When you start reading the labels on skin care products, a bewildering array of terms and words pop up. Non-acnegenic, AHAs, salicylic acid, SPF. Confusion mounts as you try to learn about acne, with words like acne vulgaris, comedone and lesion. Lesion?! Doesn’t that sound terrible? Turns out, it just means ‘a mark in the skin’ to a dermatologist (a doctor specializing in skin). ‘Lesion’ could refer to a sore, growth, blister or pimple.
So, in the hopes of clearing up some confusion, we give you this list of some of the most common words you’ll come across if you’re trying to learn more about basic skin care and acne. This is by no means a definitive list, but this will get you started on your road to being a well-informed beauty consumer.
Acne vulgaris – A medical term that means acne.
Acne – An inflammation of the skin’s sebaceous glands and hair follicles that results in pimples and pustules.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – A type of acid found in plants, used in many acne and cosmetic products, such as moisturizers and sunscreens. Also used in chemical peels.
Benzoyl peroxide – Topical antibacterial agent used to treat acne. Found in more over-the-counter and prescription skin care products than any other chemical.
Collagen – A protein that gives skin strength, elasticity and durability. Your body produces less collagen as you age. Often found in beauty products to prevent or stop wrinkles.
Comedone – A pore clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Can be a blackhead or whitehead.
Dermis – Layer of the skin just beneath the epidermis. Contains blood and lymphatic vessels, hair follicles, nerves and glands.
Laser - A single (concentrated) band of light that can penetrate into the dermis without injuring the epidermis. Often used to treat acne and scars. When used to treat acne, the beams are adjusted to penetrate below the epidermis and travel into the dermis where they zero in on the bacteria that causes acne.
Non-acnegenic – A product that doesn’t cause acne.
Non-comedogenic – A product that doesn’t cause blackheads or whiteheads.
Papule – Pimples (zits) that appear as small, firm, reddish bumps. Also known as an inflammatory lesion.
Salicylic acid – An acid that helps exfoliate outer layers of the skin. Found in many acne products.
Sebaceous glands – Small, sack-shaped glands located under the epidermis (first layer of skin) that release sebum onto the hair and skin.
Sebum – A semi-fluid secretion of the sebaceous glands, consisting of fat, keratin and cellular material.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – Sunscreens, moisturizers and some cosmetics are labeled with an SPF. The SPF label tells you how long you can stay in the sun before burning. Products with SPF 15 or higher are recommended.
Tetracycline – An antibiotic used to treat acne and rosacea.
Topical therapy – Something that’s applied onto the skin, such as a cream, gel or ointment.
To learn even more about acne and how your skin works in general, visit MyZeno.com. [links to http://www.myzeno.com/about-acne.asp]