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Cosmedic Glossary
Aloe Vera- Aloe Vera has numerous medicinal and cosmetic properties. Creams made of Aloe Vera are used with beneficial results in skin eruptions and allergies. Aloe Vera is also used for the treatment of bruises and burns. It is a cellular regenerator and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects. Skin products specially formulated for wrinkles, aging, pimples, skin rashes, allergies and skin problems contain Aloe Vera as an important ingredient.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - Natural AHA is manufactured from various fruits (such as grapes, citrus fruits and apples) as well as sugar cane and are rich in sugars that play a role in the exfoliation process.
The AHA molecules successfully penetrate into the epidermis and break the cellular bonds enabling and facilitating a natural, quicker and more effective exfoliation. It is used in peeling treatments for the removal of dead skin cells present on the top of the epidermis and this will have the effect of renewing and improvement the overall complexion, illuminating hyper-pigmentation and achieving a smooth, younger look. Among these the most popular are the glycolic acid, the lactic acid and the citric acid. Return to cosmedics glossary of cosmeceutical terms. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) - made by the body however its production diminishes with age. In cosmetics is known as an important antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals which damage our skin. It is unique and more effective than other antioxidant because it is both water and fat soluble and the body cells are made up of both materials. Antioxidants - protect the skin cells from oxidative damage which is cause by free radicals and which may cause wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation. Well known antioxidants are vitamins A, C and E. In the past years, research has shown that through the topical application of vitamins an antioxidant effect is achieved and this benefits the skin`s health.
Coenzyme Q10 - a vitamin- like antioxidant, synthesized in the body and present in every cell of the body. It plays a role in the production of energy within the cells as well in the renewal of the skin and fights free radicals which damage the skin cell thus delays premature aging. It also improves absorption of various vitamins by the skin cells, improves natural cellular exchange and building collagen in the skin. From the age of 40 or as a result of certain mediations taken by liver patients, the level of coenzyme Q10 in the body lowers and research has shown that topical application may help improve the skin.
Collagen - a protein, the most important in the skin because it is responsible for its elasticity and strength. With time, its production decreases and the fibers weaken and loose form causing the skin to look saggy, tired and wrinkled. Research has shown that vitamin C plays the role of co-producer in collagen synthesis and products with a high percentage will improve collagen`s structure.
Cosmedics - A fusion of cosmetics and medical science which offers a range of clinically effective non-surgical results-oriented treatments to achieve the best possible results for your skin and your well-being.
Cosmeceuticals - represent a marriage between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Like cosmetics, cosmeceuticals are topically applied, but they contain ingredients that influence the biological function of the skin. Cosmeceuticals improve appearance, but they do so by delivering nutrients necessary for healthy skin. Cosmeceuticals are the fastest-growing segment of the natural personal care industry.
Elastin - It is a protein elastic fiber that gives the skin its elasticity. These thin fibers allow the skin to retain its original shape and with the years, as its production diminishes it influences the skin`s elasticity and firmness loss.
Free radicals - Created when oxygen produces by-products during normal cellular metabolism. More accurately, this reactive oxygen ‘steals’ electrons from proteins, DNA and cell membranes, damaging tissue. If left unchecked, free radicals may cause heart damage, cancer, cataracts, and a weak immune system. Free radicals may be involved with aging of tissue; and coupled with sun damage, could promote skin cancers.
While free radicals are produced by normal human metabolism, they can be increased by smoking, alcohol, exposure to heavy metals, and radiation. Milli Capsules - a air-tight encapsulation that preserves the serum's efficiency. This is a unique patent that maintains the sensitive vitamins, such as vitamin C, fresh and active until it is applied on the skin to maximize visible benefits to the skin in the shortest possible time. They are found in the C the Success, D-Red and Multi-Vitamin serums.
Peptides - These chemical compounds are made up of amino acid chains and represent the building blocks of proteins. They are used today in medicine and in the cosmetic industry.
Return to cosmedics glossary of cosmeceutical terms
pH - pH is a measurement unit which represents the acidity or alkalinity of a solution and is valued along a scale where the value 7 is neutral and lower (6.9-0) represent increasing acidity while higher (7.1-14) represent increased alkalinity. In cosmetics various pH levels are used to help control and balance the complexion or to produce a change, accordingly and depending on the professional`s goal. Pomegranate -This ancient fruit has been found to have a variety of beneficial health effects secondary to its high level of antioxidants which can help to prevent cell damage.
Several recent studies have shown pomegranate's ability to improve wound healing, resulting in faster repair of skin cuts and scrapes. It also appears to play a positive role in the repair of skin damaged due to sun exposure and aging. Extracts of pomegranate are thought to exert their positive effects on skin aging by extending the life of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin.
Rejuvination of the skin - Thanks to modern skin care technology, the effects of aging on the skin caused by heredity, lifestyle, and environmental factors no longer have to be accepted as permanent. Today there are many facial rejuvenation options for individuals who would like to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, treat skin problems such as acne and rosacea, or enhance their facial skin care regimen to achieve a look that’s healthy and natural.
Retinol - Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, known as one of the most powerful antioxidant in our body. Retin A, a derivative of vitamin A, has been proven to have the ability to repair skin damage like these caused by over exposure to sun, and also to smooth wrinkles and expression lines and to improve the skin`s firmness. It has also been found that vitamin A or Retinol has a positive effect on acne and acne prone complexions.
Sea Buckthorn - a well recognized source of traditioanl herbal medicines and modern vitamins and nutrients. It has been used around the world in anti-aging and medicinal skin care products and dietary supplements with nourishing revitalizing, and restorative action. Due to the high content of nutrients essential for the metabolism of skin cells, Sea Buckthorn oil is used to combat wrinkles, dryness and other symptoms of malnourished or prematurely aging skin.
Serum- The term is borrowed from the world of biology and in cosmetics it is used to describe a product that has a high concentration of active ingredients which works to rehabilitate, nourish, calm and care for the complexion. These formulations are used as a booster and improve the effect of the creams; they may be used on their own to bestow the skin with a smooth, beautiful and glamorous esthetic.
Skin texture - Appearance of the skin which may be rough, smooth, dull, dry and scaly.
Skin tone - Skin color. Discolorations of the skin are very common and are mostly caused by dryness or irritation, and the cumulative effects of the sun and wind over time.
Skin types - Knowing your skin type is necessary in order to make a right decision about a prpper skin care or treatment, which is suitable for your particular skin needs. To always look great, the first step is to determine your sin type so that you can match it with the best recommended methods to improve your look and slow the aging process. Generally, we can single out five basic skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive, with each having particular characteristics and requiring specific care and/or treatment.
Soy and skin - Other than the internal benefits attributed to soy, recent research has shown that soy possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on skin. The component in soy responsible for these effects are isoflavones, a class of plant compounds abundant in soybeans. In the skin, isoflavones have been shown to work in two important ways:
1. Stimulate collagen – which helps to increase the skin’s supporting structure, thereby increasing its thickness and elasticity.
2. Inhibit matrix metallo-proteinases, enzymes that break down the network of protein that make up the skin’s support layer. Return to cosmedics glossary of cosmeceutical terms
Vitamin A - Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, known as one of the most powerful antioxidant in our body. Retin A, a derivative of vitamin A, has been proven to have the ability to repair skin damage like these caused by over exposure to sun, and also to smooth wrinkles and expression lines and to improve the skin`s firmness. It has also been found that vitamin A or Retinol has a positive effect on acne and acne prone complexions. Vitamin C - Vitamin C is one of the most effective anti oxidants and is also a key player in the process of collagen production. Research has shown that topical application of vitamin C can improve the "re-interweaving" of these fibers in mature complexions. This vitamin is also known to have an illuminating effect on the complexion and it protects from photo-aging and environmental stress.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E acts as an anti oxidant, protects against free radicals and protects the skin from sun radiation. It is also essential to the improvement of the skin`s moisture level and loss of moisture in the epidermis. Vitamin H - Vitamin H, known also as Biotin, plays an important role in the skin`s health since it is necessary for the production of proteins, composed of amino acids. Well known proteins are collagen and elastin, both essential for the flexibility and the strength of the skin`s texture. Research has pointed to a correlation between a lack in Vitamin H and seborheea, an excessive sebum discharge by the sebaceous glands that cause the complexion to look and feel oily and unpleasant.
Vitamin K - Vitamin K is produced in the body and it helps speed blood clotting, helps calm and soothe sensitive and damaged skin and treats skin that shows signs of couperose. It is used by doctors and plastic surgeons to prevent bleeding and blood hemorrhages.
Wild yam - now used extensively in cosmetic creams for the effects of the phyto-hormones it contains. These phyto-hormones have an androgenic-like function and when applied cosmetically help maintain a youthful appearance in sun damaged and ageing skin.
Wrinkle - a fold, ridge or crease in the skin. Skin wrinkles typically appear as a result of aging processes such as gkycation or, temporarily, as the result of prolonged (more than a few minutes) immersion in water. Wrinkling in the skin is caused by habitual facial expressions, aging, sun damage.
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