Beauty Buzzwords

If you are confused about the various claims and ingredients in your skincare products. Check out  what they mean here in your guide tot eh most commonly found skincare jargon.

This means that every  ingredient used in the product has gone thru exacting test to ensure that they are safe to use and that theres just minimum risk of causing allergy.

Aloe Vera

The juice from the leaves of this cactus-type plant, is often used in skin care ingredients because of its soothing, protecting  and moisturizing qualities.

Antioxidants

Work by mopping up and absorbing free radicals (highly reactive molecules that can damage your skin and cause premature aging) form your skin. Good antioxidants are the Vitamins A, C and E.

Benzoyl Peroxide

An ingredient commonly used in over-the-counter spot and acne treatments. It gently peels the surface skin and unclogs blocked follicles which can cause spots.

Cocoa Butter

Comes from the seeds of the cacao tree in tropical climates. Cocoa butter is an excellent moisturizer , especially for dry skin on the body.

Collagen

An elastic type of substance  in the underlying tissues of your skin that provide support and springiness. Collagen is a popular ingredient in skincare treatments, although its doubtful if a molecule of this size can actually penetrate the skin.

Dermatologically Tested

Means  the product has been patch tested on a panel of human volunteers to monitor it for any tendency to cause irritation. This also means that such products are suitable for sensitive skins.

Elastin

Fibers in the underlying layer of your skin, rather like collagen, which help give it strength and elasticity.

Exfoliation

The whisking away of top layers of dead surface cells from your skin, making it look brighter and feel smoother.

Fruit acids

These are also known as AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids. They are commonly found in natural products , such as fruit, sour milk and wine. AHAs are included in many face cream because they work by breaking down the protein bonds that hold the dead cells together on the surface of the skin, to reveal newer fresher skin underneath.

Humectants

Are ingredients often found in moisturizers as they work by attracting moisture to themselves as so keep the surface layers of your skin well hydrated.

Hypoallergenic

These products are usually fragrance free, contain the minimum of colouring agents and no known irritants or sensitizers. This is not a total guarantee that one will have no allergic reaction to them. Some people are allergic to water!!

Jojoba oil

A gentle, non-irritant oil which makes an excellent  moisturizer  as  it  is  easily absorbed into the skin and helps improve the condition of the hair and scalp.

Lanolin free

Means a product doesn't contain anolin. At one time it was thought that lanolin was a skin allergen, although evidence now seems to show that lanolin is even suitable for sensitive skins.

Liposomes

Tiny fluid-filled  spheres  of the  same material  that  forms  cell  membranes. Their very small size is said to let them penetrate  into  the  skin's  living  cells, where they act as  delivery parcels that release their active ingredients.

Milia

Another word for whiteheads small pimples on the skin. Oil produced from the sebaceous glands gathers to form a white plug that is trapped under the skin. You can try to remove these by gently squeezing with tissue-covered fingers or treat them with an antibacterial cream.

Non-comedogenic

Means the product has been screened to eliminate ingredients which can clog the follicles  and encourage blackheads  and spots (a comedo is a blackhead). It's particularly useful or oily skins.

Oil of Evening Primrose

It is very  useful for helping your skin retain its moisture. It's a wonderful moisturizer, particularly for dry or very dry skins, as it hydrates, protects and soothes. Many sufferers of eczema find it useful.

pH balanced

Refers to the pH scale, which measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Seven means that it is neutral. Any number below that is acidic, and numbers above are alkaline. Healthy skin has a slightly acidic reading, so pH balanced skincare products are slightly acidic to maintain this natural optimum level.

SPF

Stands for Sun Protection Factor. It tells you how long the sun cream or moisturizer will protect you from the sun's ultra-violet B  (UVB) rays.  The higher the number, the more protection it gives you.

T-zone

The T-zone is the area across the forehead and down the centre of the face where the oil glands and sweat glands of the face are most concentrated.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays

UVB rays will burn and damage your skin if you sunbathe too long. UVA rays are strong all year round and cause ageing and wrinkling of the skin. Guard against this with a broad-spectrum sun cream, which contains both UVA and UVB filters to protect you year round.

Vitamin E

Often used in moisturizers because it can help combat dryness and the signs of ageing. Its also useful for helping to heal scars and burns.

Water soluble

Cleansers are described as water soluble when they contain oils to dissolve grime and make-up from the skin. They have the added bonus that they can be easily rinsed away from. the skin with plenty of fresh, clean water.