Skincare Glossary

Permanent textural changes in the skin resulting from inflammatory acne. Types include rolling, boxcar, ice pick, and hypertrophic scars.

A family of water-soluble acids — including glycolic, lactic, and mandelic — that dissolve the 'glue' holding dead skin cells together, smoothing texture and brightening tone.

SkinBetter Science's patented formulation that combines a retinoid with lactic acid (an AHA) to deliver retinol-level anti-aging results with significantly less irritation.

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, during which the hair follicle is producing new hair. Laser hair removal only works on hairs in this phase.

Molecules that neutralize free radicals — unstable molecules caused by UV exposure and pollution — which damage skin cells and accelerate aging.

A family of oil-soluble acids — most notably salicylic acid — that penetrate into pores to break down excess sebum and dead skin. Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin.

A skin treatment that uses controlled acid solutions to remove damaged outer layers, revealing smoother, more even skin underneath.

The most abundant protein in the body, responsible for skin's firmness, elasticity, and structural integrity. Production declines with age.

The clinical term for microneedling — using controlled micro-injuries to trigger the skin's natural wound-healing response, producing new collagen and elastin.

The thick middle layer of skin beneath the outer epidermis — where collagen, elastin, blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands live.

The recovery period after a cosmetic treatment during which skin may appear red, swollen, or flaky — ranging from none (HydraFacial) to several days (medium peels, ablative lasers).

A protein in the skin and connective tissue that provides elasticity — the ability for skin to stretch and snap back to its original shape.

The process of removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface, either physically (scrubs, devices) or chemically (acids, enzymes) to reveal fresher skin.

A numerical classification (I–VI) that describes how different skin tones respond to UV light, used by laser providers to select safe settings and predict results.

A laser that delivers energy in a grid of tiny columns rather than treating the entire skin surface at once, allowing faster healing while reaching deep skin layers.

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane, used for chemical exfoliation. The smallest AHA molecule, it penetrates skin most effectively.

A painless, no-downtime laser facial — also called a carbon laser peel — that applies a layer of liquid carbon to the skin and uses a laser to vaporize it, clearing pores and creating an instant glow.

A naturally occurring molecule that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing hydration, plumpness, and volume to the skin.

A non-invasive facial treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, and hydrates the skin using patented Vortex-Fusion technology.

A condition where patches of skin become darker than surrounding areas due to excess melanin production. Caused by sun exposure, hormones, or inflammation.

A broad-spectrum light treatment that targets pigmentation, redness, and vascular lesions using multiple wavelengths simultaneously.

A gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk that exfoliates the skin's surface, improves moisture retention, and brightens tone. Milder than glycolic acid.

A medical procedure that uses concentrated light beams to target and destroy hair follicles, resulting in long-term hair reduction.

The natural pigment produced by melanocytes that determines skin, hair, and eye color. Also the target for laser hair removal and pigmentation treatments.

A common skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches on the face, typically triggered by hormones (pregnancy, birth control) and worsened by sun exposure.

A collagen induction therapy that uses tiny sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries, triggering the skin's natural healing and collagen production.

A laser that fires in billionths-of-a-second pulses — the older generation of tattoo-removal and pigment lasers, still effective but slower to shatter ink than picosecond lasers.

A laser that heats tissue beneath the skin's surface to stimulate collagen without removing or destroying the outer layer, resulting in little to no visible peeling.

Short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the skin, telling cells to produce more collagen, elastin, or other repair proteins.

A light-based facial treatment — most often using IPL — that targets sun damage, redness, and discoloration with broad-spectrum light pulses.

A laser that delivers energy in pulses measured in trillionths of a second (picoseconds). Shatters pigment into smaller particles than older nanosecond lasers.

Dark spots left behind after a pimple, rash, or skin injury heals — caused by excess melanin produced during the body's inflammation response. Not the same as a scar.

A dual-wavelength picosecond laser that delivers ultra-short energy pulses for tattoo removal and skin toning across all ink colors and skin types.

A non-ablative fractional laser by Lumenis that resurfaces skin by creating microscopic columns of heat deep in the dermis to stimulate new collagen.

A vitamin A derivative that speeds up skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production — among the most clinically proven ingredients for fine lines, acne, and uneven skin tone.

A chronic skin condition that causes persistent facial redness, flushing, and sometimes visible blood vessels — most commonly on the nose, cheeks, and forehead.

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into pores to dissolve oil and dead skin buildup — especially effective for acne, blackheads, and congested skin.

The natural oil produced by sebaceous glands in the skin that keeps it moisturized. Overproduction clogs pores and contributes to acne and shine.

Lightweight, highly concentrated skincare products designed to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. Applied after cleansing, before moisturizer.

A physician-dispensed medical-grade skincare brand known for its patented AlphaRet retinoid formulas, antioxidant serums, and cosmetically elegant SPF.

A number on sunscreen indicating how well it blocks UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks ~97% of UVB; SPF 50 blocks ~98%. Post-treatment skin is more sensitive and requires consistent SPF.

A medium-to-deep chemical peel acid that penetrates more layers than glycolic or salicylic — used for deeper wrinkles, stubborn pigmentation, and significant sun damage.

Visible blood vessels or redness on the skin — including broken capillaries, spider veins, and diffuse redness — caused by enlarged or damaged vessels near the surface.

HydraFacial's patented spiral tip system that simultaneously creates a vortex suction to extract impurities from pores while infusing nourishing serums into the skin.