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The science and practice of Esthetics uses a large number of terms which
may sound unfamiliar, or whose meanings may be somewhat different than
you might expect. The following glossary of terms has been taken from
the curriculum of The Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics.
To find a particular term, select the first letter from the
list below, then scroll to your term; or press Ctrl-F and type the
term, or a portion thereof.
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A
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Abrasion
A scraping away of a portion of the skin.
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| Absorption
The taking up of liquids.
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Acid
Pertains to the pH level of a substance. If the pH is below 7,
the substance is acid in nature. Acids are used in skin care
products to stabilize formulas which otherwise would have an
unwanted alkaline level
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| Acid mantle
An acid cloak, or surface, which covers the skin, scalp, and hair.
This natural protective feature normally has a pH of about 5.5.
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| Acne
An inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair folicles
characterized by comedones, papules and pustules.
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| Acne Rosacea
A chronic disease of the skin of the center of the face with many of the features of acne,
but with marked inflammatory responses. The cause is unknown.
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| Actinic damage
Damage to the skin from excessive exposure to sunlight.
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| Actives
Ingredients which produce a product's main activity or produce the primary benefits.
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| AHA
see Alphahydroxy acid
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| Alcohols
In chemistry, a class of organic compounds whose empirical formulas end with "OH" or "HO".
Alcohols may be derived from any parent substance. Depending upon whether the parent
substance is drying or lubricating to the skin, the alcohol will be drying or lubricating
as well. Ranging from clear liquids to waxy solids, alcohols are used as emollients,
humectants, lubricants, emulsifiers, or stabilizers.
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| Alkali
Any of various water-soluble mineral salts; a quality of detergent soaps.
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| Alkaline
Pertaining to the pH level of a substance. Having a pH greater than 7. Alkaline
substances may be added to skin care products to stabilize a formula having an
unwanted acid level.
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| Allergen
A substance that produces an allergic response in those people who have previously
been exposed to, and become sensitive to that substance. These responses are
independent of the amount or time of exposure. (See Irritant)
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| Allergy
The ability of the body to create a histamine response to fight a normally harmless substance.
These reactions are in response to exposure by the body to a substance at some unpredictable
time in the past, and before this response takes place. In the skin, these responses most
often take the form eczema, edema, or hives, if severe enough, an allergic reaction can be
fatal.
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| Alopecia
Hair loss.
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| Alphahydroxy acid
These are often referred to as fruit acids, and all can be found in nature. They include
lactic, glycolic, malic, citric, acetic, and pyruvic. In skin care, lactic and glycolic
are the most popular. These acids have the ability to loosen and remove cells from the
stratum corneum, helping to make the skin surface look more even and smooth. They also
are excellent humectants. Lactic acid has been used in cosmetic science for at least two
thousand years, and is now used in higher percentage levels in prescription moistureizers.
Glycolic acid has the shortest chain length of all alphahydroxy acids, and therefore, most
easily penetrates the surface barrier of the skin. It is widely used in formulations
intended for peeling the skin surface.
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| Androgen
A substance producing or stimulating the development of male characteristics.
(e.g. testosterone)
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| Androgenetic Alopecia
Hair loss resulting from a relative excess of androgens.
Usually a diffuse loss of scalp hair in women.
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| Antiinflammatory
An ingredient or finished product which tends to either prevent or remove the
redness and swelling which characterize the inflammatory response of the skin.
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| Antioxidant
An ingredient or product characteristic which keeps other ingredients
from oxidizing or becoming rancid.
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| Antiseptic
A chemical agent that prevents the growth of bacteria.
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| Aseptic
Free from septic matter, pathogenic organisms or their toxins.
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| Asteatosis
A dry fissured condition of the skin with decreased subaceous secretion.
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| Astringent
The effect of some herbal and other ingredients which results in a tightening action
of the skin with diminishing of the pores. Also a member of the toner family
effective on oily/blemished complexions.
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| Atopic
Referring to an allergic reactivity for which there is a genetic predisposition
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| Atrophy
A wasting away; a loss in size.
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B
| Bacteria
One-celled microscopic vegetable organisms, some of which are capable of causing infection
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| Barrier
Obstruction, boundary, separation.
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| Base
In a formulation, the group of ingredients which constitute the vehicle or carrier
for the total formula.
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| Basic skin care
Day-to-day management of the skin, generally using the "trio" of a cleanser, a toner,
and a moisturizer
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| Binder
A substance which disperses into the water phase of a product, causing the product
to increase in consistency, thereby helping to hold other ingredients together.
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| Bio-extract
Extracts prepared by treatment of certain animal tissues.
Examples are collagen and hydrolyzed elastin.
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| Blackhead
A comedone; plug of sebaceous material held within the duct of a sebaceous gland.
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| Blepharitis
Inflammation of the edge of the eyelids, often caused by inappropriate use of eye makeup.
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| Blepharoplasty
Surgical revision of eyelids, removing excess tissue and fat to restore youth appearance.
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| Blood vessels
Various sized conduits through which blood flows so that the blood can supply
nutrients and oxygen to the cells and carry away carbon dioxide and wastes.
The vessels are named according to whether they are carrying blood to or from
the heart, by their size, and by their location. The small blood vessels associated
with the skin are important in regulating body temperature and skin color.
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| Buffer
An ingredient that helps to stabilize the pH of a product, to extend
shelf life, and/or make the product more gentle for the skin.
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| Bunion
Inflammation and thickening of the joint of the great toe.
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C
| Callus
Hard, tough, thickened skin area, usually resulting from prolonged friction.
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| Capillary
Very small, thin-walled blood vessels forming networks throughout body tissues.
These connect the arteries and the veins, and are the vessels, which allow the
blood to release nutrients and take in wastes.
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| Carbohydrate
An organic substance containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen; e.g. a sugar or starch;
one of the major classes of food substances for animals.
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| Cell
Basic structure of all living things; a complex mass of protoplasm
surrounded by a cell membrane.
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| Chemical
A substance formed by altering the molecular structure of a natural material or by the
combination of two or more elements to form a new substance.
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| Cholesterol
A white, fatty crystalline alcohol; tasteless and odorless; found in
sebaceous material, skin, and other animal tissues, especially nerve tissue.
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| Chloasma
Also "mask of pregnancy"; comprised of dark patches of increased melanin round the eyes,
the upper cheeks, near the mouth and/or across the brow; direct result of hormonal
changes as noted in pregnancy, with or without ultraviolet light exposure which,
when present, worsens the effect. Usually diminishes or disappears several months
after pregnancy ends. May also be associated with birth control pills, and
endocrine dysfunction (See Melasma)
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| Chromhidrosis
Excretion of colored sweat, usually because of microorganisms in the sweat gland.
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| Cicatrix (sik`-a-trix)
The new cellular material which forms at the site of a wound and later.
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| Comedone
The scientific name for blackheads and whiteheads; a clogged pore.
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| Comedogenic
Having the ability to cause the formation of comedones.
Generally an unwanted feature in skin care products.
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| Corium
Dermis; true skin
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| Corn
Pressure induced thickening of the callous layer of the skin of the feet.
Hard corns are found over the bones on the sole, and soft corns between the toes.
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| Contaminant
Any unwanted and detrimental addition to a product of formulation. Often biological,
including the growth of microorganisms, but can be any unwanted substance. Particularly
serious can be heavy metals or pesticides. These can be avoided by using great care
in the handling of products.
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| Cosmetic
A preparation applied topically to the skin for the purpose of enhancing its appearance.
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| Counterirritant
An agent, such as mustard, applied to an area of the skin to produce inflammation
in an attempt to influence some other part, often adjacent to or under the treated site.
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| Couperose
A word, archaic in Dermatology, but current in esthetics, which indicates the presence,
generally only on the face, of multiple enlarged and damaged skin capillaries.
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| Cuticle
The epidermis; the thin outermost layer of the skin or hair; the outermost part of the
epidermis; consists of thinned, hardened, dead cells and the protein cement that holds
them together. Also the hard protective skin around the base of finger and toe nails.
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D
| Decongestant
A substance, in the language of the esthetician, which causes toxic material that
has accumulated in the underlying structures of the skin, to be removed through the
normal channels of the body's waste system.
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| Dehydrate
To remove water.
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| Dehydration
Loss of normal levels of moisture or water. This occurs in the skin as a result of
poor diet, use of alcohol or drugs, cigarette smoking, stress, use of drying skin care
products, exposure to adverse environmental conditions or artificial heat.
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| Denature
Alter the natural state so as to make a product unfit for use.
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| Depilatory
A substance, usually a caustic alkali, used to destroy the hair;
having the power to remove hair.
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| Dermabrasion
Use of sandpaper or similar mechanical methods of the frozen skin with the intent of
removing sufficient epidermis so as to remove scars and similar defects.
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| Dermatitis
An inflation of the skin.
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| Dermatitis medicamentosa
Dermatitis caused as an adverse reaction to any type of medication, topical or internal.
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| Dermatitis venenata
Dermatitis caused by contact with a responsible substance.
Usually reserved for reactions from contact with plant toxins or allergens,
most commonly poison ivy.
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| Dermatology
The study of the skin.
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| Dermatologist
A physician, M.D. or D.O., who has spent at least three years in a specialty
training program and has unique experise in the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases of the skin.
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| Derma-
Prefix which means "skin-" when it is part of another word.
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| Dermis
The fibrous skin layer below the epidermis, composed primarily of elastin
and collagen. This is the connective tissue and foundatoin of the skin.
Many nerve endings are found here.
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| Detergent
A cleansing agent that allows oils and water to combine.
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| Disease
The lack of ease. A pathological condition of the skin
which has specific signs and symptoms leading to a diagnosis.
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| Disincrustation
Process that softens and emulsifies deposits and blackheads in the pores.
This is done with galvanic current or by applying cotton strips or compresses.
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| Disinfectant
An agent used to destroy germs.
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| Dispersant
An ingredient that binds with one or more ingredients to disperse or spread
the ingredient(s) evenly throughout a product. Assists in the stabilization
of the product.
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| Drug
A substance or preparation applied topically, injected, or otherwise taken
or applied internally, with the intent of altering the physiologic process
of the user.
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| Duct
A passage or canal for fluids.
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E
| Ecchymosis
A bruise. A discoloration of the skin resulting from the seepage of blood into
the deep tissues. Usually starts blue-black and slowly changes to yellow-green as
it resolves.
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| Eczema
An acute noncontagious inflammatory condition of the skin which includes
redness, exudate, and some degree of scaling; may or may not itch.
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| Edema
A local or generalized condition in which body tissues contain
an excess amount of tissue fluids.
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| Elasticity
The capacity of the skin, when stretched, to return to its original shape.
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| Elastin
An extracellular connective tissue protein that is the principal component of elastic fibers.
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| Emollient
A product or ingredient which softens and smooths the skin. Usually and oil-soluble
substance, but may be water-soluble, especially when derived from herbs.
"Moisturizer" is a word often incorrectly interchanged for this term, but the two
functions are separate despite the fact that they may take place at the same time.
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| Emulsion
A cream or lotion in which oil and water are caused to blend together through the action
of an emulsifier.
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| Enzyme
A class of protein compounds produced by a living organism and which act as catalysts
capable of accelerating or producing biochemical changes.
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| Epidermis
The outermost layer of skin cells, including the cuticle.
The outer surface visible to the eye.
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| Epilation
The removal of hair by the root.
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| Epithelioma
A skin tumor originating from abnormal epithelial cells.
Usually a cancer or malignancy.
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| Essential oils
Volatile (evaporating) fragrant oil, waxes, resins, or crystals of natural origin.
Obtained mostly from plants by way of steam distillation. Those from animal sources
(e.g. musk, ambergris, and civet) by simple rendering. These are
used in cosmetics, medicines, and food flavoring, as well as perfumery and aromatherapy.
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| Esters
Compounds formed by the reaction of an organic acid with an alcohol. Those in cosmetics
are generally emollient, and designed to spread easily, penetrating into the contours of
the skin. Tend to resist rancidity better than natural oils and designed to be used in
place of them.
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| Esthetics (also Aesthetics)
The philosophy or theory of beauty.
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| Esthetician
A specialist in, or devotee of, esthetics; one who is
specially trained to cleanse and beautify the skin.
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| Exfoliate
To remove leaves. In esthetics, to remove the dead superficial scales which comprise
the outer layer of the skin. This may be done by use of scrubs, peels, or masks. This
provides immediately noticeable results.
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| Extract
An herbal concentrate produced by separating the essential or active part
of an herb into a solvent material.
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| Exudate
Accumulation of a fluid in a cavity, or matter that penetrates through
blood vessel walls into adjoining tissue, or the production of pus or serum.
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F
| FCC (also Food Chemical Code)
A publication listing standards for foods, supplements and
additives employed in the food industry.
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| FDA (also Food and Drug Administration)
US Federal agency responsible for safety and regulation of foods and pharmaceutical products.
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| Fermentation
The oxidative decomposition of complex substances through the action of enzymes
(or ferments) produced by microorganisms.
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| Florid
Hushed with red.
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| Follicle
The depression in the skin containing a growing hair and the opening of the sebaceous gland.
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| Folliculitis
Inflamation of a follicle.
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| Formula
The list of ingredients, which make up a product, including the percentages of each and
the methods used to mix or assemble the ingredients when manufacturing a product.
May also refer to the product itself.
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| Fragrance
An ingredient or ingredients added to a formula or product in order to
make the product more appealing to the consumer.
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| Freckle
Small local brownish flat spot of pigmentation darker than the surrounding
skin due to a benign accumulation of melanin. (also ephelis, lentigo)
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| Fungus
A vegetable cellular organism which lives harmlessly on most skin surfaces.
Some forms may also invade the skin or nails as a pathogen.
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| Furuncle
A boil. A raised, pus-filled lesion, larger than a pimple. Usually painful.
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G
| Gelling agent
An ingredient that thickens a product by coagulation to become more elastic
and jellylike (as in "thin" gel) or more rigid.
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| Germ
A microorganism, especially one which is capable of causing disease.
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| Glossing agent
An ingredient that disperses other ingredients evenly throughout
a formula to produce an overall glossy appearance to the product.
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H
| Herpes simplex
An infectious viral disease characterized by thin-walled vesicles that tend to
recur on the same area of the skin or mucous membrane.
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| Herpes zoster
An acute viral disease caused reactivation of chicken pox virus. Characterized by local pain
and inflammation, and severe vesicular eruption along the distribution of one or more nerve
roots.
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| Hirsutism
Excessive growth of hair in normal areas or any growth of hair in areas which normally
have no visible growth. Usually reserved for females.
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| Hives
Eruption of very itchy wheals (lumps) caused by contact with or ingestion of
an allergic substance or food. Also urticaria.
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| Humectant
A substance that preserves the moisture content in a product, especially creams
and lotions. Humectants attract moisture from many places, including the
environment, the product they are in, and from the skin. The are therefore
considered a moisturizing ingredient.
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| Humidity
The amount of moisture held in the atmosphere.
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| Hydrate
To build or add moisture. Hydrating substances are usually humectants.
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| Hydrolysis
The process of making a complex substance into a simpler molecular
structure through the use of water.
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| Hydrolyzed
Having a smaller molecular form than the original. Hydrolyzed animal protein
is a smaller molecule than in its original form, thus making the hydrolyzed
protein better able to penetrate and be held by the skin or hair.
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| Hydrophillic
Water loving. Having a strong affinity for water.
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| Hyperactive
Exhibiting an abnormally high level of function of an organ, gland, or system.
Hyperactive sebaceous glands may lead to an excessively oily skin.
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| Hyperallergenic
Unusually prone to cause allergic reactions in susceptible persons.
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| Hyperhidrosis
Markedly excessive perspiration or activity of sweat glands. Most
common on palms, soles, and arm pits.
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| Hypertrichosis
Excessive growth of hair. Usually reserved for males.
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| Hypoallergenic
Having a reduced, but not nonexistent, capacity to produce allergic reactions.
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| Hypodermic
Literally, below the dermis or skin. Generally reserved to a particular type
of medical injection technique.
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I
| Inorganic
Substances which are not organic, not containing hydrocarbons or their
derivatives. Minerals. Not living or capable of metabolism.
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| Inflammation
A reaction of the body to irritation generally characterized by marked redness.
May be accompanied by swelling, heat, or pain.
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| Irritant
A substance which consistently and predictably will produce an undesired
response in the skin of virtually all of the population. The degree of
response is quite variable, and depends on the relative strength of the
material applied, the duration of the exposure, and many factors related
to the original condition of the skin to which the material is applied.
This is distinct from an allergen, which can affect only selected individuals.
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K
| Keratin
A tough, fibrous protein that is part of the outer layer of the skin's epidermis
and the hair and the fingernails.
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| Keratolytic
A substance capable of dissolving keratin, thus causing the keratin layer
of the epidermis to flake off.
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L
| Lesion
A structural tissue change caused by injury or disease.
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| Leukocyte
A white blood corpuscle; white blood cell. Some types are important
in allergic reaction, and some in defense against infection.
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| Leucoderma
Abnormal white patches on the skin; absence of melanin.
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| Lipid
Oily material such as fat or wax.
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| Lubricant
In cosmetics, a cream or lotion designed to add oil, provide sleek luster,
or reduce tightness of the skin due to lack of surface oil. Although
lubricants slow the water loss from the skin, they do not cause the skin
to build moisture more rapidly.
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| Lymph
A colorless fluid consisting chiefly of blood plasma.
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| Lymphatic system
Circulation system carrying lymph through its vessels and ultimately
linking with the blood circulatory system.
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M
| Mask
Cosmetic, which covers the face, stimulates the skin, removes debris
and temporarily tightens the skin. Can contain conditioning ingredients
to be absorbed by the skin.
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| Massage
Systematic manipulation of body tissues with the hands and/or
mechanical or electrical instruments for the purpose of increasing circulation.
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| Matte finish
An even-toned, non-shiny surface quality.
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| Melanin
A dark pigment found in skin and hair, produced by melanocytes.
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| Melanocyte
Cells near the bottom of the epidermis, which produce melanin.
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| Melanoma
Skin cancer resulting from malignant change in melanocytes. Very dangerous.
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| Melasma
Any discoloraton of the skin due to excess melanin.
Chloasma is a form of melasma.
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| Metabolism
The physical and chemical processes by which body tissue is produced,
maintained, and destroyed, and the means by which energy is made
available for cellular activity.
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| Microbe
A one-celled life form visible only with the use of a microscope.
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| Millium (pl. Milia)
A small whitish pearl-like mass due to a retention of sebum
beneath the epidermis between the follicle and the corneum; a "whitehead".
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| Mineral
An inorganic substance occurring in its natural state.
Necessary dietary element found in soil or food.
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| Mitosis
Cell division of somatic cells in which each daughter cell contains
the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
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| Moisturizer
Any product or ingredient that builds the skin's moisture level either by
retarding water evaporation or by adding moisture to the skin layers.
Moisturizers may contain moisture-attracting (hydrophilic) humectants,
or moisture-providing ingredients.
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| Mole
A congenital discolored spot elevated above the surface of the skin.
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N
| NDC (also National Drug Code)
The number codes assigned to each manufacturer and/or packer of drugs.
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| NF (also National Formulary)
First published in 1888, this book lists standards of purity, as well as
assay methods, for ingredients used by pharmacists to prepare salves, ointments,
lotions, and the like.
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| NS (also Non-Sensitizing)
Essential oils and fragrances which have been processed or refined to remove potentially
irritating components. Also, products which will not cause irritation, especially
products which would normally be expected to cause irritation if they had not been
made non-sensitizing through artificial means.
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| Natural
In the natural or original, unprocessed form. There is not universal agreement on the
use of this term, and the FDA does not yet define it. Generally implies that ingredients
are organic, and have not had synthetic chemicals used in their formulation or upon
their ingredients.
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| Noxious
Harmful, not wholesome.
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| Nutrient
A substance, such as a vitamin, which provides elements for the ongoing functions of
the body's metabolic processes.
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O
| Occlusion
Closure of a passage.
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| Occlusive
Impenetrable. A shield or film spread on the skin to slow or prevent
moisture loss. Usually an oil or wax.
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| Opacifying
To cause to be non-clear, not transparent.
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| Opaque
Impervious to visible light and, in some instances, all forms of radiant energy.
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| Organic
Substances which are, or have been, alive, containing carbon-bearing molecules
in their chemical makeup. This not to be confused with "natural". Many organic
products are, in fact, synthetically manufactured, and cosmetic chemistry is a
branch of organic chemistry. The term "organic," like "natural," has no clear definition
recognized by the FDA, although many states regulate the use of the word for
food products.
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| Ostium
Small opening into a tubular duct or organ
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| OTC (also Over The Counter)
May be sold without a prescription, but unlike regular cosmetics, subject to
FDA regulations. OTC products are referred to as drugs.
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| Ozone
Faintly blue form of oxygen obtained by silent discharge of electricity in ordinary
oxygen. Molecule is designated O3. It is a very active form of oxygen,
with a peculiar smell.
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P
| PAC (also Permanently Approved Color)
A color used in cosmetics with the approval of the FDA. Safety has been proven
through an investigation by a committee of the Cosmetic, Toiletries, and Fragrances
Association (CTFA).
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| Papule
A small inflammed elevation of the skin.
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| Paronychia
Infection of the marginal structures around the nail.
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| pH
Power of the hydrogen molecule. The amount of hydrogen on a substnace
determines the acid or alkaline level of the product. pH range is 1-14.
Neutral is 7. Normal for the skin is about 5.5.
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| Photosensitize
Make sensitive to ultraviolet light. Examples are oils from the rinds of
citrus (e.g. lime) used as fragrances. Reactions range from mild reddening
through severe sunburn, usually followed by residual hyperpigmentation
(post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
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| Pigment
Any coloring agent, such as melanin, in the skin and hair.
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| Phyto-
Referring to plants or herbs.
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| Pore
Small opening on the surface of the skin, usually reserved for the openings of sweat glands.
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| Preservative
Also called antimicrobial. Keep dangerous organisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts
and molds from growing in a product. Some preservatives are known to be sensitizers.
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| Protective film
Similar to an occlusive film, but used to act as a barrier protecting the skin
surface from harsh or threatening environmental effects.
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| Provisionally approved color
A color which the FDA has permitted to continue to be used in cosmetics pending
the completion of the safety investigation by the CYUA.
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| Pruritus
Itching.
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| Psoriasis
A persistent skin disease with circumscribed red patches that
are partially covered by adherent white-silver scales.
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| Psoriasiform
Has the appearance of psoriasis.
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| Pumice
A porous, lightweight, abrasive volcanic stone used to soften
and polish hard tough, or callused skin.
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| Pus
A yellowish-white opaque creamy matter produced as a result
of infection and containing disintegrating tissue, bacteria, and leukocytes.
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R
| Rash
A skin eruption having little or no elevation. Generally erythematous and itchy.
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| Regenerate
Recreate living material or renew a lost function.
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| Regimen
A systematic daily routine in the application of skin care products.
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S
| Sanitary
Clean, in relation to good health; tending to promote health.
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| Sanitize
To make sanitary.
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| Saprophyte
An organism that lives on dead organic matter. Such organisms
can be found on the outer surface of the skin
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| SD Alcohol (SDA)
Specially Denatured Alcohol. Ethyl alcohol made non-drinkable by the
addition of unpleasant substances. Also, industrial alcohol.
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| Sebaceous gland
Oil producing glands which empty into the hair follicle;
part of the pilosebaceous unit.
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| Seborrhea
Disorder of function of the sebaceous glands in which excessive secretion
of sebum leads to the formation of an oily coating of the skin with crusts or scales.
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| Sebum
A semiliquid oil secreted by the sebaceous glands to lubricate the skin.
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| Sensitizer
An ingredient which causes the skin to become sensitive to other ingredients
of the environment. Also refers to an ingredient that causes the skin to produce
an adverse physical response, such as redness, swelling, blistering, or itching.
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| Sequestrant
An ingredient that releases itself or other ingredients slowly into a product
over a period of time. Usually refers to preservatives, which have a "time-release"
action in maintaining the color, consistency, and fragrance of a product.
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| Shelf life
The length of time that an unopened package of a product
can be expected to stay fresh and useful.
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| Silhouetting formulas
Formulas designed to help in slimming the figure.
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| Skin care
Proper maintenance of the health of the skin. Activities utilizing products
(cleansers, toners, moisturizers, treatments, etc.) in order to control blemishes,
reduce and postpone signs of aging, and therefore keep the skin clean, moist
and attractive.
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| Sloughing
The shedding of an outer layer of dead tissue from a living surface, such as the skin.
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| Soluble
Able to dissolve into, or be compatible with, another substance.
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| Soothing
A calming ingredient. Reducing the discomforts of irritated, blemished, or burning skin.
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| Spore
A type of reproductive cell of vegetable organisms. Spores are able to lie dormant
in unfavorable conditions, and then begin reproduction when conditions improve months
or years later.
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| SPF (also Sun Protective Factor)
The numerical rating system used on sunscreens and sunblocks, which indicate
the level of protection that they can provide to the skin from ultraviolet
light. The higher the SPF, the greater the protective capacity.
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| Stabilizer
An ingredient that makes a product more stable by keeping it from losing its viscosity,
separating,or becoming rancid.
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| Stimulant
An ingredient, usually an herb, that quickens or speeds body activity such
as blood flow, waste removal, cell reproduction, or metabolic function.
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| Stratum Corneum
The flat, dead skin cells that form a protective layer on the surface
of the skin; also called the horny layer.
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| Subcutaneous
Below the skin.
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| Subdermis
The fatty and connective tissue immediately under the bottom
cell layers of the dermis.
|
| Substantive
An ingredient's ability to be retained in the hair or skin, especially after cleansing.
|
| Sudoriferous
Conveying or producing sweat.
|
| Sunscreen
A preparation that blocks the harful burning rays of the sun.
|
| Surfactants
Short for "surface-active-agent". Reduce the surface tension of oils,
greases, and other substances, allowing them to be broken up into
smaller particles or globules to facilitate cleansing, washing, laundering, etc.
|
| Synthetic
The result of combining simple elements into a more complex structure. Parent
elements used in this manufacture are usually of natural origin. The end
product is usually a mimic of a naturally occurring one.
|
T
| Texturizer
An ingredient or product which dramatically and noticeably smooths or softens
the skin's surface. While this term usually refers to enzyme activity, many
common emulsifiers have the ability to texturize.
|
| Thickener
An ingredient which increases the viscosity of a product.
|
| Tincture
An alcoholic extract of an animal or vegetable substance.
|
| Tinea
A fungal skin disease.
|
| Toning
Restoring color and tone to the skin, as with a toning product.
|
| T-Zone
The T-shaped area of the face formed by the forehead, the
nose and the chin; sometimes tends to be oilier than the rest of the face.
|
U
| Ultraviolet light
The range of light wavelengths above the violet which is between the visible
spectrum and the invisible x-ray spectrum. Ultraviolet radiation can be damaging.
|
| USP (also United States Pharmacopoeia)
First published in 1900, this book lists the standards of purity, formulas, and
chemical assay methods for actual drugs; revised at national meetings every five years.
|
V
| Verruca
Wart.
|
| Viscosity
The thickness or thinness of a product.
|
| Vitiligo
White areas on the skin caused by loss of pigment
|
W
| Water resistant
Repelling moisture or water; not readily removed by water.
|
| Water soluble
The quality of being able to dissolve in water; easily removed with water.
|
| Wetting agent
Water-soluble ingredient that lowers the tension between a product and the
skin, making spreadability easier and increasing the ability to penetrate.
|
| Whitehead
Milia or closed comedone.
|
X
| Xerosis
Abnormal dryness of the skin or mucous membrane.
|
|
|
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Planning Your Spa Experience
