Skincare & Facial Glossary
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
Water-soluble exfoliating acids derived from sources such as sugar cane, milk, or fruit. AHAs help remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface, improving texture, brightness, and the appearance of fine lines. Common AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid.
Antioxidants (Facial)
Ingredients that help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules generated by factors such as UV exposure and pollution. Common antioxidants used in facials include vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract.
BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)
Oil-soluble exfoliating acids that can penetrate into pores to dissolve excess oil and debris. Salicylic acid is the most common BHA and is often used for acne-prone or congested skin.
Collagen (Facial)
A protein naturally found in the skin that provides firmness, structure, and support. Facial treatments may use collagen-containing products or techniques designed to support the skin’s natural collagen production.
Comedones
Clogged pores that appear as blackheads (open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones).
Contouring (Facial)
Massage techniques or specialized treatments that help define facial features by reducing temporary puffiness, stimulating circulation, and promoting lymphatic drainage.
Decongestion (Facial)
The process of clearing clogged pores, excess oil, blackheads, and buildup from the skin to improve clarity and reduce breakouts.
Dehydrated Skin
Skin lacking water rather than oil. It may feel tight, dull, or sensitive.
Depilatory Creams
Chemical hair-removal products that dissolve hair at or just below the skin’s surface. They provide a temporary alternative to shaving, waxing, or threading.
Detoxification (Facial)
A facial treatment approach focused on removing impurities, excess oil, pollutants, and buildup from the skin. Detoxifying facials often include deep cleansing, exfoliation, masks, and extractions.
Double Cleanse
A two-step cleansing method that typically starts with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and remaining impurities.
Elastin (Facial)
A protein in the skin that allows it to stretch and return to its original shape. Elastin contributes to skin elasticity and resilience. Facial treatments may focus on supporting the skin structures associated with elasticity.
Exfoliation
The removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface through physical methods (scrubs, brushes) or chemical methods (AHAs, BHAs, PHAs). Exfoliation can improve texture, brightness, and product absorption.
Extractions
A procedure performed during some facials to manually remove blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pore contents using fingers, cotton, or specialized tools.
Facial Massage
Manual techniques applied to the face, neck, and sometimes shoulders to promote relaxation, improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and enhance the overall facial experience.
Hyperpigmentation
Darkened patches of skin caused by excess melanin production, often resulting from sun exposure, acne, or hormonal changes.
Hydration
The process of increasing the skin's water content to maintain softness, elasticity, and healthy function.
Inflammation
The body's natural response to injury, irritation, infection, or environmental stress. In skincare, inflammation may appear as redness, swelling, sensitivity, heat, or discomfort.
Lymphatic Drainage (Facial)
A gentle massage technique designed to encourage the movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system. It may help reduce temporary puffiness and support fluid balance in facial tissues.
Mask
A skincare treatment applied to the face for a set period to deliver specific benefits such as hydration, soothing, clarifying, brightening, or oil control.
Moisturizer
A product formulated to help maintain skin hydration by attracting water, sealing in moisture, and supporting the skin barrier.
Oxidation (Facial)
A chemical process in which skin components are exposed to oxygen and free radicals, potentially contributing to visible signs of aging and skin damage. Antioxidants are often used to help minimize oxidative stress.
Oxygenation (Facial)
A treatment concept focused on increasing the appearance of skin vitality and radiance through oxygen-based products or techniques. Oxygen facials are often marketed as refreshing and brightening treatments.
PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids)
A newer generation of chemical exfoliants that provide gentle exfoliation while attracting moisture to the skin. PHAs are often recommended for sensitive skin because they are less irritating than many AHAs.
Product Penetration (Facial)
The extent to which skincare ingredients are absorbed into the outer layers of the skin. Facial treatments often use cleansing, exfoliation, massage, or specialized devices to enhance ingredient delivery.
Purging (Facial)
A temporary increase in breakouts that can occur when certain active ingredients, such as retinoids or exfoliating acids, accelerate skin cell turnover and bring existing clogged pores to the surface more quickly.
Retinoids
A family of vitamin A derivatives used to improve skin cell turnover, reduce acne, soften fine lines, and improve overall skin texture and tone. Examples include retinol, retinal, and prescription retinoids.
Sebum
The natural oil produced by sebaceous glands that helps protect and moisturize the skin.
Serums
Lightweight, concentrated skincare products formulated with active ingredients designed to target specific concerns such as dehydration, discoloration, fine lines, or acne.
Skin Barrier
The outermost layer of the skin that protects against moisture loss and environmental irritants.
Skin Concern
A specific issue or goal a person wants to address through skincare, such as acne, dryness, redness, hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, or signs of aging.
Skin Condition
The current state of the skin, which can change over time due to factors such as environment, health, hormones, lifestyle, and skincare habits. Examples include dehydrated, irritated, congested, or sensitive skin.
Skin Type
A person's natural level of oil production and skin characteristics. Common skin types include normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive.
Sun Protection
Measures used to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade. Sun protection helps reduce sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer risk.
Toner
A liquid skincare product typically applied after cleansing to remove residual impurities, provide hydration, balance the skin's feel, and prepare the skin for subsequent products.
Vitamin C (Facial)
A facial serum used to help brighten the complexion, support antioxidant protection, improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, and enhance skin radiance.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a traditional scraping technique using a flat stone tool (often jade or quartz). It helps reduce puffiness, relieve muscle tension, and promote lymphatic drainage and circulation.
Cold Globes
Cold globes are chilled glass or metal globes used to soothe inflammation, reduce puffiness, and calm the skin. They help constrict blood vessels and are often used at the end of facials to reduce redness.
Hot Stones
Hot stones are smooth, heated stones used to relax muscles, increase circulation, and ease tension. In esthetics, smaller stones may be used on the face or body to enhance relaxation and product absorption.
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Jade Roller
A jade roller is a handheld rolling tool made of jade stone. It helps stimulate lymphatic flow, reduce puffiness, and enhance absorption of skincare products. Jade rollers are commonly used for facial massage.
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique that encourages lymph flow, reduces puffiness, and supports detoxification. Tools like rollers and Gua Sha stones are often used to enhance this effect.
Microcurrent
Microcurrent devices deliver low‑voltage electrical currents that mimic the body’s natural signals. They help tone facial muscles, improve contour, and support collagen production.
High Frequency
High‑frequency tools use a glass electrode that emits a mild electrical current. This produces oxygenating effects that help reduce acne-causing bacteria, calm inflammation, and stimulate circulation.
Hot/Cold Hammer
A hot/cold hammer is a dual‑function tool:
Hot side: opens pores, increases circulation, and enhances product penetration.
Cold side: reduces inflammation, soothes skin, and tightens pores.
Galvanic
Galvanic devices use direct electrical current to enhance product penetration (iontophoresis) and help soften sebum and debris in pores (desincrustation).
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic tools use high‑frequency vibrations to exfoliate the skin, remove debris, and enhance product absorption. They can also stimulate circulation and support lymphatic flow.
LED Light Therapy
LED therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to target skin concerns:
Blue light: reduces acne-causing bacteria.
Red light: supports collagen production and reduces fine lines.
Infrared: penetrates deeper to support healing.
Chemical Peel
A superficial chemical peel is a light exfoliating treatment in which a mild chemical solution—typically AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) or BHAs (like salicylic acid)—is applied to remove the outermost layer of the epidermis. This promotes smoother texture, brighter tone, and improved mild acne or dryness.
Dermaplane
Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation technique where an esthetician uses a sterile surgical scalpel to gently “shave” away dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the surface of the skin.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation treatment that uses a device with either fine crystals or a diamond‑tipped wand plus suction to gently remove the outer layer of dead skin cells.