Skin care glossary
... But what exactly is it?
Botox
The brand name of a toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. What it’s for: to temporarily paralyze the muscles that form movement-related lines, such as frown lines in the forehead; to block the production of sweat from sweat glands from the underarm and palm area; to reduce or cease uncontrolled blinking or migraines.
Chemical peel
A technique in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to separate and eventually peel off, allowing new skin to regenerate. What it’s for: to improve the appearance by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, melasma and dullness; to treat certain types of acne.
Dermabrasion
A surgical procedure in which the upper layer of skin is abraded, or sanded away, with a specialized instrument. What it’s for: to remove age spots, skin lesions, wrinkles or acne scars; to smooth the skin.
Endovenous Laser Treatmen
A procedure in which a laser fiber is used to treat large varicose veins from the inside. What it’s for: closing off large source varicosities that cause secondary varicosities.
Filler
Materials such as collagen, hyaluronic acid (eg. Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra plus), calcium hydroxyapetite (Radiesse) or poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra), or fats that are injected underneath the skin. What it’s for: to plump up tissue underneath the skin, promoting a fuller and smoother appearance; to stimulate a building and lifting effect.
Fractional rejuvenation
A noninvasive laser resurfacing technique that targets damaged areas of skin. What it’s for: to treat wrinkles, skin discoloration, broken blood vessels, and early conditions that may lead to cancerous skin growths.
Free radical
A potentially harmful atom or molecule, which may cause cell damage. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables are thought to best counteract the damage created by free radicals. Visit cancer.gov for more information.
Laser surgery
A surgical procedure using one or more lasers (an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) What it’s for: to treat diseases or skin conditions, both cosmetic and noncosmetic.
Microdermabrasion
A nonsurgical procedure in which chemical or abrasive agents such as tiny crystals are sprayed on the skin. What it’s for: to improve or eliminate superficial skin problems such as fine lines, dull skin, age or brown spots or mild acne scars.
Photodynamic therapy
A procedure in which a topical medication is applied to sun-damaged skin, which is then treated with laser therapy. What it’s for: can treat acne, and early conditions that may lead to skin cancer
Sclerotherapy
A chemical is injected into a varicose vein, which damages, scars and closes the inside lining of the vein. What it’s for: To reduce and/or eliminate varicose veins.
Sun Protection Factor
The SPF rating indicates how long a sunscreen remains effective once applied. Multiple the rating by how long it normally takes you to develop a sunburn while not wearing sunscreen; if, for example, that’s only 10 minutes, an SPF rating of 15 will help delay the onset on sunburn for 150 minutes. Currently, the SPF rating refers only to a product’s ability to provide protection from UVB, but not UVA, rays.
Ultraviolet radiation, A and B
In other words, sunlight. UVA rays have longer wavelengths and penetrate more deeply into the skin, exposing the skin to premature aging and playing a role in the development of skin cancer. Studies have shown that UVA rays, which can pass through window glass, can weaken the body’s immune system, making it more susceptible to cancer and other diseases. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and contribute to more immediate skin damage, such as sunburn and skin cancer. UVB rays are blocked by window glass, but only partially blocked by clouds and fog.
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