Augmentation
The process of building up of the structure beneath the skin.

Antioxidants
Chemicals that help combat free radicals. Free radicals can cause malignancies and destroy connective tissue beneath the skin. Major antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, E and Selenium.

Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of Skin Cancer and most common of all Cancers, mostly caused by sun exposure. It does not invade the bloodstream or move to other parts of the body, but can grow extensively on the skin surface.

Cellulite
Small compartments attached under the skin surface which are overstuffed with fat cells.

Collagen
The Greek word for glue. Collagen is a protein that serves as the support structure for the skin.

Cryosurgery
Surgical use of cold temperature to produce injury in the skin to destroy a tumor, etc.

Curettage
A procedure where tissue is scraped away.

Dermabrasion
A procedure which consists of "sanding" of the skin. Used primarily to treat Acne scars.

Dermis
The middle layer of skin composed mostly of blood vessels, nerve endings, connective tissue and Collagen.

Epidermis
The outer layer of skin which covers the entire body and is only about as thick as a single sheet of paper.

Exfoliate
To cause the shedding of dead skin cells.

Folliculitis
Inflammation of the hair follicle.

Free Radicals
Unstable molecules in our bodies which attack other unsuspecting molecules, setting up reactions that are damaging to other healthy cells in the body. Free radicals are created when oxygen molecules inside our bodies break down due to metabolism, radiation, exercise, ozone exposure, carcinogens and other environmental toxins.

Glycolic Acid
The simplest and smallest of a group of naturally-occurring Acids which collectively are known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs. Many of these Acids are found in fruits and other foods. Used as a chemical peel to slough off surface, dead skin cells and reveal a fresher complexion.

Hypo-allergenic
Less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Lesion
An injury or any detectable deviation from normal skin structure.

Liposuction
The process of suctioning away excess fatty deposits from various areas of the body.

Liver Spot
A flat collection of pigment frequently found on the face and backs of hands and has no relation to the Liver, other than the name!

Malignant
Cancerous or severe.

Melanin
Brown pigment produced in the skin.

Melanoma
A dark or black mass.

PABA
A sunscreen.

Pigment
Coloration in the skin.

Plantar Warts
Warts on the sole of the feet.

Rosacea
A chronic, inflammatory Acne-like condition of the face.

Sclerotherapy
A process whereby a concentrated solution of salt water or other substance is injected into the vein, causing the vein to shrink. The vein becomes invisible, since it no longer carries blood. Used as a cosmetic treatment for Spider veins.

Sebaceous Glands
Glands in the skin which secrete an oil called Sebum.

Sebum
The oil secreted by the skin which lubricates the hair and skin surfaces.

SPF
Sun Protection Factor.

Spider Veins
Tiny broken blood vessels on the face and other body parts. Usually caused by the sun’s radiation or female hormones.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Less common, but more serious and more difficult to treat than Basal Cell Carcinoma. It is usually caused by trauma to the affected area, such as leg ulcers, lip biting, smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco products.

UVA
The so-called tanning spectrum of Ultraviolet light rays. UVA is the light emitted by tanning beds and penetrates much deeper than UVB, even into the muscle.

UVB
The sun’s rays which represent the burning spectrum.

UVC
Ultraviolet cosmic rays that do not penetrate the earth’s atmosphere.

Varicose Veins
Blueish, swollen, cordlike veins in the legs. They are caused by gravity and chronic elevated pressure in the legs. Other causes are obesity, long hours of standing and pregnancy.