Skin Care Terms & Definitions

Alpine Stem Cells

Stem cells from the alpine medicinal plant Ferrugineum. It has the ability to maintain its vitality under extreme conditions. Stem cells from this medicinal plant protects skin cell DNA against damage caused by UVA rays and free radicals.

Arbutin -A natural form of Hydroquinone ,extracted from the bearberry plant .It inhibits tyrosinase and thus prevents the formation of melanin. it is used as a skin -lightening agent.

Free Radicals

An Atom or group of Atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is unstable.Free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression  of cancer ,cardiovasculer disease and oxadative damage.

Growth Factors -(EGF-Epidermal Growth Factors) proteins that regulate cellular growth,promote skin tissue repair and regeneration.They promote the formation of collagen and elastic fibres wich give the skin softness and suppleness.

UVA Rays -Ultra Violet ray A . Rays from the sun that penetrate much deeper into the surface of the skin damaging the cells beneath. they will also penetrate through glass and clothing giving your skin irreversible damage.
UVB Rays – Ultra Violet Ray B or (shortwave) Rays from the sun responsible for causing sunburn and most skin cancer.they reflect off water and snow so it is important to protect yourself even in winter months.

IRA Rays A -Infrared Radiation A, Rays from the sun that account for solar energy reaching the skin.65% of these rays reach the dermal layer causing Photodamage.

Collagen -is the most abundant protein found in fibrous tissue such as skin ,connective tissue ,ligaments and tendons .Vital for giving skin its elasticity and strength.

Cosmeceutical -combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals with biologically active ingredients.

Dermaplaning – A safe physical exfoliation procedure performed on the face using a surgical medical blade and handle.This type of exfoliation will also remove vellus hair.This process should only be performed in a medical office.

Vellus Hair – Fine facial hair commonly known as “peach fuzz”

Elastin – is a protein in connective tissue that is elastic and allows many tissues in the body yo resume shape after stretching and contracting.Similar to collagen.

Epidermis-The outer ,protective ,nonvascular layer of the skin.

Erythema- redness of skin caused by dilation of capillaries,often a sign of inflammation or infection.

Fitzpatrick Scale -is a numerical classification for the color of skin that Estheticians go by.

Hyaluronic Acid -a component of connective tissue and is a valuable moisturizing factor because of its ability to bind moisture. It will attract 1000 times its weight in water.

Hydroquinone -A naturally derived antioxidant that can be found in a wide variety of plants such as berries ,wheat and grains, beans Tea ,coffee ,red wine onions and broccoli It inhibits color producing cells and helps to lighten brown spots. Used in skin care as a skin lightening agent.

Hyper-pigmentation -Darkening of an area of skin caused by increased melanin.(brown spots,age spots)

Melasma -A tan or dark skin discoloration .Usually found on forehead ,upper cheeks,nose,upper lip, chin .In pregnant women it is called Chloasma or the mask of pregnancy.

Medical Esthetician -an Esthetician with medical training that works for a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. they provide pre and post operative skin care treatments ,chemical peels ,microdermabrasion, dermaplaning and may use techniques such as laser and light therapy ,potent acids and other treatments only available at a physicians office.