What It All Means...

Ever wonder what all of those technical terms on your products mean?

Lately, I've had many of my clients come to me confused about beauty product terminology, so I decided to create a list of the most commonly used terms to help you all break through the lingo.

Here's a list of some of the most common terms to help you determine how a particular product is benefiting you and your skin:

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Products containing AHAs, slough off dead skin cells to reveal smoother, younger-looking skin underneath.

Antioxidants: Help the skin by neutralizing molecules called free radicals that destroy the skin. Ingredients like Vitamins C, A and E, green tea, copper, grapeseed and kinetin are antioxidants.

Aqua: It's plain water. Normally the number-one product on ingredient listings and is vital for healthy skin.

Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): BHAs work in the same way as AHAs but are less irritating. The most commonly used BHA is salycilic acid, which is also good for fighting bacteria on the skin.

Botanicals: Ingredients from a natural source (usually plants) believed to have healing or regenerating powers on the skin--like aloe vera, gingko and ginseng.

Coenzyme Q10: a nutrient found in every cell in our body. Used as a wrinkle-buster in products.

Emollients: Found in moisturizers, emollients help to protect the skin by reinforcing the moisture barrier in the lower layer of the skin.

Essential Oils: Plant oils most commonly used in aromatherapy and to scent products. Lavendar is one of the most commonly used in products as it soothes irritation.

Humectants: Attract moisture to the skin from the air.

Hypoallergenics: Ingredients shown to be least likely to cause allergic reactions.

Liposomes: Liposomes aren't ingredients, but are ways to deliver ingredients deeper into the skin.

Mattifyers: Ingredients like witch hazel or corn starch which soak up oil on the skin.

Non-Comedogenics: Ingredients shown to be less likely to clog pores.

Retinols: Another word for products made from Vitamin A. Retinols are powerful antioxidants and some (prescriptions: Retin A and Retinova) have been shown to dramatically reduce skin damage from ultraviolet rays.

Sun Protection Factors (SPF): Most important ingredient in any skin care product. SPF blocks harmful and aging ultra violet rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection you get from the sun.