We did it – we have compiled a great beauty guide that will facilitate navigation in the sea of cosmetic novelties and useful procedures.
From A to I
А — anti-age
A direction in medicine and cosmetology dedicated to slowing down the aging process and eliminating its already manifested signs: wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity. The most popular cosmetic rejuvenation procedures are injections, mesotherapy, biorevitalization, PRP plasma therapy, LPG massage, peelings. When it comes to skin care products, look out for formulas with hyaluronic acid, peptides, collagen, vitamins A, C and E.
Day cream “Age expert 65+”, L’Oréal Paris with vitamins E and B5, prickly pear extract works to increase skin elasticity, strengthens facial contours, fights age-related changes (wrinkles, age spots).
B – booster
A class of cosmetics for facial skin care. The name comes from the English word boost – “strengthening, acceleration”.
Booster enhances the effect of basic care, whether it is moisturizing, nourishing, lifting or whitening. This is something between a serum and a cream, only unlike the first, the booster can be used independently, and unlike the second, it contains a higher concentration of active substances.
Antioxidant youth concentrate LiftActiv, Vichy in just 10 days, the formula with 15% pure vitamin C, vitamin E, neohesperidin, maritime pine polyphenols and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid reduces wrinkles, makes the skin more toned and the face rested.
B – vaporization
A cosmetic procedure during which the skin is treated with a steam jet. There are four types of influence:
warm steam at a temperature of 40–50 degrees;
cold steam;
variable temperature steam,
ozonized and ionized steam.
Vaporization cleanses the skin, removes dead cells, promotes the resorption of comedones, stimulates blood flow, enhances the effect of drugs and cosmetics.
G – glycolic acid
Fruit, or alpha hydroxyl (AHA) acid, is often used in cosmetics. It is used in cleansing gels, tonics, creams, masks, peelings. Helps even out the skin texture, narrow pores, lighten pigmentation. In this article – even more facts about glycolic acid.
Prodigy Cellglow Clarity Intensive Essence, Helena Rubinstein thanks to edelweiss extract, glycolic acid and vitamin Cg, it promotes skin renewal, evens out tone, and improves complexion.
D – dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
The active ingredient in self-tanning products (auto-bronzants) derived from sugar cane or beetroot. The skin changes color as a result of the reaction between dihydroxyacetone and the amino acids of the uppermost, stratum corneum of the epidermis. The saturation of the shade depends on the concentration of the substance: creams, milks, lotions, sprays and wipes with DHA from 1% to 8% are on sale.
By the way, we have already written about the features of tanning for the body and for the face.
Self-tanning wipes for face and body Sublime Bronze, L’Oréal Paris allows you to evenly distribute the auto bronzer, give the skin a natural golden tan. Leaves no streaks or sticky feeling.
E — vitamin E (tocopherol)
A group of fat-soluble biologically active substances with a powerful antioxidant effect. Prevents undesirable effects of aggressive environmental factors, reduces the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, helps restore the lipid barrier and slow down the manifestation of age-related changes. For which he was awarded the title of “vitamin of youth.” If you are interested in this miracle ingredient, we recommend reading the article about it.
High Potency Antioxidant Serum for Dry to Normal Skin CE Ferulic, SkinCeuticals designed to prevent premature skin aging, helps to correct existing age-related changes (wrinkles, hyperpigmentation). Neutralizes oxidative stress.
F – jojoba
Oil, or rather, vegetable wax, obtained by cold pressing from the fruits of an evergreen shrub called Simmondsia sinensis. It contains amino acids in a high concentration (33%), thanks to which it helps to heal the skin and increase its elasticity. It is found in the composition of nourishing, moisturizing and cleansing products. You will find even more facts about the benefits of jojoba for skin and hair in this material.
Fructis 3-in-1 Triple Recovery Universal Oil Mask, Garnier in addition to jojoba oil, it contains shea butter, almond and macadamia oils. It is clear that thanks to this composition, the restoration and nutrition of dry, weakened hair is very intensive.
Z – green tea
Extract from tea leaves has been used for cosmetic purposes since ancient times. Green tea contains:
tannins, which have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands and narrow pores;
catechins – powerful antioxidants that improve the supply of oxygen to the skin and protect against the harmful effects of the environment;
caffeine, which reduces puffiness and activates microcirculation.
Botanic Cream “Green Tea”, Garnier Designed for combination and oily skin. Mattifies and moisturizes it, protects it from negative external factors.
I – ginger
A popular cosmetic ingredient often found in products for problematic and oily skin, as well as skin with traces of fatigue. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and whitening effects. You can learn a lot more interesting about ginger if you follow the link.
Daily Reviving Concentrate, Kiehl’s with essential oil of ginger root fights dull complexion and signs of fatigue, guarantees protection against oxidative stress.
K to R
K – konnyaku
A porous sponge made from the corm of the Asian plant Amorphophallus konjac. The soft elastic texture allows the sponge to gently cleanse the skin of any type from dirt and dead cells. When dry, konjac resembles pumice.
L — lanolin
A mixture of natural esters obtained by processing fat from sheep’s wool. According to the molecular structure, lanolin is close to human skin lipids, therefore it easily penetrates into the epidermis, softens it and protects against moisture loss.
Lanolin is a comedogenic ingredient, so it is undesirable to use cosmetics based on it for oily and inflamed skin. However, it will be a real salvation for dry, cracked skin – especially in frosty weather.
M – minerals
Natural macro- and microelements of inorganic origin: calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, iodine, selenium and others. Cosmetics, depending on the combination of these substances in the composition, acquire certain beneficial properties: soothing, anti-inflammatory, regenerating, antioxidant.
Daily Serum Gel for Affected Skin, Mineral 89, Vichy with a record concentration of Vichy mineralizing thermal water, it normalizes the pH level, retains moisture and enhances the barrier-protective functions of the skin.
N – neurosensin
The newly synthesized peptide helps produce allergen neutralizers and reduces the inflammatory response. An important component of cosmetics for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
Night soothing and regenerating care Toleriane Ultra, La Roche-Posay with neurosensin is suitable for those with sensitive skin who can use the product without fear of irritation and redness.
O – oxybenzone
The most common chemical filter for UVA and UVB rays. It absorbs and reflects ultraviolet radiation, and also enhances the effect of other cosmetic filters, including physical ones like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
P – peptides
One of the most promising cosmetic components, synthesized from two or more amino acid residues linked by peptide bonds. Tiny peptide molecules penetrate the stratum corneum, activate collagen production, improve microcirculation in blood vessels and capillaries, and correct pigmentation. We couldn’t help but dwell on this topic in more detail – in an article about how peptides work in face creams.
Serum for a youthful look LiftActiv 10, Vichy – the main active ingredients (palmitol oligopeptide and palmitol tetrapeptide-7) reduce the manifestation of age-related changes on the skin of the eyelids.
R – resveratrol
Resveratrol BE Antioxidant Night Gel, SkinCeuticals based on resveratrol, baicalin and alpha-tocopherol (all three ingredients are antioxidants) neutralizes the effects of oxidative stress. Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, gives radiance and elasticity to the skin.
From C to Z
C — softner
An emollient fluid that instantly hydrates the skin, gives it radiance and enhances the effect of subsequent care products – serums and creams.
T – tyrosine
This amino acid works as a conductor and controls the process of protein formation. Its variety L-tyrosine plays an important role in the synthesis of melanin and is used in tanning accelerators and cosmetics to artificially darken the skin.
U – ultraphonophoresis
A technique of hardware cosmetology that combines the effects of ultrasound and the introduction of medicinal substances. Ultraphonophoresis is used to increase skin elasticity, prevent age-related changes, treat acne, improve lymph flow and blood circulation.
F – photoaging
Changes in the condition and structure of the skin exposed to excessive exposure to sunlight. Typical signs:
increased dryness of the skin;
гиперпигментация;
vascular changes;
rough relief;
superficial and deep wrinkles.
To avoid premature aging, you should use products with UV filters not only on the beach, but also in the city all year round.
X – chemical peeling
The process of removing layers of skin with the help of acids and other chemical compounds in order to eliminate defects and improve its overall condition. Such a cosmetic procedure can improve skin tone, even out the relief, remove hyperpigmentation, and reduce wrinkles.
It is worth remembering that chemical peeling, especially medium and deep (this is a very serious intervention), can only be carried out by a specialist.
We talked about peeling in more detail in this article.
C is cyclomethicone
Auxiliary “volatile” silicone that easily evaporates at human body temperature and therefore is often used in aerosols: conditioners and hairsprays, antiperspirants, sunscreen sprays. Cyclomethicone promotes the dissolution of beneficial substances and their deposition on the surface of the skin, but it practically does not penetrate into either the hair or the epidermis.
Ч — facial cleansing
A cosmetic procedure that allows you to deeply cleanse the pores, remove the keratinized layer of cells, get rid of closed comedones and blackheads. There are the following types of cleaning:
mechanical;
ultrasonic;
combined;
vacuum;
chemical;
laser;
gas-liquid peeling.
Sh – shugaring
A method of getting rid of unwanted hair using a thick sugar paste. In addition to its main function, sugaring provides skin care.
By the way, removing unwanted hair from the root is called epilation. Do not confuse with depilation, which involves only superficial hair removal. For more information about these two procedures and the difference between them, click here.
E – emulsion
A cosmetic product that is a fatty substance dissolved in water. The consistency of the emulsion resembles a liquid cream and has similar properties, but with some differences: it does not require rubbing, it is absorbed faster and does not leave a greasy sheen. Emulsions are especially popular in Korean skin care systems.
Yu – yuzu
A variety of citrus, namely the Japanese lemon. Its extract is often used in cosmetics from Asia. Softens and moisturizes dry, irritated skin, saturates it with vitamin C.
I Am an Apple Tree (Apple Tree Stem Cells)
Plant extract used in cosmetics. Increases the smoothness and elasticity of the skin, improves complexion and neutralizes the signs of photoaging. Stem cells are also isolated from Asian centella, cloudberry, sea fennel, but the apple tree remains the leader in terms of efficiency.