Acne

Acne is a common woe with most adolescents. Sometimes people continue to get acne even in their 20s and 30s. Acne normally surfaces on the face, neck, chest and back. Overactive sebaceous glands on the skin and blocked follicles lead to the formation of acne. This happens when the sebum plugs the follicles and the bacteria therein lead to acne. Acne is not caused by dirt or improper cleansing of the skin. The overactive oil glands tend to form whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.

Hormonal changes are the most common cause for acne. Hereditary and certain medications can also make a person prone to acne. Stress can trigger an attack of acne due to overactive adrenal glands. It is essential not to touch, pinch or squeeze the pimples. It can lead to scarring and formation of pits.

A dermatologist can help in healing the pimples and prevention of scarring. A person suffering from acne must follow a meticulous cleansing routine. Topical creams may be prescribed to help mild cases of acne. These may include products containing retinol-A, benzoyl peroxide and vitamin A acid-like drugs. Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of severe acne. Antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline or erythromycin are often prescribed for acne. Birth control pills have been seen to be effective in controlling acne. Skin treatments such as microdermabrasion and glycolic acid peels are used to treat scars and pitting caused due to prolonged and severe acne.

Cosmetologist

Beauty specialist, beautician, aesthetician and esthetician are the various other names for cosmetologist. A cosmetologist is a specialist in imparting beauty related treatments. Cosmetologists may be specialists in a particular area of beauty aid alone like for e.g. hair stylist who specializes in hair treatment, manicurist who specializes in nail care including pedicure, Electrologist who specializes in removal of unwanted hair etc.

Cosmetologists are either specialized in the entire field of cosmetology or are specialists in any particular field of cosmetology alone. They are persons who help people spell out their beauty by giving them tips on how to groom and by maintaining it for them.

Hair styling: Hair stylists are people, who trim, cut and styles the hair of customers. They help in suggesting the right hair style for a particular face type, color hair, perm hair and at times fix hair extensions and weaves too.

Esthetician: Skin care is their area of work and they specialize in facial treatments, body wraps, applying make up, waxing as part of beauty regime. There are estheticians who specialize in the entire body care and yet others who work along with dermatologists in repairing skin defects and help in laser skin resurfacing, laser hair removal and chemical peels.

Manicurists: These are people who specialize in nail care and they help keep the nails of the hand and the feet clean and healthy. They also can fit nail extensions according to the customer's requirements, treat cuticles, file and buff nails, apply polish.

Electrologists: These are specialists in the field of removing unwanted hair from any part of the body. They remove the hair with an electrolysis machine and hair removal using this technique is a permanent solution for unwanted hair.

• Ensure that your cosmetologist holds a valid license issued by the state cosmetic school. After completion of formal training and for people above the age of 16, after successful completion of examinations license is issued.
  
• Crosscheck with friends or relatives on the experience and exposure of the cosmetologist.
  
• The cosmetologists must respect your views and bear in mind your interests before making suggestions for your look.
  
• Check out on the facilities they have and on their maintenance of hygiene and cleanliness.
  

Modern techniques and cosmetologists

Latest beauty techniques use laser treatments and electrical and light theory.

• With more exposure to the modern gadgets, beauty treatments have become easier; cosmetologists can use chemical relaxer or wavers for hair styling, electric and manipulative facials etc.
  
• Analysis of the skin using skin scanner helps understand the individual's skin type better than physical examination. Microdermabrasion is used to peel of the skin lightly and induce a glow in the skin etc.
  
• Laser treatments, electrical equipment for facials, hair styling and nail treatments have made beauty treatments more effective, economical and hygienic than ever before.