skin care glossary
 
Acne Aesthetics (Esthetics)
Localized inflammation of the skin as a result of hyperactive sebaceious glands at the base of the hair follicle The science and study of beauty.
Acne Rosacea Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
A chronic skin disorder which results from chronic inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, and/or eyelids, often associated with increased redness or acne-like eruptions in these locations of the face. Acids derived from fruit and milk sugars and used in certain creams and lotions. Alpha aydroxy acids are believed to reduce spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, sun-damaged skin.
Cryotherapy Collagen
The use of cold for treatment of a condition. The major fibers of protein found in connective tissue, cartilage and bone.
Chemical Peeling Dermabrasion
The application of a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. Phenol, Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) are often used for this purpose. A procedure performed with a special instrument to smooth the skin's surface. The procedure removes the upper layers of skin and improve irregularities in the skin surface, such as acne scars or chicken pox marks.
Dermal Dermal Filler
Relating to the skin or dermis. A substance injected into the skin to restore volume to the skin and smooth out facial wrinkles.
Dermatitis Dermis
Inflammation of the skin. The middle portion of the skin and its support structure, containing nerves, blood vessels, oil glands, and hair follicles.
Eczema Elastin
A form of dermatitis occuriring as a reaction to many internal and external agents. Characterized by erythema, inflammation, crusting, scaling, hyperpigmentation, and/or hjypopigmentation. A protein in the middle layer of the skin that helps maintain resilience and elasticity.
Epidermis Erythema
The outermost layer of the skin. Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries resulting from a variety of causes.
Fitzpatrick Skin Types Follicle
A scale that divides skin into six different types.
Type I: white skin that never tans and always burns easily
Type II: white skin that tans slightly and always burns easily
Type III: light brown skin that tans gradually and can burn moderately
Type IV: moderately brown skin that tans well and burns slightly
Type V: dark brown skin that tans profusely and burns rarely		 The tiny shaft in the skin through which hair grows, and sebum is excreted from the sebaceou glands to the surface of the skin.

 

 
Glabellar Creases (Lines) Glycolic Acid
Creases in the forehead between the brows. Also called frown lines.

 

 A member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family, is a sugar cane extract which has the ability to dissolve the stratum corneum and smooth thickened skin reducing fine lines and wrinkles and correcting acne.
Hyperpigmentation Inflammatory
A lack of skin color caused by deficiency of melanin production or a loss of pre-existing melanin or melanocytes. Causing inflammation, usually used to describe lesions that are inflamed by chemical reactions or bacteria clogged follicles.
Keratin Laser
A protein that is a primary constituent of hair, nails, and skin. A device that concentrates high amounts of energy into a beam of radiation.
Laugh Lines Melanin (to verify)
A loss of volume in fatty tissue between the mouth and cheeks that creates lines or ridges. Dark brown or black pigment of the skin.
Microdermabrasion Milia
The use of tiny particles which are blown against the skin to remove the damaged or aging outer layer and to stimulate the growth of new cells. Whiteheads; Keratin plugs sometimes seen in patients post laser.
Nasolabial Folds Necrosis
Ridges or folds that appear from the root of the nose to the angle of the mouth. The elimination of living cells or tissues.
Perioral Lines Periorbital Lines
The lines on the upper lips, also referred to as smoker's lines. The lines and wrinkles around the eyes, also known as crow's feet.
pH Photoaging
The value used to indicate acidity and alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 7, with 0 indicating potent acidity, 7 indicating a more alkaline reading, and 3.5 being neutral. Damage from sun exposure over time, especially skin wrinkles. Pre-testing: Testing done before a procedure to determine if any allergic reactions might occur.
Pigmentation Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Coloration of the skin determined by melanin production within the melanocytes. The residual discoloration left after an underlying skin disease or condition has healed.