glossary of health and beauty terms

Essential Oils - Aromatic liquid substances which are extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruit, leaves, roots and trees which are used in the medical, food and cosmetic industries. The positive effect of essential oils on blood circulation is due to bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while assisting in the disposal of carbon dioxide and other waste products, produced by cell metabolism.

Exfoliation - Skin treatment where the upper layer of dead skin cells is sloughed off. A variety of techniques can be used and the treatment is called accordingly: loofah rub, salt scrub, body glow, brush and tone, etc.

Eczema - An inflammation of the skin resulting in itching and flaking, sometimes blister which can become infected.

Effleurage - One of the four main forms of massage. The slow, rhythmic strokes are performed with the hands close together and the thumbs about an inch apart. The fingertips or palms are used for light massage whilst the thumbs or knuckles apply deeper pressure.

Elastin - An elastic structural protein found in the skin. Elastin extracts and derivatives are mainly used as surface protective agents to improve dry skin, enhance flexibility, improve texture and influence the formation of new fibres. Elastin is also widely found in anti ageing products.

Electrolysis - A treatment in which small electrical currents are passed through a needle or tweezer epilator to kill the hair root and permanently remove unwanted body hair.

Epidermis - The outermost layer of skin consisting mainly of dead skin cells that have emerged from the younger layers of skin.