Glossary

Please use this to help familiarize yourself with some of the terms used in our articles and also with terms used at your spa, salon or dermatologist. Some of these you may also find on our skin care products.

Acne and Blemishes A chronic disorder of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, acne falls into two categories. Inflammatory acne appears as pimples, pustules, or cysts, which can cause scarring. Non- inflammatory acne appears as blackheads or whiteheads. Acne occurs when excess oil builds up within a pore. When the sebum is exposed to air and darkens, it will produce a blackhead. If it becomes infected with bacteria, it will become an inflamed blemish. A common skin concern, acne can emerge at any age, especially during hormonal change.

Dark Spots, Discoloration, and Uneven Skin Tone Unwanted variations in skin tone are typically an accumulation of (or loss of) melanin, which gives skin its color. These generally appear as brown spots, age spots, blotches, or freckles. An imbalance in skin tone can result from UV exposure, hyperpigmentation, hormonal changes, or acne scarring.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles Creases, folds, or ridges on the skin's surface are typically the result of tissue damage caused by to UV and free radicals, repeated facial expressions, and/or lack of hydration. With age, cells are slower to regenerate and collagen production decreases, resulting in a thinning of the skin, which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.

Firmness and Elasticity Elastin, found in the dermis, is a protein that provides the skin with a natural resilience. With its ability to coil and uncoil, this spring-like protein is responsible for elasticity and firmness. When elastin is in abundance, the skin can easily regain its original state after UV exposure, hormonal changes, and other factors. Over time, however, there is a natural loss of elastin, which decreases the skin's ability to return to its previous shape.

Dryness When the skin's natural layer of lipids is depleted, its protective barrier breaks down (making skin more vulnerable to damage from environmental stressors) and it loses the ability to effectively seal in moisture. A lack of hydration or oil can be caused by overexposure to the elements, low humidity levels, excessive exposure to hot water, chemicals, or aging. Dry skin conditions range from tightness and light flaking to extreme roughness and an excess buildup of dead cells. Often uncomfortable and itchy, dry skin can also accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.