glossary of health and beauty terms

Abrasive - A variety of abrasive based nail polishes can be used to effectively remove ridges from nails.

Absorbent - A characteristic of a good powder make-up, which absorbs both the watery and greasy shine of the skin.

Acid - Various organic acids, such as citric, tartaric and stearic are used as cosmetic raw materials because inorganic or mineral acids are too harsh. Generally, acids are mixed with alkalis to create a neutral state in a cosmetic.

Acne - The spots and scars which usually occur during puberty due to the fluctuating levels of hormones. Acne is the result of the skin over-producing oily sebum, causing the glands to become blocked, inflamed and infected.

Acrylic - A primary emulsifier which alter the feel of gels and emulsions to give the impression of a natural product.

Acupressure - An ancient oriental medicine practised over 3000 years ago, developed into a healing art with a system of special massage points. Practitioners use firm thumb and fingertips on pain relieving pressure points.

Acupuncture - Needles are placed into the skin along the energy channel called meridians in this traditional Chinese therapy. Acupuncture is believed to unblock, increase or decrease the flow of energy via the meridians, which are thought to be linked to the internal organs.

Additive - Tiny quantities of chemicals added to cosmetic for safety, to improve the appearance or extend shelf life.

AHA - Alpha hydroxyethanoic acid (aka glycolic acid) dissolves excess dead skin cells and also appears to greatly improve skin hydration. It is an effective ingredient in treating acne-prone skin, fine lines, photo-aged skin and age or liver spots.

Airbrushing - The technique of spraying, for example a nail polish or a fake tan, by mean of compressed air through a handheld tool to achieve a flawless and often colour faded effect.

Alcohol - Widely used in the cosmetic industry as an antiseptic as well as a solvent given its strong grease-dissolving properties.

Alexander Technique - Teaches correct posture so that the body is able to work in a more natural, composed and effective manner. It is also believed to encourage a harmonious state of mind and body and aid a number of medical conditions.

Algae - a natural substance used to normalise the skin's moisture content and supply elasticity to the epidermis. The various strains of algae exhibit different properties, including anti free radical properties.

Alkaline - A variety of alkalis or metal oxides are used as cosmetic raw materials. Common uses include pigments for white or coloured make-up, hair bleaches, soaps and shaving creams.

Allantoin - A soothing and healing botanical extract considered an excellent temporary anti-irritant. Considered non allergenic, it is excellent for sensitive, irritated and acne-prone skins.

Allergic reaction - Rashes, sneezing and streaming eyes are just three of the most common symptoms resulting from the body's allergic reaction to substances to which it is excessively sensitive.

Aloe Vera - A botanical extract recognised for centuries as an effective antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and curative. Aloe Vera extract is popular in cosmetics due to its moisturising, soothing and calming properties on sensitive and damaged skins. It also has some ability to absorb UV light.

Amino Acid - Utilised in cosmetic formulations to improve water retention and skin miniaturization. Amino acids can penetrate deeper because of their reduced size, increasing the speed a product is absorbed and effecting the way it feels on the skin.

Antimicrobial - Literally a substance used to destroy microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungus, protozoa or viruses. In the salon environment it is used in a similar way to an anti-bacterial.

Antioxidant - A biological substance that removes potentially damaging agents in a living organism. A useful ingredient in cosmetics due to its anti-ageing properties and ability to counteract the deterioration of the skin.

Antiperspirant - Reduces the level of perspiration and eliminates the unsightly wetness in the underarm. In doing so it also expels odour.

Aromatherapy - The ancient art of treating illness with highly concentrated and potent oils extracted from plants. Aromatherapy is commonly combined with massage treatments to maximise the healing and relaxing benefits of the oils.

Astringent - Often included in the cleansing process, an astringent closes the pores of the skin, thereby reducing the secretion of perspiration and sebum. It activates the skin's natural response through its cooling properties.

Auricular Therapy - Using a technique similar to acupuncture, auricular therapist treat aliments in other parts of the body by stimulating nerve endings in the ear.

Ayurveda - An age-old medical system based on the philosophy that each person has a unique balance of three vital energies in the body, vata, pitta and kapha. All foods and lifestyles affect the overall balance of these energies, and illness is simply understood as an imbalance of these.