Aesthetic Terms Glossary

Glossary of Aesthetics and Skin Care Terms

Welcome! You're likely already familiar with the world of aesthetics, and to further assist you, we've compiled an aesthetics glossary.

This glossary aims to clarify and define common terms and buzzwords used in aesthetics and skincare. We cover everything from technical terms to everyday language, starting with 'Aesthetician' and going all the way to 'Wrinkles' (we're still on the lookout for 'Z' words).

Our goal is to make these terms understandable for everyone, whether you're a medical professional or just beginning to explore the aesthetics industry. Here, you'll find the essential vocabulary explained in simple, straightforward language.
  • Dermal Filler
    Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to plump up skin, fill in lines and wrinkles, help correct recessed scars, and rejuvenate the face.
  • Dermatologist
    A dermatologist is a medical expert specializing in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions and improving aesthetic appeal.
  • Dermis
    Dermis is the thick layer of skin beneath the surface that contains blood vessels, nerves, and oil glands.
  • Desmosome
    Desmosomes are specialized cell structures that play a critical role in maintaining skin structure and health.
  • Dewy Skin
    Dewy skin refers to a radiant, moist, and soft complexion often sought after in K-Beauty routines.
  • Double Cleansing
    Double Cleansing is a two-step facial cleaning method originating from K-Beauty practices.
  • Elasticity
    Elasticity refers to skin's ability to bounce back or return to its original state after being stretched.
  • Elastin
    Elastin is a protein in connective tissue that allows skin to resume shape after stretching.
  • Electroporation
    Electroporation is a non-invasive technique used in skin care to increase permeability of the skin's outer layer, improving absorption of topical products.
  • Emollient
    Emollient is a substance that softens and moisturises the skin, playing an important role in skincare routines.
  • Emulsion
    Emulsion refers to a mixture of two or more liquids that are normally unmixable, often used in aesthetic skincare products to hydrate and nourish the skin.
  • Emulsion
    Emulsion is a lightweight, hydrating liquid used in K-Beauty to balance skin moisture.
  • Epidermis
    The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, serving as a key protective shield against environmental damage and pathogens.
  • Epitalon
    Epitalon exciting potential lies with telomerase activation, a process that could theoretically extend the life spans of cells and thereby contribute to longer healthspan.
  • Essence
    Essence is a skincare product in K-Beauty, hydrating and preparing skin for following treatments.
  • Exosomes
    Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EcVs) present in almost all cells, tissues, and body fluids, and they play a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and delivering crucial biomolecules to different cells.
  • Eyelid Lift
    An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates the eyes by removing excess skin and fat.
  • FOXO4-DRI
    FOXO4-DRI is a peptide designed to selectively induce apoptosis in senescent cells, thus aiding in anti-aging processes.
  • Facelift
    A facelift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck.
  • Facial Filler
    A substance used in aesthetics to restore volume and smooth out facial wrinkles.
  • Facial Nerve
    The facial nerve, crucial to aesthetics, controls muscles for facial expressions and conveys taste sensations from the front two-thirds of the tongue.
  • Fat Grafting
    Fat grafting is a cosmetic procedure where fat is transferred from one body part to another to improve or augment the area.
  • Fibroblasts
    Fibroblasts are essential cells responsible for collagen production, playing a crucial role in skin health and aesthetics.
  • Firmness
    Firmness refers to the skin's resilience and elasticity, key aspects of a youthful appearance.
  • Flaccidity
    Flaccidity refers to the loss of skin elasticity often caused by aging, resulting in sagging or loose skin.
  • Follicle
    A follicle refers to a sac from which hair grows and sebum is secreted in the skin.
  • Formulation
    Formulation is the science of crafting effective skincare products by blending diverse ingredients.
  • Free radicals
    Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells, contributing to aging and diseases.
  • GHK-Cu
    GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide complex known for skin regeneration and anti-aging properties.
  • GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
    GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that can enhance skin aesthetics by improving skin health and complexion.
  • Glucagon Peptide
    Glucagon Peptide, a hormone, plays an essential role in skin rejuvenation by promoting collagen production and tissue repair.
  • Glycemic Control
    Glycemic control refers to the management of blood sugar levels to maintain overall health, particularly skin health in aesthetic skincare context.
  • Glycerin
    Glycerin is a powerful humectant found in many skincare products, known for its ability to attract and lock moisture into the skin.
  • Glycolic acid
    Glycolic acid is a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), widely used in skincare for its exfoliating properties.
  • Growth factors
    Growth factors are natural proteins in the skin that repair damage, promote elasticity and stimulate collagen production.
  • Gynecomastia
    Gynecomastia is a condition causing enlargement of the male breast tissues, often linked to hormonal imbalances.
  • HCG
    HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone pivotal in pregnancy and medical aesthetics treatments.
  • Hair Transplant
    A hair transplant is a medical procedure that moves hair follicles from one part of the body to an area experiencing hair loss.
  • Hyaluronic Acid
    Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring molecule that hydrates the skin and promotes its elasticity.
  • Hyaluronidase
    Hyaluronidase is a natural enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, facilitating skin rejuvenation treatments.
  • Hylenex
    Hylenex is a recombinant form of human hyaluronidase, used to increase absorption and distribution of other injected drugs or fluids.
  • Hypodermis
    The hypodermis, also known as subcutaneous tissue, is the deepest layer of skin. It plays a key role in temperature regulation and fat storage.
  • Immunogenicity
    Immunogenicity is the ability of a substance, such as a cosmetic product or treatment, to provoke an immune response in the body.
  • Injected mesotherapy
    Mesotherapy is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that employs injections to rejuvenate and tighten the skin.
  • Insulin Secretion
    Insulin secretion is the process by which insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose levels, is released into the bloodstream. It plays a significant role in metabolic functions and can impact skin health.
  • Intralipotherapy
    Intralipotherapy is an aesthetic procedure used to dissolve fat cells and contour the body non-surgically.
  • Iontophoresis
    Iontophoresis is a skincare technique that uses mild electric currents to enhance absorption of active ingredients into the skin.
  • King Swab
    King Swab is a type of cotton swab used in K-Beauty routines for precise skincare application.