The History of the Psychology of Cosmetic Treatments

Psychology of Cosmetic Treatments head

The History of the Psychology of Cosmetic Treatments

The history of the psychology of cosmetic treatments goes back a long way and reflects the changing ideals of beauty through the ages. The psychology of beauty standards is a fascinating subject that has changed greatly through the ages, influenced by cultural, social and economic factors.

One of the earliest documented cases of plastic surgery comes from ancient India (600 BC). The surgeon Sushruta, called the “father of plastic surgery,” described in his book, Sushruta Samhita, techniques for skin grafting, such as the reconstruction of a nose (rhinoplasty) using a flap of skin from the forehead. This was often performed on people who had been punished by amputation of the nose.

The history of cosmetic treatments and procedures continued in ancient Egypt (around 4000 BC). Egyptians were known for their elaborate beauty rituals. They used natural ingredients such as malachite, galena (for eyeliner), honey, aloe vera and oils to care for their skin and enhance their eyes. Cleopatra, for example, is said to have bathed in donkey milk to keep her skin soft. Egyptian physicians performed simple surgeries to repair damage to ears or lips.

This was followed by ancient Greece and Rome (c. 1000 BC – 476 AD). Greeks and Romans also used cosmetics, often to show their status and wealth. They used lead white to make their skin pale, which was a sign of nobility. Various oils, creams, and perfumes were also used. Roman physicians, such as Aulus Cornelius Celsus, also wrote about procedures aimed at improving physical features, including the correction of ear deformities.

In medieval Europe (c. 500–1500 CE), make-up was often associated with sinfulness and immorality, especially among church authorities. Despite this, noblewomen continued to bleach their skin with lead creams and to lightly tint their lips and cheeks with natural pigments. Medical knowledge largely stagnated during this period, and cosmetic surgery was largely ignored or even forbidden by the church. There was some progress in the Islamic world, however, where medical knowledge was preserved and further developed.

 

Around the Renaissance (c. 1300–1700 CE), cosmetics came back into fashion, especially among the Italian and French nobility. Pale skin was still considered a sign of beauty, and women used a variety of means to achieve this effect, including dangerous substances such as lead and mercury. Cheeks and lips were often enhanced with vegetable dyes. The renewed interest in science and art led to a revival of surgical techniques. Italian physicians, such as Gaspare Tagliacozzi, experimented with surgical procedures to correct facial defects, such as repairing a disfigured nose. Tagliacozzi published a work on reconstructive surgery, which was one of the first detailed treatises on plastic surgery.

During the Victorian era (1800–1950), makeup was mostly used in secret, as wearing it in public was considered indecent. Natural beauty was prized, but women continued to use powders and creams to enhance their complexion. In addition, the development of anesthesia and antiseptic techniques made more complicated surgeries possible. British surgeon Joseph Carpue performed a successful nose reconstruction in 1814, which is considered a milestone in modern plastic surgery. This period also saw an increase in reconstructive surgeries for patients with trauma and birth defects.

In the early 20th century, around the time of the First and Second World Wars, the rise of the film industry had a major impact on the popularity of make-up. Brands such as Max Factor and Maybelline were founded, making cosmetics more accessible to the general public. The World Wars were a turning point for plastic surgery. Many soldiers returned home with serious facial and body injuries, which led to the need for reconstructive surgery. Surgeons such as Sir Harold Gillies, known as the father of modern plastic surgery, and his nephew Archibald McIndoe, pioneered techniques for reconstructing faces and limbs. This laid the foundation for both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

In the mid to late 20th century, the development of new technologies and ingredients led to the advent of anti-aging creams, sunscreens, and specialized skin care products. In addition, plastic surgery and non-invasive procedures such as Botox and chemical peels became more common. After the war, plastic surgery was increasingly used for aesthetic purposes. The demand for cosmetic procedures increased and the techniques were refined. Procedures such as facelifts, breast augmentation (using silicone implants in the 1960s), and liposuction (developed in the 1970s) became more common.

Today, cosmetic procedures are more accessible and accepted than ever before. In addition to traditional products and procedures, advanced technologies such as laser treatments, fillers, and advanced skin care products are now available. The trend is shifting towards natural results and personalized treatments, with patient safety and ethics becoming increasingly important. Modern technologies such as 3D printing for implants and advanced laser surgery have further expanded the possibilities for both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. In addition, there is a growing focus on gender affirming surgery and aesthetic procedures for different skin types and ethnicities.

The history of cosmetic treatments reflects the culture, technology and beauty ideals of each period. From ancient rituals to modern high-tech procedures, cosmetics has always played an important role in the human pursuit of beauty.