Facial Terms (Esthetician)

Acne A skin condition that causes pimples or "zits." This includes whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflammed patches of skin (such as cysts).

Comedones Result from oily skin not being cleansed properly; sebum and dead cells can clog pores and result in comedones or blackheads. Breeding ground for infectious bacteria and can result in pimples that can develop into acne.

Closed Comedome A whitehead is a part of the acne family, which is opposite of a blackhead and is a closed comedome. It has sebum and dead skin like acne, but as air does not reach its follicle, it does not oxidize. Whiteheads are generally more prominent than blackheads as they are filled with pus and tends to protrude from the skin. This is why people suffering from this condition are always on the lookout of means to get rid of whiteheads.

Aging The process of becoming older which is a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

Botox Is a neurotoxin which can be injected into the face for a variety of treatments including paresis of muscles, reduction in size of masseter muscle, decrease in oil, decrease in sweat, decrease in pore size, and downturned mouth.

Brow Lift Any procedure or injection which lifts the brow. Traditional brow lifts are performed with an incision either above the eyebrow or in the scalp. Endoscopic brow lifts involve smaller incisions hidden in the scalp. Fat, fillers, and botox can also be used to raise the brow.

Chemical Peel A technique used to rejuvenate skin by creating a controlled injury to the superficial structure to the skin. Lighter peels penetrate skin more superficial than deeper peels.

Crow’s Feet Small wrinkles which radiate out from the eye. Sun and squinting are causes of crow's feet.

Collagen The main component in connective tissue, skin, and wound healing which provides connection and support to tissues. Loss of collagen can result in a loss in support to tissues.

Concave Hollowed or rounded inward (i.e. inside of a satellite dish)

Convex Curved or rounded out (outside of a ball)

Dermabrasion A controlled abrasion of the skin with a mechanical burr, which removes the superficial layers of the skin. Dermabrasion is used in facial rejuvenation and to improve the appearance of scars.

Emollient To soften or relax. Calms the skin

Face Lift A term used to describe a variety of surgical procedures to lift the tissues of the face

Jowls A sign of aging when the cheek descends below the jawline.

Laser A device which stimulates light to a specific wavelength. LASERs can be used in a variety of applications including facial resurfacing.

Masks Usually a setting product that dries leaves an occlusive (complete closure to environment) on top of skin.

Moisturizers Products formulated to add moisture to the skin Water-based emulsions-which are absorbed quickly without leaving any residue on the surface of the skin Applied at the end of the facial and are ideal for daily use as a day cream or makeup base

Retin-A Vitamin A derivative used for facial rejuvenation and acne treatment.

Sebum In Latin, the word sebum means "fat." Therefore, it is no surprise that sebum is the name given to an oily substance produced by the body that is comprised of fatty acids, cholesterol and triglycerides. Like other oils, sebum is water-repellent. Therefore, it protects the skin from losing moisture. Sebum can be found in all skin on the body except the skin on the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands.

Sebaceous Glands Oil Glands

Normal Skin Usually in good condition; adequate supply of sebum and moisture; usually free of blemishes; maintenance treatments keeps skin healthy and attractive.

Oily Skin Appears shiny or greasy; has overabundance of sebum; may or may not be blemished; treatments will help clear blemishes and normalize sebum.

Dry Skin May look flaky; lacking in oil; often dehydrated. Treatments can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce natural oils needed to keep skin lubricated.

Combination Skin May have either oily or normal areas or normal and dry areas; treatments help normalize functioning of sebaceous glands and improve health and skin appearance.

Cleansers Designed for every skin type and skin condition and come in 3 basic forms Face wash Cleansing lotion Cleansing cream

Tonic Lotions Fresheners, toners and astringents are all essentially the same type of product Remove excess cleanser and residue left behind by face wash cleansers Have a relatively low pH, helping to restore the skin’s natural pH after cleansing Have a temporary tightening effect on both the skin and the individual follicle openings, helping to temporarily “shrink pores”

Exfoliation Refers to the peeling and shredding of the outer layer of the skin.

Exfoliants There are many different types of peeling and exfoliation treatments available, ranging from brushing treatments and light enzyme peels to strong surgical peels that can be administered only by dermatologists and plastic surgeons