Glossary of Terms
Allergens are substances that cause an exaggerated or pathological reaction when they come in contact with body tissue by skin absorption, ingestion or inhalation. Antiseptics inhibit the growth of germs and microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Astringents have a tightening, constricting action on the skin. Anti-Oxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation. The term anti-oxidant is frequently linked with the term “free radicals” because anti-oxidants protect living cells from free radical damage. Anti-oxidants such as vitamin A (including beta carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, bioflavonoids, selenium, zinc, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, pycnogenol, and aloe vera can help prevent free radical damage and premature aging of the skin. It is thought that these substances may be more effective for the skin when applied externally than if used internally, because a direct application will not be used elsewhere in the body.
Biodegradable means that a substance can be broken down by microorganisms to its organic components.
Creams are a cosmetic formulation that is the result of an emulsion (see) of water and oil. The water softens and moisturizes the skin while the oil protects it from the environment and moisture loss. Creams are thicker in consistency than lotions.
Emollients are conditioners that soothe, soften, and protect the skin. Emulsions are the suspension of either water-in-oil or oil-in-water. This suspension prevents the water and oil from separating.
Emulsifiers enable an oil to be dispersed in water or water to be dispersed in oil. (Normally, water and oil do not mix.)
Enzymes are complex proteins that act as catalysts for biochemical reactions in the body.
Essential Oils are volatile oils obtained from a variety of plant parts (leaf, flower, bark, root, stem, or seed), usually by distillation.
Exfoliants are used to encourage the sloughing off of old, dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
Extracts result from combining a soluble substance with a solvent such as an herb in alcohol.
Free Radicals are molecular particles-unstable atoms that have an unpaired electron. When trying to stabilize, they steal another atom’s electron. As the first becomes stabilized, the other then has an unpaired electron, becoming a free radical … and it continues as a chain reaction. Although the body is capable of handling some free radicals, the amount created in the body by today’s environment may be overwhelming. Over-exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, infections or disease, physical or mental exhaustion, hormonal imbalance, pollution, alcohol, fatty foods, and cigarette smoke all contribute to the formation of free radicals. Free radicals increase oxidation, damage cells, and promote degenerative changes associated with disease and aging. The skin reflects this onslaught of free radical damage in the form of dryness, wrinkling, loss of elasticity, and “age spots.”
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