Skincare Glossary

Skincare Glossary

A | B | C | D | E | F | H | k | N | O | P | R | s | T | V

A | B | C | D | E | F | H | k | N | O | P | R | s | T | V

A

Natural
Fruit Acids (AHAs)

Brighten. Refine. Renew. An alarm clock for the skin. By improving the functionality of skin, natural fruit acids increase cellular turnover, help reduce age spots and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

 

 

Age Spots

These dark patches or areas on the skin can be the result of overexposure to the sun, underuse of SPF, or may be hereditary.

 

 

Allergy Tested

Products that have been tested with a repeat Insult Patch test. This is supervised by a dermatologist.

 

Antioxidants

These superhero ingredients help protect the skin from radical and oxidative damage caused by the sun, stress and pollution.

 

B
C
D
E
F
H
K
N - O
P
R
S
T - V

A

Natural
Fruit Acids (AHAs)

Brighten. Refine. Renew. An alarm clock for the skin. By improving the functionality of skin, natural fruit acids increase cellular turnover, help reduce age spots and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Age Spots

These dark patches or areas on the skin can be the result of overexposure to the sun, underuse of SPF, or may be hereditary.

Allergy Tested

Products that have been tested with a repeat Insult Patch test. This is supervised by a dermatologist.

Antioxidants

These superhero ingredients help protect the skin from radical and oxidative damage caused by the sun, stress and pollution.

B

Blackheads

The result of dead skin cells and sebum (oil) sticking together and becoming trapped inside pores. When exposed to oxygen, the dead skin and sebum take on a darkened appearance.

Brightness

This term is used to describe skin that is glowing, fresh and radiant.

C

Cell Turnover

The natural cycle of skin cells dying and shedding from the skin's surface whilst being replenished by new cells. Lasting approximately one month, the cycle gradually takes longer as we age.

Ceramides

Naturally occurring compounds related to lipids (fats) in skin's outer layer that are a major component of the skin's protective moisture barrier. When used in skincare products, ceramides help repair the moisture barrier and keep skin looking healthy and hydrated.

Clinically Tested

Tested by independent researchers in a controlled lab setting for the efficacy to support and substantiate product claims.

Collagen

Naturally found in the skin, hair and nails, this protein decreases as we age. Collagen, together with elastin, is responsible for skin's elasticity, resilience and overall strength.

Combination Skin

A skin type that has some oily areas, most commonly the T-zone, combined with some dry areas, most commonly the cheeks.

Cruelty-free

Not tested on animals.

D

Dermatologist Tested

Dermatologists have supervised some or in some cases, all the testing.

Dry Skin

A dry skin type has barely visible pores due to its lack of oil flow.

E

Elasticity

The quickness with which skin returns to its natural state.

Even Skin Tone

An even skin tone refers to one colour depth and pigment across the skin. Even skin tones have very little transition from one depth of colour to the next, free from blotches or discolouration.

Exfoliation

The process of removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Exfoliation can be performed by chemical exfoliants (alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid), physical exfoliants (scrubs), or devices (cleansing brushes).

F

Fine lines & wrinkles

These develop over time due to the muscles beneath the skin stretching and moving with normal facial expressions. Fine lines and wrinkles also develop due to ageing and can become more prominent in dry or dehydrated skin.

H

Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT)

A stringent test carried out on human participants' skin to assess the potential of skin sensitisation and allergy potential of a particular product by repeated topical applications.

Hyaluronic Acid

A moisturiser that occurs naturally in the skin. One molecule of hyaluronic acid can hold 1000 times its molecular weight in water, offering superb hydrating capability. When used as a skincare ingredient, it helps retain and bolster skin's natural moisture.

Hyperpigmenta-tion

Dark patches, discolouration or brown spots that develop when excess melanin forms deposits in the skin. Excess melanin production can be triggered by unprotected sun exposure.

Hydration

A common reference to the level of the skin's hydration. Hydrated skin has an adequate balance of water retention throughout the surface.

K

Kakadu Plum Complex

Exclusive to MONAT, this custom-created complex contains 15% vitamin C by effectively combining three superhero antioxidants: Kakadu plum, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

N-O

Normal Skin

A skin type that has an even distribution of average-size pores and "normal" oil production throughout the face.

Ophthalmologist Tested

Products for the eyes or eye area that have independently tested and approved by an ophthalmologist.

P

Peptides

The building blocks of proteins that are responsible for bringing nutrients to cells and providing structure to skin's proteins.

Plant-based Stem Cells

Regenerating phyto-elements that help strengthen skin, helping create a tighter and more "lifted" appearance. Infused with antioxidants, plant-based stem cells also help protect against inflammation and sun damage.

R

REJUVENIQE S™

This clinically proven proprietary ingredient combines the nourishing and revitalising powers of 17 botanical oils and extracts with a patented, activated oil from olive and jojoba seed extract to help increase hyaluronic acid expression and maintain optimum hydration.

S

Sensitive Skin

Skin that has a compromised barrier function, causing it to be highly reactive and responsive.

Skin Type

The categorisation of skin is based on hereditary oiliness or dryness levels. Your skin type is categorised into four different types: Oily, Normal, Dry, and Combination. Combination skin is the most common skin type.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate

A stable water-soluble form of vitamin C (L-absoric acid) that acts as an antioxidant to effectively brighten and even out skin tone while it protects skin against environmental and oxidative damage, improves skin appearance and promotes the production of collagen.

T-V

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

An oil-soluble ester (derivative) of vitamin C. This antioxidant protects skin lipids from free-radical damage and stimulates collagen. Studies show that it promotes more even skin tone by inhibiting pigment production and providing brightness to the skin.

T-Zone

The zone on the face across the forehead and down the nose to the chin, forming the letter "T". It is often oily and may have larger pores.

Vegan

Using or containing no animal products or ingredients.

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