Glossary

GLOSSARY

Alpha Hydroxy Acid
A group of non-toxic, organic substances found in naturally in many common fruits and foods (such as glycolic acid from sugar cane, malic acid from apples, tartaric acids from grapes, citric acids from citrus fruits and lactic acids from sour milk), widely referred to as “fruit acids”.

Antioxidants
A compound that prevents other compounds from oxidizing or become rancid.

Aromatherapy
The use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes and perfumery.

Botanical
A plant extract containing active plant constituents that can elicit certain biological responses when applied onto the skin.

Buffered
A chemical process by which a compound is added to a formulation in order to keep the formulations pH unchanged regardless of what else is added into it.

Dehydration
Loss of water or moisture.

Delivery System
The means by which an active ingredient is delivered to the site of action in the skin. Delivery systems can effect skin reaction, ingredient penetration and even ingredient efficacy.

Emollient
A plant extract containing active plant constituents that can elicit certain biological responses when applied onto the skin.

Exfoliation
The “sloughing away” of dead skin cells – part of the skin’s natural rejuvenation process.

Free radicals
Atoms or molecules with an unpaired electron. They are unstable, highly reactive, and are produced in the skin by Ultra Violet Light, heat, and radiation.

Glycolic Acid
The simplest of all Alpha Hydroxy acids, glycolic Acid is believed to have the greatest penetration potential due to its small molecular size. As a result, this fruit acid is believed to provide the greatest skin care benefits in comparison to other cosmetically used AHA’s (lactic, malic, citric, tartaric, etc.)

Humectant
Used in cosmetic formulation to increase moisture content. Humectants have the ability to bind moisture and are considered moisturisers.

Hyaluronic Acid
A natural acid, found in your skin, which helps hold connective tissue cells together. This substance has the ability to bind many times its weight in water, making it extremely hydrating for the skin.

Hydroquinone
An ingredient for lightening or bleaching age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation on the skin. Prescription only.

Hyperpigmentation
Excessive discoloration resulting in darker areas on the skin such as brown spots, age spots or live spots.

Liposome
Microscopic, hollow, lipid ( fat soluble) sphere which encapsulates and delivers an ingredient more deeply into the skins outer layer (stratum corneum).

Moisturiser
An ingredient or combination of ingredient which adds water to the skin’s surface.

Non-comodogenic
Will not clog pores.

Photosensitivity
Skin sensitivity caused by exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

Photodamage
Damage to the skin caused by overexposure e.g. fine lines, hyperpigmentation and thickened, dry skin.

Photosensitivity
Skin sensitivity caused by exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

Vitamin A
An essential Dietary substance necessary to maintain good vision and smooth, healthy skin.

Vitamin C
Helps to stimulate collagen synthesis, reverse thinning of the epidermis and provides UV protection.

Vitamin C Ester
Acts as an antioxidant against damaging free radicals.

Vitamin F
This fatty acid restores the skins barrier function by reducing trans Epidermal Water Loss.

Vitamin B5
Skin conditioning and moisturising. It also stimulates cell proliferation.

Vitamin K
Is essential for normal blood clotting and for vein health.

Vitamin E
(Tocopherol) – An excellent antioxidant and emollient.