Beauty & Wellness Glossary
A
- Acne
- A common skin condition characterized by inflamed or infected sebaceous glands, resulting in pimples, especially on the face, back, and chest.
- Anti-Aging
- An outdated way to refer to products or treatments designed to prevent or reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity, helping individuals maintain a youthful appearance. A modern way to refer to this is well-aging.
- Antioxidants
- Compounds found in foods and skincare products that neutralize free radicals, which can cause damage to skin cells and accelerate aging.
- Aromatherapy
- The use of essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds to improve physical and emotional well-being.
- Aesthetics
- The study of beauty, glamor, and the principles of pleasing arrangement.
- Ayurveda
- An ancient holistic healing system from India that emphasizes balance in bodily systems through diet, herbal treatments, and yogic breathing.
B
- Beauty and Wellness Coaching
- Beauty and Wellness Coaching involves a holistic approach to helping individuals achieve their beauty and wellness goals. Coaches provide personalized support, guidance, and strategies that go beyond just physical appearance, considering factors such as nutrition, stress management, and self-confidence. This approach empowers individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes that enhance their overall wellbeing.
- Botanical Skincare
- Skincare products made from plant-based ingredients, including herbs, flowers, and essential oils.
- Botox
- A cosmetic treatment involving the injection of Botulinum toxin to temporarily paralyze muscles and reduce wrinkles, widely used for minimizing facial lines.
C
- Chemical Peel
- A skin-resurfacing treatment where a chemical solution exfoliates and eventually peels off the top layer of skin, altering texture, tone, and addressing concerns like acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
- Clean Beauty
- Striving to be free from as many possible ingredients that can be harmful to the human body or one’s well-being. The ingredients are safer, start with a nontoxic base, and are backed by standards that ensure attentive evaluation. It’s beauty that is considerate, ethical, and fully transparent, limiting or even eliminating levels of risk to the consumer.
- Collagen
- A protein that provides structure to the skin, helping it stay firm and youthful. Collagen production naturally decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging.
- Comedogenic
- A term used to describe ingredients that are likely to clog pores, leading to the formation of blackheads and acne.
- Contouring
- A makeup technique using shading and highlighting to define and enhance facial structure, creating the illusion of more defined features like a slimmer nose or higher cheekbones.
- Cruelty-Free
- Products that are not tested on animals at any stage of production, often certified by recognized organizations like Leaping Bunny or PETA.
D
- Dermabrasion
- A cosmetic procedure that removes outer skin layers using a rotating instrument, effective for rejuvenating the skin’s surface and achieving a smoother complexion.
- Dermaplaning
- A cosmetic procedure that exfoliates the top layer of skin with a scalpel, removing dead skin cells and peach fuzz for smoother skin and better absorption of skincare products.
- Dermatology
- The branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, crucial for managing skin conditions and maintaining overall skin health.
- Detoxification
- The process of removing toxins from the body, often through diet, skincare, or specialized treatments like detox baths.
- Double Cleansing
- A skincare method that involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
E
- Elastin
- A protein in the skin that allows it to stretch and bounce back, maintaining its shape. Like collagen, elastin production decreases with age.
- Energy Healing
- Energy healing encompasses alternative therapies that focus on channeling and balancing the body's energy to promote physical and emotional healing. Practices like Reiki and acupuncture are often used in energy healing.
- Exfoliation
- The process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to promote cell turnover and a smoother, brighter complexion. This can be done chemically with acids or mechanically with scrubs.
F
- Free Radicals
- Unstable molecules that can damage skin cells, leading to premature aging. They are often caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation.
G
- Glycolic Acid
- An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane that exfoliates the skin, improving texture, tone, and overall radiance.
H
- Holistic Health
- An approach to wellness that considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—rather than focusing on specific symptoms or diseases.
- Hyaluronic Acid
- A substance naturally found in the skin that holds moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. It is often used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties.
- Hydration
- The process of maintaining skin moisture to keep it soft, supple, and healthy, essential for preventing dryness and the appearance of fine lines.
- Hyperpigmentation
- A condition where certain areas of the skin become darker due to excess melanin production, with treatments like chemical peels and brightening serums being popular for evening skin tone.
L
- Life Balance
- Life balance involves finding harmony among various aspects of life, such as work, family, social activities, and personal time. Striving for balance helps prevent burnout and supports overall wellbeing.
- Lip Fillers
- A condition where certain areas of the skin become darker due to excess melanin production, with treatments like chemical peels and brightening serums being popular for evening skin tone.
- Lymphatic Drainage
- A gentle massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to remove toxins and reduce swelling, particularly in the face.
M
- Microbiome
- The collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live on and in the body, playing a crucial role in skin health and overall wellness.
- Mindfulness
- A mental practice that involves focusing on the present moment with a non-judgmental awareness, often used in stress reduction and emotional wellness.
- Moisturizer
- A skincare product designed to hydrate and soften the skin by forming a barrier to prevent moisture loss, essential for maintaining skin hydration and preventing dryness.
N
- Natural Aging
- The process of aging gracefully by embracing natural changes in the body and skin, often with the support of holistic practices and non-invasive treatments.
- Natural Ingredients
- Ingredients derived from natural sources such as plants, minerals, and animals, favored for being gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly.
- Non-Comedogenic
- A term used to describe skincare products formulated to not clog pores, making them suitable for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
P
- Parabens
- A group of synthetic compounds used as preservatives in cosmetics and skincare products, which have raised concerns due to potential health risks.
- Peptides
- Short chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin in the skin, often used in anti-aging skincare.
- pH Balance
- The level of acidity or alkalinity in the skin, with a balanced pH (typically around 5.5) being essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
- Plant-Based Diet
- A diet consisting primarily of foods derived from plants, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, and legumes, often associated with improved health and wellness.
R
- Retinol
- A derivative of vitamin A used in skincare for its anti-aging benefits, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin texture and tone.
S
- Self-Care
- Self-care encompasses intentional actions taken to prioritize one's physical, mental, and emotional health. It involves setting aside time for relaxation, engaging in activities that bring joy, and implementing routines and interventions that support overall wellbeing.
- Self-Connection
- The process of cultivating a deep, authentic relationship with oneself, involving awareness, acceptance, and alignment with one's true self.
- Serum
- A lightweight, fast-absorbing skincare product with a high concentration of active ingredients, designed to target specific skin concerns like wrinkles, pigmentation, or dehydration.
- SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
- A measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer.
- Stress Management
- Stress management techniques help individuals cope with and reduce stress levels. These techniques may include relaxation exercises, time management strategies, and mindfulness practices to promote mental and emotional equilibrium.
- Sulfates
- Cleansing agents commonly found in shampoos and body washes, known for their foaming properties but sometimes associated with skin irritation.
- Sustainable Beauty
- Beauty practices and products that prioritize environmental responsibility, including the use of renewable resources, eco-friendly packaging, and ethical sourcing.
V
- Vegan Skincare
- Skincare products made without animal-derived ingredients, suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.
W
- Wellness Coaching
- A service that guides individuals towards healthier lifestyle choices, encompassing areas like diet, exercise, stress management, and overall well-being.
Z
- Zinc Oxide
- A mineral sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, known for its gentle, non-irritating properties.
This glossary is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource to help promote a holistic approach to beauty, wellness, and self-care.