Welcome to Waiting 4 Sunshine’s Skincare Glossary

Navigating the world of skincare can be overwhelming with so many terms and ingredients to understand. This glossary will help you decode common skincare terms so you can make informed decisions about your skincare routine.

A

Acne: A common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Antioxidants: Substances that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells.

B

Bakuchiol: A plant-based alternative to retinol, known for its anti-aging benefits without the irritation often associated with retinol.

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid): An exfoliating acid, such as salicylic acid, that penetrates deep into the pores to remove dead skin cells and reduce acne.

C

Ceramides: Lipid molecules that help to maintain the skin’s barrier function and retain moisture.

Collagen: A protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. It diminishes with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging.

D

Dermatologist: A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions.

Double Cleansing: A two-step cleansing method that involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to thoroughly clean the skin.

E

Eczema: A skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin.

Exfoliation: The process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to improve texture and radiance.

F

Free Radicals: Unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and contribute to aging and skin diseases.

Fragrance-Free: Products that do not contain added fragrances, which can be beneficial for sensitive skin.

G

Glycolic Acid: An AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) derived from sugar cane that exfoliates the skin and promotes cell turnover.

Green Tea Extract: An antioxidant-rich ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

H

Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.

Hyperpigmentation: Darkened areas of the skin caused by excess melanin production, often due to sun exposure, acne scars, or hormonal changes.

I

Inflammation: The body’s response to injury or irritation, often resulting in redness, swelling, and pain.

Ingredients: The components that make up a skincare product, listed on the product label.

J

Jojoba Oil: A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum and provides hydration without clogging pores.

K

K-Beauty: Short for Korean beauty, a skincare regimen and products that focus on achieving healthy, glowing skin through multi-step routines.

Keratosis Pilaris: A common skin condition characterized by rough, bumpy patches, often on the arms or thighs, caused by a buildup of keratin.

L

Lactic Acid: An AHA that gently exfoliates the skin and improves hydration and texture.

Lipids: Fats or fat-like substances that help to maintain the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.

M

Micellar Water: A gentle cleanser that uses micelles, tiny oil molecules, to lift away dirt, makeup, and impurities without the need for rinsing.

Moisturizer: A product that helps to hydrate and protect the skin, maintaining its moisture balance.

N

Non-Comedogenic: Products formulated not to clog pores, reducing the likelihood of acne and breakouts.

Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that helps to improve the skin’s barrier function, reduce inflammation, and even out skin tone.

O

Oily Skin: Skin that produces an excess amount of sebum, leading to a shiny appearance and potential for acne.

Omega Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids that help to strengthen the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.

P

Parabens: Preservatives used in cosmetics and skincare products to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold.

Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that help to build proteins in the skin, such as collagen and elastin, promoting firmness and elasticity.

Q

Q10 (Coenzyme Q10): An antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage and promote cellular energy production.

Quercetin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, often found in fruits and vegetables.

R

Retinol: A form of vitamin A that promotes cell turnover and collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne.

Rosacea: A chronic skin condition characterized by redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels, often accompanied by small, red, pus-filled bumps.

S

SPF (Sun Protection Factor): A measure of how well a sunscreen will protect the skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.

Serum: A lightweight, fast-absorbing skincare product that delivers concentrated active ingredients to target specific skin concerns.

T

Toner: A liquid product used after cleansing to remove any remaining impurities, balance the skin’s pH, and prepare the skin for further treatments.

Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL): The process of water evaporating from the skin’s surface, leading to dehydration.

U

UVA/UVB Rays: Ultraviolet rays from the sun that can cause skin damage, aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Under-Eye Circles: Dark discoloration under the eyes, often caused by genetics, lack of sleep, or aging.

V

Vitamin C: An antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin, even out skin tone, and protect against environmental damage.

Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage and supports moisture retention.

W

Wrinkles: Lines and creases that form in the skin due to aging, sun exposure, and other factors.

Water-Based Products: Skincare products that use water as their main ingredient, often suitable for hydrating and refreshing the skin.

X

Xerosis: A medical term for dry skin, often characterized by scaling, itching, and cracking.

Y

Youth-Enhancing: Products or ingredients that aim to reduce the signs of aging and promote a youthful appearance.

Z

Zinc Oxide: A mineral sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, often used in physical sunscreens.