At its core, cosmetologia is a branch of health and wellness that focuses on the —the skin, hair, and nails.

Your skin is slightly acidic (pH ~4.5 to 5.5). Most modern cosmetology focuses on preserving this "acid mantle." When you strip it with high-pH soaps, you cause transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Advanced cosmetology uses ingredients like ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to mimic the skin's natural lipid bilayer.

Because cosmetologia evolves rapidly, professionals must earn annual continuing education units (CEUs) in topics like: