Glossary of Skincare & Aesthetic Technology Terms
Welcome to the ScienceAesthetics Glossary — your guide to the science behind beauty. From collagen to RF and everything in between, we’ve decoded the language of aesthetic technology so you don’t have to.
A
Active Ingredients
Compounds that directly target specific skin concerns like wrinkles or acne.
Anti-Aging
Treatments and products aimed at reducing signs of aging such as fine lines and sagging.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
A molecule that provides energy to cells, enhanced in treatments like RF and LED.
B
Botanical Extracts
Plant-based ingredients used for their soothing and antioxidant properties.
Broad-Spectrum SPF
Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
C
Collagen
A structural protein responsible for skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Cellulite
Dimpled skin texture treated with RF and body contouring devices.
Clinical-Grade
Products or devices with results proven in clinical settings.
D
Dermis
The middle skin layer where collagen and elastin reside.
Downtime
Recovery period after a treatment; often minimal with modern devices.
E
Epidermis
The skin’s outermost layer, often targeted by exfoliating treatments.
Electroporation
Needle-free tech using electric pulses to boost product absorption.
F
Firming
Refers to skin tightening effects achieved via devices or treatments.
Fractional Technology
Treats micro-zones of skin for quicker healing and rejuvenation.
G
Gua Sha
Traditional massage tool used to promote circulation and reduce puffiness.
H
Hyaluronic Acid
A hydration powerhouse that retains up to 1,000x its weight in water.
Home Devices
Tech tools for clinical-grade treatments from home, like LED masks and RF wands.
I
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Light-based therapy for pigmentation, redness, and hair removal.
Invasive vs. Non-Invasive
Invasive treatments require downtime; non-invasive options do not.
L
LED Light Therapy
Uses different light wavelengths to treat acne, aging, and inflammation.
Lymphatic Drainage
Massage technique to detoxify and reduce facial puffiness.
M
Microcurrent
Uses low-level electrical currents to tone and lift facial muscles.
Microneedling
Stimulates collagen by creating micro-injuries in the skin.
N
Nano-Infusion
A needle-free delivery system that enhances skincare absorption.
P
Peptides
Amino acid chains that signal skin to boost collagen production.
Photoaging
Skin aging caused by sun exposure.
R
Radio Frequency (RF)
A heat-based technology that stimulates collagen and tightens skin.
Retinol
A form of vitamin A that promotes cell turnover and smooths fine lines.
S
Skin Barrier
The outer skin layer that protects against environmental damage.
Sagging Skin
A common aging concern addressed by lifting and tightening treatments.
T
Transdermal Delivery
Allows skincare ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Tone & Texture
Describes the smoothness and consistency of the skin’s surface.
V
Vascular Lesions
Broken capillaries or visible veins treatable by IPL or laser.
Visible Results
Results that can be seen within days or weeks of using a product or device.
W
Wrinkle Reduction
Treatments aimed at softening or eliminating lines and creases.
Z
Zero Downtime
Treatments with no recovery period; you can get back to life immediately.
Stay curious. Stay radiant. — The ScienceAesthetics Team