Skin Care Glossary: Popular Terms and Treatments Defined

Skin Care Definitions

There’s been a significant increase in the number of skincare products and cosmetic procedures over the past 10 years.

This means that patients have more options, but so many choices can become overwhelming. Especially, if you’re not fully versed in popular terms and treatments.

So, here’s a skincare glossary to help you better navigate the world of plastic surgery and dermatology from A to Z.

Botox

A cosmetic injectable that relaxes wrinkles and lines for smoother and more youthful skin.

It can also treat a variety of medical conditions including migraine headaches, teeth grinding, and excessive sweating.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is one of the most popular body contouring procedures to reduce stubborn fat pockets without surgery, incisions, or downtime.

This non-invasive treatment freezes and destroys fat cells, which are naturally eliminated from the body by the lymphatic system.

Clear+Brilliant

This laser resurfacing treatment creates microscopic injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin.

Clear + Brilliant is an excellent way to target hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne scars, dull texture and tone with zero recovery.

A series of treatments (four to six) is generally needed for best results.

Collagen

Collagen is an essential protein that makes up the majority of connective tissue in the body.

It provides strength and elasticity to the skin and has healing properties for cell rejuvenation, which keeps the skin looking smooth, supple, and young.

Copper Peptides

These amino acids combat the signs of aging that develop from sun exposure, free radicals, and environmental hazards.

They also promote the growth of collagen and elastin, heal damaged skin, and can assist in the treatment of hair loss.

Eczema

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is often characterized by itchy, red, and bumpy skin on the cheeks, neck, elbows, knees, ankles, scalp, face, ears, and chest.

It can also present as blisters that may ooze and weep or skin that is thickened, elevated, and scaly.

Some of the most common causes of eczema include: allergens, exposure to irritants, mites, fungus, poor vascular circulation in the legs, genetics, stress, and immune system responses.

Elastin

This protein is found in connective tissue and is responsible for the skin’s ability to return to its position after stretching. Collagen production slows with age, and it can be easily damaged by the sun’s harmful rays.

Filler

Dermal fillers are injectable products that restore volume, augment facial features, improve contours and symmetry, and diminish wrinkles and folds.

They are frequently used on the lips, under eyes, cheeks, temples, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.

HydraFacial

This multitasking skincare treatment employs a patented Vortex technology to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and infuse skin with nourishing serums, antioxidants, and peptides.

The HydraFacial is ultra-gentle and a safe way for all skin types to achieve a brighter, smoother, and more even complexion.

Hyperpigmentation

A broad term to describe darkening of the skin, and it can present as sun spots, melasma, or post-acne discoloration.

It occurs when there’s an overproduction of melanocytes, which are pigment-producing skin cells.

Juvederm

Juvederm is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler manufactured by Allergan-the company that’s also responsible for Botox.

Juvederm Voluma XC

A hyaluronic acid filler that’s tailored to treat age-related volume loss in the cheeks.

Juvederm Ultra XC

A hyaluronic acid filler created to plump lips for added fullness.

Juvederm Volbella

For a subtle lip enhancement or to soften lines around the mouth, this hyaluronic acid filler delivers natural results.

Juvederm Vollure XC

This hyaluronic acid filler is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles.

It’s the only hyaluronic acid filler that’s FDA-approved to last 18 months.

Kybella

Kybella is a fat-dissolving injectable that is made of deoxycholic acid and is FDA-approved to reduce submental fullness.

It’s a go-to treatment for double chins, and patients typically need a series of 2-4 sessions.

Laser

A device that operates at various wavelengths to emit light-based energy.

Lasers can be used to treat hyperpigmentation, unwanted hair and tattoos, wrinkles, fine lines, spider veins, and broken blood vessels.

Melanin

Melanin is produced by skin cells known as melanocytes and provides color to skin, hair, and eyes.

Melasma

A skin condition that presents as dark patches on the forehead, cheeks, chin, and upper lip.

It’s commonly caused by hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and oral contraceptives, UV rays, and heat.

Microneedling

Also referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy, microneedling is a non-surgical, non-laser, and non-thermal treatment that uses very thin needles to puncture the skin and induce a wound-healing effect.

As a result, it stimulates new collagen and elastin for a smoother and brighter complexion.

Restylane

The Restylane line of hyaluronic acid fillers have an innovative NASHA technology which uses different sized particles for precise facial correction.

Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, and Restylane Defyne are FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane and Restylane Silk are cleared for augmentation of the lips.

Smoothing of fine lines around the mouth can be accomplished using Restylane Silk. Restylane Lyft can improve the appearance of hallow or sagging cheeks.

Retin A

Retin A is a brand of tretinoin that is based on vitamin A. It’s a topical treatment for acne and can also diminish wrinkles and improve overall skin quality.

Retinol

A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is a potent anti-aging ingredient. It’s frequently used in skincare products to promote skin cell renewal and stimulate collagen.

To learn more about skincare products and treatments, please contact Cultura in Washington DC today to schedule a consultation.