On April 24, 2026, Ivano-Frankivsk ceased to be merely a regional center — for one day, it became the gravitational point of Ukraine’s entire aesthetic medicine field. In the refined setting of the Provence restaurant complex, the KOSMO FRANKO–2026 Congress took place — an event that not only united professionals but introduced a new perspective for the entire industry. And it wasn’t just about scale. It was about substance.
For the first time, a congress of this level was created through the synergy of education and practice — by the Institute of Aesthetic Cosmetology “KOSMOESTETLUX” in partnership with Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University. This collaboration defined the main vector: cosmetology can no longer exist separately from medicine, and business cannot function without системic knowledge.
The morning began with symbolic accents — the National Anthem of Ukraine, a minute of silence — and it became immediately clear: this event was not only about profession, but about responsibility and the context of our time. The founder of the congress, Tetiana Tovarnytska, together with IFNMU Rector Roman Yatsyshyn and Head of Pelart Laboratory branches Sofiia Ivaniv, outlined the core idea: to create a platform where knowledge is not accumulated but transformed into practice.
Iryna Stoliaryk, Vice President of the Ivano-Frankivsk Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of business development and entrepreneurship support, highlighting the significance of such initiatives for the growth of the industry.
From the very first presentation, it was clear: this idea was not declarative — it was working in practice.
The cosmetology block was not just professional — it was conceptual. Plastic and thoracic surgeon Andrii Petrash set the tone, outlining a new philosophy: aesthetic medicine is moving away from artificiality and returning to naturalness and harmony. His thesis was continued by surgeon and hair transplant specialist Ali Al-Ghaiim, who brought the discussion into a global context, presenting international protocols for patient management before and after hair transplantation as an example of systematization and standardization in medicine.
The discussion then went even deeper — literally to the cellular level. Cosmetologist with a scientific background Iryna Heleverova addressed oxidative stress as a key factor of therapeutic resistance, emphasizing the importance of antioxidant strategies. Dermatologist Liudmyla Bondarchuk continued the clinical line, раскрывая the complex yet highly relevant topic of retinoid therapy in aging patients, focusing not only on effectiveness but also on maintaining patient compliance.
At the intersection of science and practice, PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Olena Mospanova delivered two presentations demonstrating how modern cosmetology works with regeneration mechanisms — from the use of PDRN spicules to a new paradigm of chemical peels with neurosensory stimulation. Her talks became a clear example of how complex scientific processes are integrated into everyday practice.
The future of the profession was also discussed from another angle. Associate Professor Anna Sinichenko raised a once-provocative question: could personalized косметика become the new standard? Meanwhile, Mariana Habriieliv shifted the discussion toward responsibility, explaining how to work with pregnant patients when “almost nothing is allowed,” yet results are still expected.
Marina Spivak added a layer of debate by addressing the use of botulinum toxin in acne and seborrhea, effectively challenging established perceptions. Doctor of Medical Sciences Viktor Dosenko expanded the horizon to fundamental science, discussing cellular aging and the prospects of senolytic therapy.
A logical continuation was the topic of inflammaging in Tetiana Yurchenko’s presentation — as one of the key drivers of premature aging and a focal point for modern slow-aging technologies. The final note of this block was Iryna Bazhan’s story — not about procedures, but about a brand that grew from a Ukrainian rose into a full-fledged market player.
After the lunch break, the congress shifted its focus — but not its depth — with the start of the dermatology block.
PhD Oleksandr Aleksandruk opened it with the topic of rosacea treatment, showing how variable approaches to a single condition can be. His colleague Marian Voloshynovych took the stage twice — first addressing oncological alertness and emphasizing the responsibility of every specialist, and later presenting a practical vision of digitalized full skin check-ups as a new standard of medical service.
Trichology and complex hair loss cases were thoroughly covered by Halyna Hirnyk, while Viktoriia Osypenko focused on modern аппаратные methods for treating vascular facial lesions. Larysa Bielenska returned the audience to the topic of senolytics, this time in an applied dermatocosmetological context, and Professor Yuliia Shcherbakova highlighted herpesvirus infection — a topic often underestimated but with significant impact on clinical practice.
This block made one thing clear: cosmetology can no longer exist without clinical thinking.
The final intellectual segment — business and education — proved equally насыщенным.
Tetiana Tovarnytska presented her vision of the cosmetology business ecosystem of 2026, where innovation, education, wellness philosophy, and franchising as a scaling strategy intersect. Her speech became not just analytics, but a roadmap for the market.
Serhii Danchyshyn spoke frankly about marketing in the beauty sphere, which давно is no longer just about beautiful posts. Oleksandr Radchenko addressed artificial intelligence, demonstrating real European cases where technology is reshaping the architecture of clinics. Entrepreneur Nestor Melnyk brought the discussion into a global context, highlighting wellness as one of the most promising industries of the future.
And just when it seemed the day had already delivered its maximum insights, the evening arrived — the White Evening, which became the emotional culmination.
Leonid Martynchyk spoke not about profession, but about identity — the personal brand of a Ukrainian specialist as part of culture. The space filled with aesthetics during the STEFANO LOMPAS collection show, while the musical performance by Andrii Rybarchuk added an emotion that cannot be measured by any certificates.
It was an evening when a professional community became a circle of like-minded people.
A separate note — about the partners without whom this scale would have been impossible.
The official partner was Pelart Laboratory, while the congress ecosystem was shaped by Lascos, SkinOn, Medicalaser, Bausch Health Ukraine, Health Centre Padre Pio, EDENA FARMA, ORCA, SMART4Derma, Kyiv Vitamin Plant, FotoFinder, international dermatological brands Vichy, La Roche-Posay and CeraVe, as well as the innovative resort project Skogur.
They were joined by partners from various fields: ELEGANT GROUP, the Ukrainian brand UKRAINIAN ROSE, STEFANO LOMPAS, Leinle, the Provence restaurant complex itself, Underhill Resort & Spa hotel, the charitable initiative “Birds of Victory,” Ukrainian Tech Network, Business Event Agency, and the company “Wines of the World.”
This diversity created the main value — an opportunity for participants not only to listen, but to interact, test products, explore technologies, and build new partnerships.
The informational resonance of the event was ensured by Business Woman, Egoist, Syla Vplyvu, Like, Echo Marketing, and Media Persona — allowing the congress to be heard far beyond the professional community.
KOSMO FRANKO–2026 has ended. But the most important thing is that it left behind not just impressions. It left a direction. And if the first congress was already this масштабний — it only means what comes next will be even bigger.
Photo: event organisers