Meeting with a cosmetic expert.
KARINA TOMAS is a cosmetologist, educator, psychologist, and entrepreneur, ready for any challenge. Since her earliest years, she has been accompanying her mother, Iwona Tomas, in her work at a renowned cosmetic clinic in Łódź. Inspired by her mother, who introduced innovative training programs in the 1990s, Karina decided to follow in her footsteps. She acquired knowledge from leading specialists in the beauty industry in Poland, Italy, and the USA, using it to organize workshops, symposiums, and develop her own training programs.
What are your most valuable achievements in the field of cosmetology that have solidified your reputation as an expert?
My key achievements in cosmetology include co-organizing the Beauty Fair in Łódź, serving as a professional examiner, and years of practice as a cosmetology teacher. Additionally, I participate in prestigious cosmetic congresses such as those in Düsseldorf, Paris, and Chicago, which allows me to broaden my horizons and gain recognition in the cosmetology industry.
What courses and programs are available at your beauty school to ensure the professional preparation of future industry specialists?
Our training offerings are diverse. We primarily focus on preparing participants for professional exams, as well as practical work in cosmetic clinics. Therefore, we expand the scope of skills through additional training in cosmetology, podology, physiotherapy, dietetics, and interpersonal communication. We prioritize high-quality knowledge and regularly introduce innovations. Consequently, we are establishing a new business unit specializing in training in aesthetic medicine. We build close relationships with our participants, creating a sort of cosmetology family both professionally and personally.
What steps do you take to prepare course participants for the changing needs of the job market?
The training covers a wide range of topics, including needle and needleless mesotherapy, acid therapy, cosmetology, techniques for working with hyaluronic acid, and modern nail extension methods. Additionally, during the training, we place a strong emphasis on developing personal and social skills such as communication, stress management, creativity, task planning, and principles of professional culture and ethics. We use innovations such as augmented reality (AR) in our training sessions and are also preparing to implement virtual reality (VR). Furthermore, our courses often have a hybrid nature, meaning we delegate the theoretical part to a webinar based on a file library – this is an absolute novelty in cosmetology.
How did it come about that a successful cosmetologist decided to study psychology and pedagogy?
From a young age, I’ve been interested in psychology, and over time, I realized that this field aligns perfectly with my career path. I believe that to be an effective trainer, one must possess both pedagogical and psychological skills. With them, you can best convey knowledge to others. Studying psychology has greatly aided me in this, allowing for individualized approaches to both my patients and students.
How do you utilize your skills in cosmetology, pedagogy, and psychology in your work?
Studying psychology over the years has shaped a certain mission in my mind, aligning my inner self with what I do on a daily basis. My main principle is to approach each person individually. Based on this principle, I’ve created the offering of my clinic, which includes consultations to understand the skincare needs of clients. During treatments, I focus on tailoring therapies to individual needs, and my recommendations are carefully thought out and developed specifically for each person. Each consultation is treated as a separate session, lasting about an hour, during which I conduct a thorough analysis, taking into account information about lifestyle, dietary habits, and even stress levels. I perceive the human body as a cohesive whole, where the skin plays a crucial role in indicating any disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and systems.
What aspect of your work gives you the greatest satisfaction?
The greatest satisfaction in my work comes from feedback from clients. I’m happy when they openly share what they liked, how I helped, and what changes have occurred in their lives since starting treatments. It’s the crowning achievement of my work. Additionally, I love receiving feedback about my training sessions. I appreciate not only the positive comments but also the negative ones because they allow me to identify areas for improvement. I value the opportunity to refine things, and it brings me joy when the effort yields satisfaction.
What are the most popular procedures in aesthetic medicine based on your experience?
Personally, I prefer PDO threads. Although it’s not the newest procedure in the field of aesthetic medicine, I find it to be very effective. One of the main advantages of PDO threads is that the effects are almost immediately visible, although the full results are usually seen after about 3 months. Shortly after the procedure, you can notice significant lifting and tightening of the skin, as well as a reduction in the visibility of wrinkles. Over time, as the threads begin to actively stimulate regeneration and collagen production processes, we observe increasingly better results, especially in terms of skin firmness and elasticity. PDO threads are most commonly used in the facial area to combat loss of elasticity and signs of skin aging, including around the eyes and mouth.
Which skincare elements do you consider crucial in daily skincare routines?
I always emphasize that proper skincare starts with cleansing and thorough makeup removal. Only a well-cleansed skin, able to breathe freely, effectively absorbs active substances contained in skincare products. During facial cleansing, we remove excess sebum, impurities, and dead skin cells. Good quality micellar water, a gentle cleansing gel, and an appropriate facial brush are key to maintaining healthy-looking skin. The next step is toning, which restores the skin’s proper pH and prepares it for the absorption of active substances in skincare. Moisturizing the skin is also an essential element of skincare. Regular consumption of about 2 liters of water per day, combined with suitable moisturizing creams, helps to keep the skin in excellent condition.
Which innovations in the field of aesthetic medicine do you find most intriguing at the moment and which ones are you considering introducing to your clinic?
Recently, I conducted research and observations to refine beauty enhancement procedures. I plan to open a new cosmetic clinic where I will use innovative techniques such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and molecular hydrogen. I utilize a microscope equipped with a 4K visual track, allowing clients to observe treatments on a large LED screen. Working under magnification with a microscope offers incredible diagnostic opportunities. Additionally, I plan to introduce a line of home care cosmetics based on natural ingredients and innovative formulas, as well as develop a Microscope Cosmetology group to promote this method of work and support the use of microscopy in the beauty industry.
How do you integrate a holistic approach to skincare into your work?
In my practice, I integrate a holistic approach to skincare by combining psychological aspects with physical appearance. In addition to cosmetic skills, I also conduct therapeutic sessions that allow me to better understand my clients’ needs and help them achieve healthy and balanced skin both internally and externally.
Do you find time for relaxation amidst conducting training, performing procedures, and introducing innovative solutions to the aesthetic medicine industry?
Of course! I try to find time for meditation and family. I am passionate about horseback riding, which has taught me resilience and how to cope with life’s adversities.