Skincare Glossary

Lasers that vaporize thin layers of skin through intense heating to promote collagen remodeling.

A medication taken orally to treat psoriasis that should be avoided during pregnancy due to risk of birth defects.

Water-soluble acids used in skincare to brighten the skin.

Indented scars caused by destruction of collagen and fat under the skin's surface resulting in depressions.

An acid that helps reduce inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and acne.

An ingredient used in topical acne treatments that kills acne-causing bacteria.

Oil-soluble acids, like salicylic acid, that penetrate deeply into pores, helping with acne and skin texture.

Lipids that help form the skin's barrier and help skin retain moisture.

Sunscreens that work by absorbing UV rays, converting them into heat, and releasing them from the skin.

A protein that provides skin with structure, resulting in a firm and youthful appearance.

Refers to ingredients that can block pores and promote acne formation.

Anti-inflammatory medications often used to decrease redness, swelling and inflammation post-procedures.

A handheld device with many fine microneedles used to perform microneedling. Must be properly sterilized between uses.

Products tested by skin specialists (dermatologists) to ensure they don't cause irritation or adverse reactions.

The shedding and peeling of outer layers of skin.

Lasers that deliver light in small columns to delicately treat the skin without significant downtime.

A type of AHA that improves skin texture by exfoliating the skin.

Thick, raised scars that remain within scar borders.

A molecule used in skincare products that is advertised to help retain skin moisture, giving a youthful, plump appearance.

Supposedly less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Firm, raised scars that extend beyond the original injury borders and are difficult to treat.

A form of hyperpigmentation that causes brown patches typically on the face, commonly this occurs during pregnancy triggered by hormonal changes.

Instrument containing rows of thin needles that penetrate the dermis to a uniform depth, creating a controlled skin injury that leads to improved healing and cosmesis.

Sunscreens that use minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays away from the skin.

A form of vitamin B3 that is advertised to reduce inflammation and redness, and improve skin tone.

Refers to products that are designed not to block pores.

Preservatives used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Small proteins that are touted to stimulate collagen production, helping the skin to appear more youthful and healthy.

The skin region around the eye orbit.

The coloring of a person's skin due to the production of melanin.

Plasma extracted from the patient’s blood that contains concentrated growth factors to enhance healing.

Redness of skin that remains after an inflammation (e.g. acne lesion or other inflammatory condition) resolves.

Pyrithione zinc is a well-tolerated antimicrobial ingredient used in many everyday dandruff shampoos. It works by reducing Malassezia yeast on the scalp and calming inflammation, helping control flaking, itching, and mild–moderate seborrheic dermatitis without significant dryness or irritation.

Use of electromagnetic energy to generate heat and stimulate tissue remodeling.

A derivative of vitamin A that helps to turn over skin cells and reduce signs of aging.

Very similar to retinol, but prescription strength

Oil glands found all over the skin except for the palms and soles.

Selenium sulfide is a stronger antifungal and anti-seborrheic agent used in “clinical strength” dandruff shampoos. It decreases Malassezia, slows rapid skin-cell turnover, and reduces excess scalp oil, making it highly effective for more severe dandruff—though it can be more drying and less suitable for sensitive or color-treated hair.

Skin that easily reacts to different products or environmental factors, resulting in redness, itching, or other types of discomfort.

A skincare product with high concentrations of active ingredients, designed to deeply penetrate the skin.

A measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UV rays.

A hydrating ingredient derived from squalene, a compound produced naturally by our skin.

A procedure to detach tethered, indented scars from deeper tissues to raise them.

Sunscreen that contains a small amount of tint to offset the white cast that can be left by mineral sunscreens.

An antioxidant that protects skin from environmental damage and brightens the complexion.

The chalky film left on the skin by some sunscreen formulas, particularly those containing mineral ingredients.