Main Skin Vocabulary 

Acid Mantle

The natural acidic outer layer of the skin that helps prevent bacterial invasion.

Actenic Keratosis

Pre-cancerous growth that may occur because of repeated sun damage.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Naturally-occurring acids found in sugar cane and citrus fruit. AHAs include lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, and pyruvic acid. Glycolic acid is the most popular of the AHAs, because it has the smallest molecular structure and most easily penetrates into the skin's surface. AHAs have the ability to remove and loosen cells from the stratum corneum (skin surface), causing the skin to look smoother and making wrinkles less noticeable. The use of AHAs also helps retain moisture in the surface layers of the skin.

Arbutin

A natural skin-lightening agent composed of glucose and hydroquinone. It is extracted from bearberry plants.

Aromatherapy

The use of essential oils for healing the body, mind, and spirit.

Chemical Peel

The application of product to the skin to remove dead or damaged cells of the epidermis, improving skin texture, and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. The term peel is misleading, as the procedure is not intended to remove live tissue, only dead or damaged cells from the stratum corneum (skin surface). Deeper penetrating procedures with high concentrations of exfoliating chemicals are intended for a dermatologist's use.

Comedogenic

An ingredient or product that increases the accumulation of dead cells within the follicles (increased retention hyperkeratosis) when applied to the skin, leading to blackhead formation and acne flare-ups

Effleurage

A type of massage stroke. A firm or light soothing, stroking movement that doesn't drag the skin, using either the pads of the fingertips or the palms.

Enzymatic Exfoliation

Exfoliation that relies on biological action rather than physical abrasion. This type of exfoliation is applied to the skin and then rinsed off. The enzymes used dissolve keratin in the skin, thereby removing dead cells and supporting the natural process of exfoliation. Papain from papaya is an example of one of these enzymes.

Enzyme Peel

A body exfoliation treatment that uses ingredients such as protein enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that chemically dissolve dead skin cells without the surface abrasive action of other body exfoliation treatments. AHAs are naturally-occurring acids found in sugarcane and citrus fruit. Glycolic acid is the most popular of the AHAs because it has the smallest molecular structure. The enzyme peel is typically applied as a body mask and provides a period of relaxation for the client until the treatment is rubbed or washed off, depending on the product manufacturer's instructions.

Essential Oils

Volatile plant oils, extracted from certain aromatic plants, that have both physiological and psychological effects on the human body.

pH

The measurement of any substance's acidity. Neutral pH is 7.0 (the pH of pure water). Substances with a pH of less than 7.0 are acids; the lower the pH, the stronger the acid. Substances with a pH higher than 7.0 are bases (alkaline); the higher the pH, the stronger the base. Healthy skin is naturally slightly acidic. Substances with a very high or low pH are irritating to the skin and may cause chemical burns.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis of the skin. This layer provides the skin with its barrier function.

Ultraviolet A (UVA) Rays

Sometimes referred to as the "aging rays," these rays from the sun penetrate deeper into the skin than ultraviolet B rays and cause photosensitivity reactions.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) Rays

Sometimes referred to as the "burning rays," these rays from the sun are the primary rays associated with skin damage and skin cancer from sun exposure

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