PROTECTION CONVERGENCE

Purpose: Semi-permanent makeup in Korea has become an essential beauty treatment for people of all ages and genders. However, due to the invasive nature of some semi-permanent makeup procedures, there is a risk of infection, and systematic regulations and education systems to prevent this risk are lacking. Therefore, this qualitative study was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of how semi-permanent makeup professionals are implementing infection prevention and ongoing management strategies. Method: This study employed the Colaizzi method, a phenomenological research method. Specifically, semi-permanent makeup practitioners with over 15 years of experience were selected as participants for data collection. To enhance theoretical orientation, data were systematically analyzed using Colaizzi's six-step analysis method. Results: The study identified key themes in the infection prevention category, including workplace management, infection cases and response methods, and education and information acquisition. The ongoing management strategy category highlighted the need for post-procedure management and safety guidelines. Furthermore, the professional pathway category highlighted the importance of reliable information and the need for ongoing retraining. Conclusion: This study confirmed that thorough adherence to basic hygiene practices can effectively prevent infection risks. Specifically, basic elements such as thorough hand hygiene before and after procedures, sterilization and disinfection of equipment, proper use of personal protective equipment, and maintaining a clean work environment were identified as key factors in infection prevention. It is hoped that these findings will serve as valuable data for enhancing safety and enhancing hygiene management expertise in the Korean semi-permanent makeup market, which is expected to undergo significant changes.

Purpose: This study systematically explored research on beauty and massage services provided and utilized by seniors aged 60 and older in Korean society through a scoping review to map research trends and key issues. Specifically, the study aimed to comprehensively identify the need and significance of beauty services in older adults, perceptions and attitudes toward appearance management, usage patterns, and supply and delivery systems. These systems include market, welfare, long-term care, and home-based services. Furthermore, the study aimed to suggest future directions for policy, education, and service model development. Specifically, this study sought to highlight older adults not only as welfare recipients but also as active users and consumers who pursue self-care, social participation, and an improved quality of life through appearance management. Method: This study employed a scoping review design to comprehensively summarize the scope and characteristics of the literature on beauty services for older adults. Based on the PCC framework, inclusion and exclusion criteria were established and domestic academic papers and reviews were selected. The PCC framework comprises the following components: Participants were elderly individuals aged 60 years or older. The concept encompasses beauty services, including hair, skin care and aesthetics, makeup, nail and foot care, massage, and manual therapy. The context encompasses local communities, private markets, welfare institutions, long-term care facilities, and home-visiting services within Korean society. Results: Research on domestic elderly beauty services was categorized into seven themes. Specifically, first, concerns about appearance and the perception and meaning of beauty in old age were identified. Second, appearance management behaviors and service use characteristics were identified. These service use characteristics included frequency, expenditure, decision-making, and location of use. Third, service quality and related factors, satisfaction, and intention to continue use were identified. Fourth, psychological and emotional effects were identified. These psychological and emotional effects included reduced depression, improved self-esteem, and improved life satisfaction. Fifth, physiological and functional effects and the diversification of measurement indicators were identified. Sixth, gaps in access to the local community, market, welfare, long-term care, home-visiting delivery systems were identified. Gaps in access included information insufficient, the presence of local systems, and mobility restrictions. Seventh, the research was organized into policy, education, standardization, and service model innovation, including public-private partnerships and technology-based customized care. Conclusion: The results of this comprehensive exploration of research on beauty services for seniors aged 60 and older in Korean society confirmed that they are justified by multifaceted needs, and expectations of professionalism were prominent in usage patterns and selection factors. Furthermore, beauty welfare services targeting vulnerable groups were strongly characterized by public nature, linked to the care system. This study presents practical implications that integrate the public and market aspects of beauty services for seniors. However, causal inference and cross-study comparability are limited due to the female-dominated sample, cross-sectional design bias, and heterogeneity in outcome indicators and measurement.

Purpose: This study applied grounded theory, a qualitative research method, to identify the essence and constitutive factors of beauty and health multishop usage experiences perceived by the MZ generation, a key consumer group in today's rapidly changing society. Ten participants were selected, five men and five women, using both purposeful and snowball sampling. Method: Data collection began with a preliminary interview to establish a theoretical sample, followed by a second round of in-depth interviews. All interview data were transcribed and cross-referenced with the raw data to ensure reliability. Data analysis was conducted in a step-by-step manner, following the procedures proposed by Strauss A & Corbin, including open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. Results: As a result of the analysis, ‘Genderless perception of appearance management and shift in perception of beauty and health multi-shops’ were derived as the core categories, and three types were identified based on usage experience and acceptance attitude: ‘appearance management-centered type’, ‘experiential consumption type’, and ‘convenience-seeking type’. Conclusion: This study theorized the MZ generation’s experience of using beauty and health multi-shops as a processual structure in which perception and attitude are formed through experience accumulation, rather than as a simple consumption choice. Through this, it aims to present the changing beauty consumption paradigm of Korean society in depth from an experiential perspective and to contribute to expanding the understanding of overseas researchers interested in K-beauty and Korean consumer culture.

Purpose: This study explores how artistic engagement empowers individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to reframe their identities, enhance social connections, and reclaim their dignity. It proposes a conceptual model of "Artistic Protection," advocating for a paradigm shift from viewing people with PD solely as clinical subjects to recognizing them as creative agents. Method: A narrative review was conducted, synthesizing interdisciplinary literature on art-based interventions–including visual art, clay therapy, group singing, and mind-body practices such as Tai Chi, Qigong, and Argentine Tango–alongside neurobiological and psychosocial theories of vulnerability. Results: The medical gaze often reduces PD to a cluster of pathological deficits, exacerbating the erosion of self-worth and social isolation. In contrast, artistic engagement provides a potential space that mediates between biological reality and subjective experience. Biological insights into selective neuronal vulnerability and the psychosocial vulnerable self are reframed through art as sources of authentic expression rather than functional failure. Specifically, rhythmic interventions like Tai Chi and tango demonstrate superior efficacy in improving postural stability and motor scores by re-contextualizing clinical symptoms into aesthetic choices within a shared social interstice. This shift redefines protection as a relational act of mutual recognition and safe exposure through aesthetic distance. Conclusion: Reframing individuals with PD as artists facilitates a transformative pathway toward identity re-construction and existential resilience. By integrating artistic expression as a vital component of positive protection, this paradigm moves beyond symptom management toward a holistic framework of care. Ultimately, it affirms the radical freedom of individuals to be seen as whole human beings, fostering a more inclusive and com-passionate community for those living with chronic neurodegeneration.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze occupational health risks associated with ammonia inhalation exposure among beauty industry workers and to propose integrated safety management strategies. Although ammonia-based products are frequently used in small, enclosed beauty salons, systematic occupational health assessments remain insufficient. This study therefore examines the physiological effects of ammonia expo-sure and identifies practical control measures, including engineering controls and standardized operating procedures(SOPs). Method: A comprehensive literature review and case analysis of epidemiological studies on ammonia expo-sure in the hairdressing industry were conducted. International safety standards from organizations such as ACGIH and NIOSH were reviewed alongside toxicological data on respiratory and mucosal effects. In addition, current work-place practices in beauty salons were analyzed to identify gaps between existing guidelines and actual field conditions, particularly regarding ventilation and personal protective equipment. Results: The analysis indicated that chronic inhalation of ammonia in poorly ventilated environments is associated with respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function. While acute mucosal irritation is well documented, long-term exposure presents an elevated risk of occupational asthma among stylists. Many salons were found to lack localized exhaust ventilation and adequate chemical-resistant protective equipment, under-scoring deficiencies in current safety practices. Conclusion: Mitigating ammonia exposure in the beauty industry requires an integrated approach combining engineering controls, worker education, and institutionalized safety policies. The implementation of localized exhaust ventilation(LEV) and clear SOPs is essential for reducing inhalation risks. Regular safety training to improve hazard awareness is also critical. These measures provide a foundational framework for promoting sustainable and healthy working environments in the beauty industry.

Purpose: On September 25, 2025, the Tattoo Law was passed, allowing non-medical professionals to practice tattooing. The purpose of this study is to examine the positive and negative functions (problems) of the Tattoo Law and discuss future improvement measures. Method: This study's methodology is to examine Supreme Court precedents and Constitutional Court decisions regarding the reasons for past tattoo bans and to explore solutions for future tattooing. Therefore, this study will analyze past research papers on current tattooing practices and examine the laws governing tattooing in each country. Results: Tattooing, previously considered a medical practice following a 1992 Supreme Court ruling, was legalized with the enactment of the Tattooist Act. Licensed tattooists, or "tattooists," who pass the national exam are now permitted to perform tattoos and use over-the-counter medications within the scope set forth in the Ministry of Health and Welfare Ordinance. This measure aims to bridge the gap between law and reality and ensure the safety of those receiving tattoos. While tattoo laws can bring about various benefits, such as maintaining social order, resolving disputes, and promoting public welfare, they can also have negative consequences due to problems in the legislative process or unexpected side effects, and we must seek ways to improve them. Conclusion: The law and system have failed to reflect the reality that tattooing by non-medical professionals has become popular. However, the Tattoo Law was enacted after a long period of social discussion and deliberation, and has laid the foundation for the tattoo industry to operate safely and soundly within an institutional framework and for the rights of users and practitioners to be protected. However, even before implementation, various issues remain, including conflicts with the medical community and insufficient detailed standards, raising the need for improvement. These improvements should be considered to ensure the Tattoo Law becomes a reality, protect the rights of tattooists, and safeguard the public's health and safety.

Purpose: In this study, in order to find out how beauty tech convergence technology is applied in the field, we conducted in-depth investigations using focus group interviews to explore the perceptions and attitudes of managers and users regarding the use of facial skin measurement devices. Method: The research participants were 16 people, 4 each from S City and G Province, selected through a purposeful sampling method among managers and users who use facial skin measurement devices according to the period of use. As a research method, content analysis was conducted through repeated comparative analysis ac-cording to the qualitative research procedure of focus group interviews. And, based on their experience using the facial skin measurement device, the administrators and users were divided into four groups, and the data was segmented using transcription work, open coding, and axial coding. Results: As a result of the study, it was confirmed that there were 12 themes and 93 common contents between themes and groups, and it appeared in 4 areas: ‘Opinions on facial skin measurement devices’, ‘Perception of facial skin measurement device usage experience’, ‘Attitudes of managers and users on facial skin measurement devices’, and ‘Individual opinions on facial skin measurement devices’. Finally, the themes derived through the integrated analysis were reorganized, and thematic analysis was specified, and an integrated model was present-ed based on the results of the focus group interviews. Conclusion: Korean society, which is experiencing a super-aging era, is expected to show high interest in appearance management behavior regardless of age, and the utilization of facial skin measurement devices is expected to increase. However, in the field, there are still various trial and error and side effects due to technical adaptation problems that have not been systematized. In this regard, this study conducted a vivid language verification of how facial skin measurement devices are used in the skin care field. It is expected that the results of this study will be used as basic data for research on the utilization of various smart beauty devices in the future.

Purpose: As interest in appearance and style increases in modern society, the beauty industry is developing and research on it is actively being conducted. In addition, the beauty industry is not limited to decorating appearance and style, but also contributing to the psychological stability and self-esteem of individuals. In particular, nail care is a very important part of providing external confidence. This study aims to confirm the positive effects through nail care behavior and develop a service strategy for improving professional nail care services and specialized nail care management in the future. In addition, it was conducted with the purpose of improving the quality of life of individuals along with the continuous growth of the beauty industry by emphasizing the importance of nail care, improving customers' beauty care behavior, and contributing to increasing self-esteem. Method: In particular, an experimental study was conducted using the 'Nail and Toenail Shape Improvement Method' using the researcher's patented reverse pinching technique on 18 customers with problematic nails (in-grown nails) to measure satisfaction, pain scale, stress, and self-esteem before and after care, and the results were verified using a paired sample t-test. Results: The research results that summarize this study are as follows. The experimental study conducted in this study verified the effects of a nail and toenail shape improvement program targeting problematic toenails. As a result of applying this program, the satisfaction with nail care and self-esteem of customers with problematic toe-nails were improved, and pain and stress were reduced, which was a positive result. Therefore, it is thought that applying the nail and toenail shape improvement program to customers who need to manage problematic toe-nails suggested a new method of strengthening the technical expertise of nail shops and providing professional services. Conclusion: In particular, as a result of applying the problematic toenail shape improvement program through experiments, it was confirmed that the effects of reducing pain and stress as well as increasing self-esteem and customer satisfaction were empirically effective, and therefore, it is suggested that professional nail shops also utilize the reverse pinching technique of this program for customers who need to manage problematic toenails. The significance of this study is that problematic toenail care leads to the strengthening of the expertise of nail beauty services and provides guidelines for establishing service strategies that consider internal factors.

Purpose: The domestic cosmetics industry has shown steady growth, fueled by advancements in cosmetic science and natural ingredient research. As the functional cosmetics market continues to expand, there is an increasing demand for natural materials with proven skin-enhancing properties. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a cosmetic formulation containing ginsenosides derived from wild-simulated ginseng and to scientifically evaluate its effects on facial skin through a human application study, thereby assessing its potential as an active ingredient in functional cosmetics. Method: In this study, a 4-week human topical application trial was conducted by dividing participants into two groups: an experimental group to whom an essence containing ginsenosides derived from wild-simulated ginseng was topically applied, and a control group to whom an essence without ginsenosides was topically applied. The collected data were analyzed to verify the effects of the wild-simulated ginseng essence using paired t-tests and independent t-tests. Levene’s test was conducted to assess the homogeneity of variances. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in wrinkles, pigmentation, and moisture levels after product use (p < .05). In contrast, although some improvement was observed in pore size and sebum levels (T-zone and U-zone), these changes were not statistically significant. In the control group, a statistically significant change was observed only in moisture levels, while no significant differences were found in the other parameters, including pore size, wrinkles, pigmentation, and sebum levels. In the between-group comparison, a statistically significant difference was observed only in the wrinkle parameter, with the experimental group showing greater improvement than the control group (p < .05). For the remaining parameters—pore size, pigmentation, sebum levels, and moisture—no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. Meanwhile, for sebum levels in the U-zone, Levene’s test indicated a violation of the assumption of homogeneity of variances. Accordingly, the data were analyzed using Welch’s t-test, which does not assume equal variances. Conclusion: The essence containing ginsenosides derived from wild-simulated ginseng was found to have positive effects on improving skin wrinkles, pigmentation, and hydration. These findings suggest the potential applicability of the essence as a functional cosmetic ingredient for preventing skin aging and improving the skin barrier. This study is significant in that it scientifically verified the skin benefits of ginsenosides derived from wild-simulated ginseng—a natural ingredient—through a human application trial. Future studies should include a larger number of participants and an extended application period to secure more generalizable evidence through large-scale human trials.

Purpose: This study analyzed the innate organ characteristics and constitution of an individual based on the theory of yin-yang and five elements, which is a core theory of oriental medicine. The purpose is to apply a constitutional identification method utilizing the Heavenly stem and Earthly branch to identify the interactions between weak organs, meridians, and muscles according to constitution, and to design and apply beauty health content, a modern and scientific personalized program suitable for the smart beauty era, based on this. Method: In order to explore the constitutive principles of the theory of yin-yang and the five elements, we investigated previous studies on the theory of yin-yang and the five elements in domestic research information services (RISS), government-funded research institutes, dissertations, and academic journals, and conducted a literature review of papers closely related to the content of this study. Results: The constitutional classification method using Heavenly stem and Earthly branch was able to achieve more precise classification than the existing Sasang Constitutional System or Eight Constitutional System, and the constitutional classification based on Yin-Yang and Five Elements Constitution Theory was confirmed to be closely related to physiological characteristics such as organ function, meridian flow, and muscles. Through this process, the basis for showing the applicability of managing meridians and muscles linked to weak organs by constitution was presented. Conclusion: This study analyzed the innate organ characteristics and constitution of an individual based on the constituent principles of Yin-Yang and Five Elements Constitution Theory. By supplementing the existing constitution analysis method and reflecting the physiological differences according to constitution, it enabled more scientific and efficient personalized management. This is evaluated as an alternative that can increase the feasibility and sustainability of constitution-based health management programs.