Skincare Glossary for Men

The skincare journey it can often feel like trying to learn a whole new language. Endless product names, ingredients, skin characteristics, techniques and frankly all too hard. 
We like to keep things simple - so here are a few words you will find listed on some of our skincare products. 

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ACNE

Acne is a common skin condition causing: breakouts, oily skin and hot, painful patches. It can be managed by using a gentle cleanser once a day on problem areas, avoiding touching the skin and using a toner to balance oil production. 

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Activated charcoal ( meaning it has been treated at a very high temperature to make it more porous ) is great to absorb excess oils. On a weird side note it is also used in emergency rooms to treat overdoses. It can help with flatulence, kidney function and even cure hangovers.....  

BB CREAM

BB cream stands for ‘Blemish Balm".  It conceal redness, blemishes and other skin imperfections It contains moisturising elements along with SPF25 and is suitable for all skin types. We all it tinted moisturiser. Which it is. 

CLEANSER

Removes chemicals, dirt, dead skin cells, and pollutants from the skin. It is usually the first step in a skincare routine and is far less drying than soap. 

COLLAGEN

Collagen is a protein that the body produces. In skincare terms, collagen is needed for smoothness and elasticity, as well as improving the strength of hair and nails. 

DARK CIRCLES

Dark circles describe darkness under the eyes. Typically caused by; lack of sleep, poor diet, lack of hydration or stress, however they can also be genetic. Dark circles can be reduced with an eye cream and masked with concealer or a BB cream.

EXFOLIATE

Exfoliation is the act of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin, with either an acidic or grainy formula. An acidic exfoliation is considered to be more suitable for sensitive skin. Exfoliation is really helpful when it comes to preventing in-grown hairs.

FACE SERUM

A face serum is a lightweight skincare product containing a higher concentration of active ingredients (such as Hyaluronic Acid or Vitamin C) which makes it more potent for specific skin concerns. Best applied between cleansing/ toning and moisturising.

GLYCERIN

Aids in retaining your skins moisture, which is needed in deep cleansing products. It acts as a moisturising agent, which means it protects against irritation and relieves dry skin. 

HYALURONIC ACID

Naturally produced by your body this gooey substance is found in eyes, connective tissue and skin. For skincare it is laboratory made by a bio fermentation process using natural bacteria. Weird... But amazing for aging skin. Can be taken as a supplement too! 

INGROWN HAIRS

An ingrown hair occurs when a hair that’s been removed regrows and curves back into the skin causing a painful bump. They can be reduced by prepping your skin before shaving, holding a cold cloth to your skin after shaving, using a good face wash and shaving in the direction of the hair.

MATTE-EFFECT

Any product with a matte-effect is usually an oil-free, oil-absorbing or oil-balancing product. This type of product will absorb excess oil on the skin to reduce shine. 

OILY SKIN

Oily skin is caused by an overproduction of sebum in the skin, leading to shiny, greasy skin. Oily skin is also generally more prone to breakouts and acne. Mattifying products can help to reduce oil production by absorbing excess oil.

PORES

Pores are small openings in the skin which release oils and sweat. They need to be kept clean in order for the skin to function properly, and to avoid break outs and dull looking skin. Contrary to some advertising slogans, it's not possible to reduce the actual size of your pores, but there are certainly products that can help reduce the appearance of them by removing dirt stuck within them.

ROSACEA

Rosacea is a common skin condition causing flushing, redness, and stinging skin. It can be triggered by temperature, diet, exercise or harsh products. Unfortunately there is currently no known cure for this skin condition. Avoiding your triggers and using gentle products can help reduce inflammation.

TONER

Toner is either a liquid moisturiser that improves the skin’s hydration level,or it can be designed to complete your cleansing process to thoroughly remove dirt, and dead skin cells from your skin. They include active ingredients that help with most skin types, reducing oil, redness, and removing excess dirt.

WILLOWBARK EXTRACT

Willow bark contains an ingredient called salicin, which your body makes into another chemical substance called salicylic acid. It can exfoliate your skin, reduce excess oil, clear up your pores as well as help to keep your skin hydrated.