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GLOSSARY

AN A-Z GUIDE TO ALL YOUR BEAUTY NEEDS

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	Açai A small, dark purple berry that grows wild in the Amazonian jungles of Brazil. Natives have benefited from its powerful health properties for generations. Ingesting açai is thought to boost memory and prevent heart disease. Beauty companies have been using açai for its antioxidant benefits in hair, skin and makeup products.


	Acetic Acid Acid found in vinegar, some fruits and human sweat. It is used in hair dyes and hand lotions.


	Acetone Colorless, flammable liquid used in nail polish and nail polish removers.


	Acid Mantle A protective oily layer on the skin's surface that functions as a shield against environmental impurities and helps regulate moisture loss and water retention.


	Acne A common skin condition marked by the eruption of pimples or pustules, especially on the face.


	Actinic Keratosis A common sun-related skin growth frequently found on on fair-skinned individuals or people who encounter excessive sun exposure. Actinic keratoses generally measure between 2 to 6 millimeters in diameter and are usually red with white scaliness on top.


	Acupressure A type of massage in which finger pressure is used to promote healing and alleviate fatigue.


	Acupuncture A Chinese medical procedure that treats ailments or provides local anesthesia by the insertion of needles at specified sites of the body.


	Age Spots Benign flat skin marks evenly colored with darker pigments that occur on sun-exposed skin (especially hands). Age spots typically affect people over the age of 50.


	Algae Extract Derived from seaweed, algae extract helps thwart the formation of wrinkles and is often found in moisturizers.


	Alkaline Basic, ionic salt with a PH higher than 7. Alkali is often found in cleansers to adjust the skin’s pH level.


	Allantoin Relieves skin irritation caused by soaps, acids, and alkalies in oral and skin care products. It is said to promote wound healing and tissue formation, but is not recognized for that by regulatory agencies like the FDA.


	Almond Oil Aloe Often found in soaps, gels and creams, almond oil aloe has moisturizing and natural healing properties. It’s used in products for all skin types.


	Alpha Hydroxy Acid Derived from fruit and milk sugars, hydroxy acids are a common additive to numerous skin care products (including moisturizers, cleanser, toners, and masks) to help rejuvenate the skin.


	Alpha Tocopherol Also known as Vitamin E, it’s used to treat burns, abrasions, and other skin problems.


	Aluminum Chlorohydrate This aluminum salts is the most frequently used ingredient in antiperspirants. The salt particles crystallize inside sweat ducts to block the release of perspiration in areas like the underarms.


	Amino Acids The “building blocks" that make up proteins. Because proteins are necessary to every living cell and are involved in every major process in the body, amino acids are essential to health.


	Aminomethyl Propanol Mild alkaline ingredient used in some permanent hair color products to catalyze a chemical action that removes pigments in the hair.


	Ammonium Laureth Sulfate gentle detergent used in cleansers and shampoos to create foamy suds. It’s derived from coconut oil.


	Anagen The growth phase of the hair cycle during which new hair is formed.


	Androgen Any substance, like testosterone, that promotes male characteristics.


	Antimicrobial A substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Often found in sanitizing hand gels.


	Antioxidant Ingredients such as vitamins A, C, and E that help the body to resist free radicals that prematurely age the skin by breaking down skin collagen.


	Apocrin Sweat Gland Developed during puberty, these glands regulate and release sweat. They are located wherever there is body hair, and their activity is the main cause of perspiration odor.


	Arachidonic Acid An unsaturated fatty acid found in animal fats.


	Arginine One of the 20 most common amino acids. Arginine plays an important role in cell division, the healing of wounds, removing ammonia from the body, immune function, and the release of hormones.


	Argireline Synthetically derived peptide purported to be a safer alternative to Botox. It relaxes facial tension by reducing excessive release of the neurotransmitters, called catecholamines, which cause facial muscles tense up.


	Arnica Plant that promotes healing and stimulates circulation. It is used as an anti-irritant in scalp products.


	Aromatherapy The use of fragrances to alter a person's mood or behavior.


	Astringent A cosmetic that cleans the skin and constricts the pores.


	Atopic Dermatitis Uncommon disease that is characterized as an extremely itchy red rash. It consists of small clusters of bumps and watery blisters.


	Avobenzone An oil-soluble ingredient used in sunscreen products to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays


	Avocado Oil Rich, fatty-acid emollient that is high in amino acid proteins, Vitamins A, D and E and potassium. It is known to be the most moisturizing of any fruit oil, making it excellent for plumping up dry, dehydrated skin especially on the face.


	Ayurvedic Ancient Hindu art of medicine and of prolonging life.


	Azulene A soothing chamomile extract used in face and body creams, sunburn remedies, burn ointments, and bath salts.

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