Acne

What It Is: Acne is a widespread skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become blocked by excess oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria...

A

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that may lead to cancer, resulting from prolonged exposure to sunlight. It...

A

Alcohol and Skin

The connection between alcohol and skin conditions is significant, as I’ve also highlighted in my previous discussion on...

A

Alpha Hydroxy Acid - AHAs

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are water-based exfoliants sourced from natural ingredients like fruits...

A

Antioxidants in Skincare

Skincare ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and green tea extract, which are rich in antioxidants, play an essential role...

A

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a naturally found compound sourced from grains like barley, wheat, and rye.

A

Bakuchiol

What is it? Bakuchiol is a botanical extract derived from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant. Often promoted as a natural...

B

Beef Tallow

Beef tallow, a traditional rendered animal fat, has recently gained attention on social media as a natural and effective skincare ingredient...

B

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used skincare ingredient, primarily known for its effectiveness in treating acne.

B

Beta Hydroxy Acids – BHAs

What are they? Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), like the widely used Salicylic Acid, are oil-soluble exfoliants. Unlike AHAs, which are...

B

Blue Light and Skin

Blue light has gained attention in dermatology due to rising screen time from digital devices. This high-energy visible (HEV)...

B

Botox

What It Is: Botox is a refined version of botulinum toxin type A that works by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles to reduce...

B

Centella Asiatica

What Is It? Centella Asiatica—also known as cica or gotu kola—is a medicinal herb native to Asia, long valued in traditional medicine...

C

Ceramides

What Are They?‍ Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up more than half of the skin’s outermost layer. Often plant-derived or...

C

Chemical Peels

What Is a Chemical Peel? A chemical peel involves applying an acid-based solution to the skin to exfoliate its outer layers, boosting cell...

C

Chemical SPF

What is it? Chemical sunscreens use synthetic UV filters to absorb and neutralize the sun’s harmful rays. Unlike mineral sunscreens, ...

C

Cica & Cica Needles

Cica, short for Centella Asiatica, is a plant-derived ingredient known for its soothing and skin-repairing qualities. Also called...

C

Cold Showers

Cold showers are believed to enhance circulation, tighten pores, and refresh the skin. The drop in temperature...

C

Collagen

Collagen is a vital protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and youthful appearance. Over time, natural...

C

Cortisol Face

Cortisol face describes the noticeable impact of chronic stress on the skin, triggered by elevated cortisol levels—the body’s main...

C

Cryotherapy

What it is: Cryotherapy involves the use of extremely cold temperatures to treat various skin concerns such as warts, skin tags, and sun..

C

Dark Circles

What It Is: Dark circles are discolored or shadowed areas beneath the eyes, often caused by genetics, lack of sleep,...

D

Dehydration vs Dry Skin

Is there a difference? Though often confused, dry and dehydrated skin are not the same—and treating them correctly starts with knowing what ...

D

Dermal Fillers

What It Is: Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to add volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial features. Commonly ...

D

Dermis

What is it? The dermis is central to what we associate with healthy skin. Collagen gives the skin firmness, elastin provides flexibility,...

D

Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is a two-step process that starts with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess ...

D

Eczema

What It Is: Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a long-term inflammatory skin condition marked by dryness, itching,...

E

Elastin

What is it? Elastin is a vital protein found in the dermis—the skin’s middle layer—responsible for giving skin its flexibility and...

E

Emollient

What is an Emollient in Skincare? An emollient is a type of moisturising ingredient that softens and smooths the skin by filling in small gaps and cracks in...

E

Epidermis

What is it? The epidermis is the skin’s outermost layer and serves as the body’s primary barrier against environmental threats, harmful microbes...

E

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAs), including omega-3 and omega-6, are vital for supporting a strong and healthy skin barrier. Commonly...

E

Exfoliation

What is it? Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface, helping to reveal smoother, more radiant skin underneath.

E

Facial Massage

What is it? Facial massage uses hands or tools like gua sha to gently stimulate the skin and facial muscles.

F

Glass Skin

What it is “Glass skin” is a popular term that emerged from South Korea’s beauty industry and has since captivated social media...

G

Glycerin

What is it? Glycerin is a highly effective skincare ingredient that attracts and locks in moisture. As a humectant, it pulls water...

G

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane and is known for having the smallest molecular size among...

G

Hair Loss

Hair loss has long been a topic of concern, gaining even more attention recently through platforms like TikTok. Although...

H

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal changes can have a major effect on the skin, especially during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or your menstrual...

H

Humectant

What is it? A humectant is an ingredient that attracts water to the skin, either from the environment or deeper layers, ...

H

Humidity for Skin

Humidity plays a big role in skin health and requires a bit of balance.

H

Hydrafacial

What It Is: A hydrafacial is a gentle, multi-step treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts impurities, hydrates, and infuses antioxidants..

H

Hydration

Hydration is key for keeping skin plump and elastic—it’s all about restoring water levels in the skin. Humectants ...

H

Hydroquinone

What is it? Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening ingredient commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation such as melasma, sun spots, post-inflammatory...

H

Hyperpigmentation

What It Is: Hyperpigmentation refers to darker patches of skin caused by an overproduction of melanin. It can develop on...

H

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

What It Is: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses broad-spectrum light to treat pigmentation, redness, and excess hair. Commonly...

I

Importance of SPF

What is it? SPF (sun protection factor) is essential in any skincare routine. It shields the skin from harmful UV rays ...

I

Keratin

Keratin is the essential protein that forms the foundation of the skin’s outer layer. It provides durability, flexibility, and acts...

K

Kojic Acid

Kojic Acid is a naturally derived compound produced during the fermentation of specific fungi, often those involved ...

K

Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid, a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), is either derived from milk or created synthetically for use in skincare. It’s...

L

Laser Resurfacing

What It Is: Laser resurfacing uses focused beams of light to target and remove damaged skin layers, encouraging the regeneration...

L

Liquorice Root

What is it? Liquorice root, extracted from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, is a multi-tasking ingredient celebrated for its skin-brightening...

L

Lymphatic Drainage

What is it? Lymphatic drainage is the body’s way of flushing out toxins, waste, and excess fluid via the lymphatic system. In skincare, this...

L

Melasma

What It Is: Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation often linked to hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy or from birth...

M

Microneedling

What is it?‍ Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is a low-risk procedure that involves tiny needles creating controlled micro-injuries ...

M

Mineral SPF

What is it? Mineral SPF contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that physically block UVA and UVB rays. It provides instant protection and...

M

Moisturizing

Moisturizing locks in hydration by reinforcing the skin’s barrier, preventing water loss and protecting against external stressors. A...

M

Niacinamide

What is it? Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a water-soluble nutrient derived from niacin and found in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and green...

N

Non-Comedogenic

What does it mean? Non-comedogenic means a product is formulated to avoid clogging pores. Since “comedo” refers to a blocked pore, non-comedogenic...

N

Occlusives

What are they? Occlusives are skincare ingredients that create a barrier on the skin’s surface to seal in moisture and prevent water from ...

O

Panthenol

What is it? Panthenol, or provitamin B5, is a hydrating ingredient sourced from plants or made synthetically. It's well-known for...

P

Peptides

What are they? Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as the foundation for proteins like collagen and elastin. In skincare, they’re synthetically...

P

Polynucleotides

What Are Polynucleotides? Polynucleotides (PN) are natural molecules made up of long chains of nucleotides—the basic units of DNA...

P

Probiotics and Skin

Probiotics support skin health by nurturing a balanced microbiome, which is essential for maintaining strong,...

P

Psoriasis

What It Is: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to multiply too quickly, resulting in raised, red, scaly...

P

Radiofrequency Microneedling

What It Is: Radiofrequency microneedling combines tiny needle punctures with RF energy to boost collagen production ...

R

Retinol

What is it? Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is widely regarded as a gold-standard skincare ingredient. Though synthetically produced for stability...

R

Rosacea

What It Is:‍ Rosacea is a long-term skin condition marked by persistent redness, visible capillaries, and occasional acne-like bumps, ...

R

Salicylic Acid

What is it? Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark and other natural sources. Its oil-soluble...

S

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

What It Is: Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that affects oil-rich areas like the scalp, face,...

S

Sebum

What Is Sebum? Sebum is an oily substance made by sebaceous glands to moisturise and protect the skin and hair. It helps keep the skin barrier ...

S

Skin Barrier

What is it? The skin barrier, or stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the skin that serves as a protective shield. It consists of ...

S

Skin Boosters

What It Is: Skin boosters are injectable treatments that provide deep hydration and enhance skin texture. Typically used...

S

Skin Cycling

Skin cycling is a method of rotating active ingredients in your skincare routine over several days to minimise...

S

Skin Detoxing

Skin detoxing is a popular term in beauty, typically referring to simplifying your routine to let the skin...

S

Skin Flooding

Skin flooding is a skincare technique that focuses on deeply hydrating the skin by layering moisture-rich products in a specific...

S

Skin Laxity

What It Is: Skin laxity is the sagging or looseness of skin resulting from ageing, collagen loss, or significant weight loss. It commonly...

S

Skin Tags

What is a Skin Tag? Skin tags are harmless, soft growths made of collagen and blood vessels, often found in areas where skin rubs together...

S

Skincare During Pregnancy

Skincare during pregnancy often requires adjustments to address hormonal changes that can lead to acne, pigmentation...

S

Sleep and Skin

The connection between sleep and skin health is vital. While you sleep, the skin goes through a natural repair process, producing collagen and healing...

S

Slugging

Slugging is a skincare trend that involves applying an occlusive layer, usually petroleum jelly, as the final step in your night-time routine...

S

Smoking and Premature Ageing

Smoking is a major contributor to premature ageing, with toxins in cigarette smoke reducing blood flow and depriving the skin...

S

Spider Veins

What It Is: Spider veins are small, visible blood vessels that lie close to the skin’s surface, commonly appearing on...

S

Squalane and Squalene

What is it? Squalane and squalene both originate from squalene, a lipid naturally produced by the skin. In its natural form, squalene...

S

Stress and Skin

Stress and skin issues are closely connected.Chronic stress can trigger breakouts, redness, and worsen conditions like eczema or rosacea.

S

Stretch Marks

What It Is: Stretch marks are scars that form from rapid skin stretching, often caused by pregnancy, weight gain, or ...

S

Tranexamic Acid

What is it? Tranexamic Acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine, originally used to reduce excessive bleeding. In skincare,...

T

Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)

What is TEWL? Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is the natural evaporation of water from the skin into the air. While it’s a normal skin...

T

Tretinoin

What is it? Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid derived from vitamin A. It’s one of the most researched and effective..

T

UV Damage

What is it?‍ UV damage refers to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning ...

U

Vitamin C

What is it?‍ Vitamin C, or Ascorbic Acid, is a powerful antioxidant known for its brightening and protective properties. Naturally...

V

Vitamin D

What is it?‍ Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

V

Zinc Oxide

What is it?‍ Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral commonly used in skincare for its protective and soothing properties. It ...

Z