendly to each other. Increasing the activity of one factor stimulates the activity of another, and so on, along the chain. But not a single factor in isolation can create the effect of true skin rejuvenation - they only activate biochemical reactions; In order for them to be fully realized, preserved skin reserves are necessary. Therefore, the use of drugs with growth factors does not exclude the use of nutritional, moisturizing and other agents.

Any cosmetic product that contains one or more growth factors can be considered cosmeceutical, that is, it not only improves the appearance of the skin, but also affects its deeper structures.

An important feature of growth factors is that they interfere with the processes of “internal aging”, along with “external” ones. In recent years, quite a lot of research has been carried out confirming that cosmetics containing one or more growth factors, the amount of which corresponds to the physiological characteristics of the skin, can reduce the signs of aging, slow down and even partially reverse the processes of external and internal aging. It is believed that by using growth factors it is possible to change the "hardwired tendency" of cells to stop reproducing or dividing; reduce the loss of skin collagen (normally, every year of life after 25 years we lose about one percent of collagen); slow down the thinning of the dermis; reduce damage to elastin. External aging involves changes that occur as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, smoking, etc. Growth factors can restore damaged blood vessels, reduce dry skin, tighten pores and even out complexion.

Until the age of 25, our skin has enough of its own growth factors, but then their quantity and activity decrease every year. The use of growth factor products, theoretically, helps compensate for age-related deficits.

Many growth factors are used in cosmetology, the most popular of which is probably epidermal growth factor (EGF).

In addition to this, you can find the following ingredients on the label of creams for aging skin:

Transforming growth factor (TGF-b1, -b2, -b3);
- vascular growth factor (VEGF);
- hepatocyte growth factor (HGF);
- keratinocyte growth factor (KGF);
- fibroblast growth factor (bFGF);
- insulin-like growth factor (IGF1);
- platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AA).

Transforming growth factor enhances the synthesis of new collagen, keratinocyte accelerates the division of epidermal cells, insulin-like and platelet-like regulate and accelerate the growth and division of skin cells. Hepatocyte and vascular growth factors stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the skin. It should be noted that the growth of new blood vessels can lead to increased sensitivity, so drugs containing VEGF and HGF should not be used for sensitive, irritated and damaged skin. However, it is these growth factors that are used successfully in the treatment of baldness and other hair-related problems. Fibroblast growth factor is used to stimulate the growth of eyelashes: it is part of most famous products with which you can quickly achieve “fan” eyelashes.

Epidermal growth factor has a fairly wide range of effects: it stimulates cell growth and division, and renewal of the epidermis. When using products containing EGF, there is a gradual increase in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. As a result, they can quickly improve the appearance of aging skin. Epidermal growth factor is even called beauty factor.

All growth factors are small in size and have a fairly low molecular weight: for example, EGF has an atomic mass of about 6,200 daltons and consists of 53 amino acids. That is, he is capable quite easily

penetrate the skin, breaking its protective barrier. For faster delivery of growth factors, transport systems (nanosomes, liposomes, etc.) can also be used.

In essence, the main question regarding the use of growth factors in cosmetology is: how safe is it? The fact is that growth factors can play not only a “good role” (in particular, when they are produced by the body during injuries and promote healing).

On the labelsgrowth factors, according toINCI, are designated as follows:
rh-Oligopeptide-1,
sh-Oligopeptide-2,
sh-Polypeptide-1,
rh-Polypeptide-3,
sh-Polypeptide-9,
sh-Polypeptide-10,
sh-Polypeptide-11,
sh-Polypeptide-19, etc.

Othertitles:
E.G.F.
FGF-7
KGF-1
heparin-binding growth factor 7 (HBGF-7),
VEGF, FGF,
I.G.F.
TGF et al.

An increase in the amount of growth factors is observed in many types of tumors, and their amount can also increase in autoimmune diseases: for example, in rheumatoid arthritis, high concentrations of VEGF are found in the joints and skin.

Some researchers believe that the constant use of cosmetics containing growth factors can trigger the development of tumors or other health problems. In addition, a possible increase in the risk of severe scarring and even the development of keloids at the site of injury and damage is associated with the use of TGF. The use of products to stimulate eyelash growth has also given rise to debate: ophthalmologists believe that they can cause eye inflammation. There is also no complete confidence that growth factors actually penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and can seriously affect the aging process.

In general, the official position regarding the use of growth factors in cosmetology can be formulated as follows: - Use products with growth factors for a short period of time (for example, in the form of an active course lasting no more than four to six weeks), and then take a break for several months. - It is advisable not to use products with growth factors daily (say, use only masks with growth factors once or twice a week, but not creams or concentrates for daily care). - Never use products with growth factors if there is an increased risk of developing cancer, or for people who have had or are suffering from skin cancer (melanoma, etc.). - Do not use products with growth factors at a young age, “for prevention.” It is advisable to use such cosmetic preparations only when signs of skin aging appear: wrinkles, age-related dryness, etc.

In a recent post I mentioned the cosmetic ingredient EGF, and I remember writing about it exactly last year. But now there are more cosmetics with EGF, and there is more information about these three letters, so I will try to review the brands and products that I know.

EGF is epidermal growth factor, or in Russian epidermal growth factor, in other words, a polypeptide that stimulates the growth of epidermal cells. In addition to epidermal, there are other growth factors that affect different groups of cells (for example, a fibroblast stimulator invigorates them to produce more collagen in the skin). This is an area in which I don’t understand anything, so I won’t go deeper, but for those who are interested, I advise you to type “growth factors in cosmetics” into Google and read several articles on this topic. Actually, I didn’t go any further than this kind of Googling.

Probably the first question that arises is - what about cancer?! After all, if a growth factor stimulates cells, it may stimulate the wrong cell. Again, I can’t say anything scientifically on this topic (maybe specialists read me and will not be lazy in the comments to explain something for the illiterate layman). None of the sources talking about the use of growth factors in cosmetology says anything about their carcinogenicity.

The second question that arises is - what about hormones?! With hormones, everything is becoming more clear, at least it is clear that growth factors - although hormone-like substances, are not produced by specialized cells - that is, they are not reproductive or thyroid glands, for example, glands, so cosmetics with a growth factor will not grow anything additional - a completely different mechanism.
Growth factors are a feature of cellular cosmetics, which in our country is considered rare, expensive and inaccessible. However, for Asians this is practically consumer goods, and in Korea there are more cosmetics with EGF than in Japan. What effect does the use of EGF give? With it, the skin thickens, becomes stronger, tightens, and generally becomes younger. There is no point in using EGF at a young age, it is a kick to skin that is already tired. The effect of EGF is more pronounced and more truthful than that of creams with simple external action, I know from myself, which is why this cosmetics is so tempting. Moreover, interestingly, it does not necessarily have to be expensive - most products approach or surpass the prices of luxury cosmetics, but on the Japanese market it is quite possible to find some drops, lotion or cream with EGF at a price of about or less than $30. I don’t think that the low price is accompanied by problems with poor-quality composition - in fact, everyone draws raw materials, perhaps not from one, but from two or three barrels. Perhaps cheaper products have less concentration, worse marketing, or simply the brand is not well-promoted - there are so many cosmetic production facilities in Japan that it’s scary, and not everyone can be famous. The only thing that confuses me is why growth factors are not used, or at least large mass cosmetics manufacturers, such as Shiseido and Kanebo, do not use them. Although, the DHC concern, the largest manufacturer of vitamins, supplements and cosmetics, which always follows demand and intensively flirts with the consumer, has its own EGF line: lotion, cream and serum. Everything is designed like expensive cosmetics, although with a DHC pop touch :)

And I also remembered a major player with a similar “any whim for your money” attitude - Dr. Ci:Labo. This brand contains EGF in its evening gel mask for enlarged pores, as well as in the Super Moist 5H x 5C line (such a complex name because there are 5 beneficial substances with the letter H and five with the letter C).

Decent cosmeceuticals La Mente are equipped with gel and essence, which can be used either separately or in combination with procedures using their Aurora Ceutical ultrasound machine.

Already mentioned in the previous post, Re-Cept Skin is an affordable line from a manufacturer of cosmetic raw materials.

In the form of drops that can be added when applied to a lotion, cream or mask, EGF is also produced by some, for example, the same Dr Ci_Labo and the cute little brand Tunemakers, which has a huge number of different drops for everything from coenzyme, collagen, vitamin C and ceramides and ending with snail mucus extract. With the help of such drops you can “tune” any cosmetics; they will give meaning and benefit to a simple alcohol lotion “Bobruiskaya Vorozheya”.

also from the field of mass cosmetics - Murasaki Japan, by the way, and Evangelist BB cream, but I’ve already buzzed everyone’s ears about these brands, so I won’t go into detail.

Most often, expensive serums with EGF are found in small professional brands that do not chase volumes. I have a feeling that these brands belong to companies whose main activity is chemical production, research and sales in this area, and cosmetics are a secondary activity. For example, lifting serum R-Cell with 5 growth factors

De-Age Ampleur line

Matona cosmetics

Hand in hand with EGF goes an even more terrible word - fullerene!! This is a molecule in the form of a beautiful carbon ball (like on the covers of chemistry textbooks), which is capable of attracting all the bad radicals that oxidize and age the skin, thus having a powerful antioxidant effect. It was difficult to make this molecule suitable for use in cosmetic formulations, since it either did not want to dissolve or something else - but in general, resistance was broken, and now the Japanese also saturate nourishing anti-aging creams with fullerene.

And what’s most surprising is that I read on the website of the Japanese Association of EGF Manufacturers that...swallow’s nests are high in growth factors! This already smacks of witchcraft, although on the other hand the ancient passion of Asians for swallows and their enzymes is understandable. The EGFormula brand says so on the packaging - it contains EGF and swallow's nest extract.

In general, it is impossible to imagine what cosmetology will delight us with in 5 or 10 years:)

Katya, have you already tried something?

I tried “Revive” cosmetics, the quality is good, but expensive, then I switched to Christina, it is of course cheaper, but it uses only one growth factor - EGF, my next and so far last experiment is LC - the presentation of the line was in Monaco this year with Since then I tried it, so far I’m very pleased with the price-quality ratio. And they (at least they say so) use more than 400 growth factors in various combinations, as they say))) Well, the main thing is not to overdo it on cosmeceuticals. You can’t use it on a regular basis, just a course. Well, I’m telling you, you’re a cosmetologist yourself.

Marina, thank you very much. For a detailed answer. I haven’t tried anything yet, I’m just reading and learning, I’d like to go to a seminar on growth factors, but again, nothing yet, anywhere. it's a pity. I still have doubts about TM, I’m not quite sure

I found an excellent article on an esthete portal, maybe it will also be useful to someone:

Growth factor in cosmetics

Many questions arise about growth factors: why are growth factors needed in skin rejuvenation creams, shampoo, and eyelash conditioner? Let's try to clarify this point, since changes in popular beauty products arouse constant interest among consumers. It turns out that there are dozens of growth factors, and they are still being discovered. According to biologists, the growth factor marked the beginning of a new round in the development of cell biology and significantly changed views on the processes occurring in living organisms.

Growth factor - a mysterious ingredient in cosmetology

The discovery of a substance called growth factor was made by biologists Stanley Cohen and Rita Levi-Montalcini in the middle of the last century. Nerve endings begin to grow in living cells, developing well in any organ and even in a cancer tumor. It was this “tumor extract” that was called a growth factor – NGF (nerve growth factor). Discoveries, meanwhile, continue to this day.

Any growth factors regulate the multiplication of cells, select their purpose, and allow organs and tissues to function properly. Today it is known that growth factors are produced by all living cells: the epidermis produces keratinocytes, dermis cells produce fibroblasts, and pigmentation cells produce melanocytes.

Absolutely all growth factors activate processes to restore the elasticity and density of the skin. They work on the principle of a chain reaction and do not work alone. That is why cosmetologists advise using the entire complex to achieve and maintain a long-term effect of skin rejuvenation.

As a rule, these are additional, but no less important skin products:

moisturizing components of the cream;

nourishing oils;

cleansing serums;

elasticity-restoring collagen cells, etc.

Growth factors and their effect on body rejuvenation

The most important feature of the influence of growth factors of cosmetics is that they affect both external and internal processes of rejuvenation of the body. At a deeper level, the same important processes occur as on the surface.

Based on the recommendations for the use of anti-aging creams, you can select the required amount of growth factors to achieve the best results. The older we become, the more hidden processes occur with our skin and the body as a whole. Labels often indicate the age category of the consumer for whom the product is suitable - this minimizes consumer stress during the selection process. A properly selected cream or cosmetic product will achieve positive results:

reduce wrinkles;

reduce skin pigmentation;

pause or stop collagen loss;

protect from solar activity (UV filters);

provide skin hydration and nutrition;

stop the thinning of the dermis;

reduce loss of elasticity;

tighten skin pores;

even out complexion.

growth factor

Popular growth factors in cosmetology: EGF, VEGF and HGF

It is worth remembering that a popular remedy will not solve all your problems if you make the wrong choice. On the labels, the composition of the product is indicated in small print, but the question, meanwhile, is important.

Below are some of the most popular ingredients that may be found in mature skin care products.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) – enhances the synthesis of substances, called the “beauty factor”.

Transforming – enhances collagen production (TGF-b1, -b2, -b3).

Keratinocyte – triggers epidermal cell division (KGF).

Insulin-like – division and growth of skin cells (IGF1).

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF).

Vascular (VEGF) – accelerates the formation of blood vessels (fights hair loss).

For the best results, use product samples, then you definitely won’t go wrong when choosing the best skin care option for yourself.

The benefits and harms of anti-aging products with growth factors

So, the remedy has been chosen, and you have begun the rejuvenation procedures. Are there any general recommendations for the use of anti-aging new products? It turns out there is! Experts do not recommend daily use of cosmetics with growth factors! They are suggested to be used only by absolutely healthy people and no more than a couple of times a week, leaving the usual caring cream, milk or water for care on other days.

When using anti-aging agents with growth factors in combination, it is strongly recommended not to extend the time of use and to take long (several months) breaks between their use. It is obvious that growth factors can bring both benefit and harm. The difference is how often you intend to use them: 2 courses per year, or once a week all year.

Included in the preparations

Included in the list (Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 2782-r dated December 30, 2014):

VED

ATX:

D.03.A.X Other drugs that promote normal scarring

Pharmacodynamics:

Human recombinant epidermal growth factor is a highly purified peptide consisting of 53 amino acids with a molecular weight of 6054 daltons and an isoelectric point of 4.6.

E pidermalgrowth factorhuman recombinantth produced by a yeast strainSaccharomycesWitherevisiae, into whose genome a gene has been introduced using genetic engineering methodsepidermalgrowth factorhuman recombinant. Epidermalgrowth factorhuman recombinant, obtained on the basis of recombinant DNA technology, is identical in its mechanism of action to the endogenous epidermal growth factor produced in the body.

E pidermalgrowth factorhuman recombinantth stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial and other cells involved in wound healing, promoting epithelization, scarring and restoration of tissue elasticity.

Pharmacokinetics:

E pidermalgrowth factorhuman recombinantth not detected in plasma, but detected in platelets (approximately 500 mmol/10 12 platelets).

In most patients, the time to reach maximum concentration after injection into the affected area ranged from 5 to 15 minutes. The average area under the pharmacokinetic curve after the first administration of the drug at a dose of 75 mcg and 27 days after administration was 198 and 243 pg × h/ml, respectively, and the average maximum concentration was 1040 pg/ml. The half-life and mean retention time (MRT) of the drug in the body were close to 1 hour. Complete clearance occurs in approximately 2 hours.

Indications:

As part of complex therapy for diabetic foot syndrome with deep neuropathic or neuroischemic wounds with an area of ​​more than 1cm² reaching a tendon, ligament, joint or bone.

IV.E10-E14.E11.9 Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus without complications

IV.E10-E14.E11.8 Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with unspecified complications

IV.E10-E14.E11.7 Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with multiple complications

IV.E10-E14.E11 Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

IV.E10-E14.E10.4 Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with neurological complications

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood, diabetic coma or diabetic ketoacidosis, NYHA class III-IV chronic heart failure; the presence during the last 3 months of episodes of acute cardiovascular pathology (severe acute cardiovascular condition), such as acute myocardial infarction, severe angina, acute stroke or transient ischemic attack and/or thromboembolic events (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) ; severe atrioventricular block (III degree), atrial fibrillation with uncontrolled rhythm; malignant neoplasms; renal failure (glomerular filtration rate< 30 мл/мин); наличие некроза раны (перед введением препарата необходима хирургическая обработка раны); наличие инфекционного процесса, в том числе остеомиелита (препарат применяют после его полного разрешения); наличие признаков критической ишемии конечности (величина лодыжечно-плечевого индекса (ЛПИ) ≥ 0,6, но ≤ 1,3 и/или величина пальце-плечевого индекса ≥ 0,5, и/или ТсР02 < 30 мм рт.ст.) (возможно использование препарата только после реваскуляризации.)

With caution:

In patients with heart valve disease (eg, aortic valve calcification), severe carotid artery stenosis (< 70 % NACET), тяжелой неконтролируемой артериальной гипертензией.

Pregnancy and lactation:

Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Directions for use and dosage:

To treat ulcers with an area of ​​more than 10 cm2, ten injections of 0.5 ml should be given. Injections should be made into soft tissues with an even distribution of injection sites, first of all, cutting off the edges of the wound, and then the wound bed. The depth of needle insertion during injections should be about 0.5 cm.

For the treatment of wounds with an area of ​​less than 10 cm 2 for each cm 2 of the affected area, only one injection in a volume of 0.5 ml of the drug should be used. For example, to treat a wound with an area of ​​4 cm2, only four injections of 1.25 ml of the drug should be performed.

To reduce the risk of infection, each injection should be given with a new, sterile needle.

After completing the injections, the ulcer should be covered with gauze soaked in saline solution or a moist bandage applied to create a moist and clean environment.

Needling is carried out 3 times a week. Injections of the drug should be continued until the formation of granulation tissue covering the entire surface of the wound, or up to 8 weeks (maximum duration of treatment).

The wound surface must be covered with a neutral atraumatic dressing.

If, after three weeks of treatment with the drug, granulation tissue in the wound has not begun to form, the presence of local infection or osteomyelitis should be excluded.

Side effects:

Frequency of side effects (taking into account the number of all patients treated with the drug in clinical trials, including in the Russian Federation): 1.2% of patients had headache, 24.3% had tremor, 24.0% had pain in injection site, 17.8% had a burning sensation at the injection site, 11.3% had chills, 2.8% had an increase in body temperature, 4.4% had an infection at the injection site.

Pain or burning at the injection site was observed with similar frequency in patients receiving the drug and placebo. These adverse events are most likely related to the injection procedure itself.

Approximately 10-30% of patients in all studies experienced chills and trembling. These phenomena were often observed shortly after injection and were transient. They were never severe and did not lead to treatment interruption. In most cases, their relationship to treatment was considered definite or probable.

Moderate or severe injection site wound infections were reported in 15-18% of patients in both the drug and placebo groups; therefore, these adverse events were not likely related to the drug but may have been related to the procedure injections.

Overdose:

Not described.

Interaction:

During the course of treatment with the drug, topical use of other drugs is not recommended.

Special instructions:

Before administering the drug, surgical treatment of the wound is performed in compliance with all aseptic and antiseptic conditions.

Instructions

We talk about the use of epidermal growth factor in accelerating the repair properties of the skin.

I really don’t like writing advertising articles, because practicing cosmetologists usually don’t read advertising articles. Everyone is frankly tired of the so-called jeans; in order to buy advertising, you need to click on a button on Instagram or Facebook. All doctors of aesthetic medicine really want scientifically supported data. But progress moves faster than science. All that remains is practice.

I have a report called “Life Happened.” Unfortunately, life always happens unexpectedly. Close people fall, cut themselves, receive various injuries, and we have not yet learned how to grow new skin, but time after time we comprehend the basics of external wound therapy so that healing is as adaptive as possible and does not have the character of gross scarring.

This article was inspired by my 8 year old daughter. I spent a long time collecting scientific facts about epidermal growth factor and accumulating articles from pubmed, there was so much information, and it was so contradictory that the article lay in the drawer for a long time. When the deadline came, my daughter said: “Remember, I fell off the hoverboard and I had abrasions on my arms, legs and stomach, and you flooded me with those growth factors of yours.”

The growth factors are not mine. And the MG Medical company brought them to Russia, and they help guide the reparation process through the non-emergency regulatory office. Let's talk about this.

Fourth generation cosmetics developed using genetic science technologies

Dermatologists and cosmetologists solve aesthetic problems every day, where it is very important to quickly restore the skin and, in some cases, avoid scars.

Healing skin damage is one of the most pressing problems.

EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor - epidermal growth factor) are proteins of natural origin that are capable of stimulating cell proliferation and cell differentiation. It is one of the most important components of the epidermis.

It is one of the most active among known polypeptide growth factors. Suppresses the gene responsible for chronological aging, stimulating the activity and growth of skin cells, restoring its structure.

This factor was discovered and studied by the American biochemist Stanley Cohen. In 1986, he received the Nobel Prize for his work elucidating the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in regulating cell growth and development. EGF is a growth factor that plays an important role in regulating cell growth, cell proliferation and differentiation. EGF acts by binding to specific receptors on the cell surface, initiating a cascade of highly orchestrated molecular reactions, including increased intracellular calcium concentrations, energy production, and protein synthesis.

How does this work?

Increase in the number of fibroblast cells depending on the concentration of EGF (72 hours after EGF application).

Relative units (%) / EGF concentration (/ml)

EGF is used in:

• accelerating the healing of wounds and skin damage
• skin repair
• restoration of healthy microcirculation

Local application

Without the use of an EGF-based product, healing is more active by the immune system, which tends to reject structures after exfoliation, which leads to severe skin stress. Topical application of EGF promotes healing by reducing this stress. Thus, EGF plays the role of a regulatory or neutral agent that prevents various side effects.

Conclusion

Regenerative medicine seeks to reduce stress as physiological manifestations of wound healing; the recombinant epidermal growth factor included in the EGF-spray helps to turn the autochthonous processes of inflammation and wound healing from emergency regulatory circuits, and without provoking pathological scarring, initiate its own tissue repair reserves, which is confirmed by clinical examples.

Epidermal growth factor EpiDermG - everything about cosmetology on the site.

Cosmetology is a branch of aesthetic medicine that deals with the study of problems of human appearance, their etiology, manifestations, as well as the development and use of means and methods for correcting appearance. The main organ targeted in cosmetology is the skin with its appendages, their diseases and age-related changes. The goal of cosmetology is to regulate metabolic processes in the skin and minimize the external manifestations of its aging. Cosmetology uses hardware, manual, injection techniques, natural factors, medicinal preparations of various cosmetic lines.

The terminology and methods of cosmetology are based on the achievements of dermatology, endocrinology, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, microbiology, and biochemistry. At the same time, cosmetology faces the tasks of applied aesthetics - the formation of a harmonious and holistic image in accordance with modern ideas about beauty. Therefore, cosmetology is both a science and an art, and an independent branch of medicine.

In cosmetology, a distinction is made between aesthetic and medical (medical) areas. Aesthetic cosmetology cares for practically healthy skin without violating its integrity (cosmetic masks, some types of facial cleansing, body massage, facial massage, etc.). Aestheticians without higher medical education can perform aesthetic procedures in cosmetology.

The field of medical cosmetology includes manipulations that to one degree or another violate the integrity of the skin (mesotherapy, contouring, hair removal, facial peeling, laser rejuvenation, etc.), solving dermatological skin problems, and selecting pharmacotherapy. Certified cosmetologists work in this area of ​​cosmetology.