Etiket Glossary

ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHA'S) 

Exfoliation is key to keeping skin looking smooth and even. The best exfoliant for mature skin is Alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs. They are derived from fruits and botanicals (although they can also be produced synthetically). These are broken down into several acid sub-categoties: glycolic (often from sugarcane), lactic (milk), citric (citrus fruit), malic (often from unripe apples), and tartaric (from grapes and bananas). AHA treatments helps to remove dead, and dry skin cells while encouraging cell skin turnover and oil production to keep your skin looking young and supple. By removing layers of dead skin cells, moisturizers, serums, and other treatments can work better by penetrating the skin more effectively. Exfoliating with AHA’s also helps to  lighten dark spots and can even reduces fine lines and wrinkles.  

ANTIOXIDANT

There are many antioxidants that are good for your skin and can help treat aging skin. These include vitamin E, pomegranate, Acai berry and kelp extracts. Antioxidants can also help fight free radicals and repair damaged skin cells as well as promote the turnover of new skin cells. Moisturizers and serums rich in antioxidants will keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.

ASCORBIC ACID

It’s powerful and potent. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that works wonders on all skin types, especially those with hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Vitamin C also helps to boost collagen (for plumper-looking skin), shield skin from free-radical damage, reduces inflammation, and enhances skin’s elasticity. One of the  best forms of vitamin C for your skin is L-ascorbic acid, a more natural derivative. This version of vitamin C is the same that we consume, however it is not always a very stable form and so it is important to look out for high quality products that contain stable medical grade Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid).

BROAD SPECTRUM (SUNSCREEN)

Broad Spectrum Sunscreens protect from both UVA AND UVB rays. 

CERAMIDES

Ceramide is the main component of the stratum corneum of the epidermis layer of human skin. Together with cholesterol and saturated fatty acids, ceramide creates a water-impermeable, protective organ to prevent excessive water loss due to evaporation as well as a barrier against the entry of microorganisms. Basically, ceramides lock in moisture. With aging there is a decline in ceramide and cholesterol in the stratum corneum of humans. 

FREE RADICALS

Highly unstable molecules created in the body by sunlight, cigarette smoke, and pollution that latch onto and damage cells in ways that can lead to roughness, sagging, and wrinkling. Our environment is a big part of free radicals. Factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, infrared and UV rays all generate free radicals. The science behind these free radicals is that they are unstable molecules. They try to “take” electrons from healthy molecules, which causes oxidative stress. We know that oxidative stress as aging skin; fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and skin laxity. 

HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid is another powerful ingredient used to plump mature, dry skin with moisture. It is a naturally found substance (a sugar) that binds to water and helps to balance skin’s natural oil producing, which gives a fullness and plumpness to the skin. Additionally, it boosts collagen production and helps to fill fine lines and wrinkles. It is available in supplement, cream and injectable form. 

GLYCOLIC ACID

Glycolic acid is a type of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). It has the smallest molecules in the group so is able to penetrate skin deeply and easily, making it the most effective for treating fine lines, acne, blackheads, dullness, oiliness and helping to regenerate collagen.

HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid is another powerful ingredient used to plump mature, dry skin with moisture. It is a naturally found substance (a sugar) that binds to water and helps to balance skin’s natural oil producing, which gives a fullness and plumpness to the skin. Additionally, it boosts collagen production and helps to fill fine lines and wrinkles. It is available in supplement, cream and injectable form.

NON-COMEDOGENIC

This means that ingredients have been tested and don’t appear to clog pores.

PARABENS

These commonly used synthetic preservatives attack bacteria, mold or other microbes that can spoil a product. Most people won’t have an adverse reaction to parabens. But, if you’d like to avoid these preservatives, look for the following on the label: Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben and Butylparaben.

RETINOL

Derived from vitamin A, Retinol is considered one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients because of it’s proven ability to stimulate and reproduce collagen in the skin. Vitamin A will help to smooth wrinkles, unclog pores, improve skin’s texture, and even lighten age spots. However, some caution is needed when using retinol  products because it can cause irritation to sensitive skin, it make skin more sensitive to sunlight and should not be used by women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. It is highly recommended that sunscreen is used daily when using any retinol product.

SULFATES

Like surfactants, sulfates allow shampoos and cleansers to foam up and remove oil. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common ingredient, which can exacerbate dryness and irritation.