Skin Care Products Key Terms

Know your terminology if you're going to work with skin care products

By Andrea Townsley

Whether you sell skin care products for profit or use them in the course of an aesthetic treatment, you should know a bit about different types of skin care products. It's essential that you know some common skin care products terminology when shopping for skin care products or talking with clients about skin care. The vast majority of skin care products are made for the face, so concentrate on facial products when learning about skin care products key terms.

Astringent and toner

These are liquid products that help the complexion of the skin by tightening it up and removing dirt and oil. Astringents generally include alcohol while toners do not.
Try: Find out more about astringents and toners at Joy Lorraine Cosmetics.

Exfoliants and exfoliators

The process of exfoliating involves rubbing abrasive materials onto the skin. This "polishing" effect removes the top layer of the skin, where the dead skin cells are. Exfoliants and exfoliators are usually used before applying moisturizer and should be gentle.
Try: For more information about exfoliating, check out Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.

Masks

Masks (also spelled "masques") are usually applied to the face to remove dirt and oil. Masks can actually draw the impurities out of the skin, providing a thorough cleaning and anti-aging effect. These are usually made from mud or clay; different types may have a drying or moisturizing effect.
Try: Get more information about these types of products at Aloette Cosmetics.

Peels

A peel is a more harsh treatment designed to even out the complexion. One first applies a weak acid solution to the skin (usually the face) then neutralizes the acid and removes the dead skin to reveal fresher skin beneath. Some so-called "peels" are actually less expensive masks that can peel off of the skin, but this is not the same thing.
Try: Nu Skin provides a good two-step example of a peel.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein in the skin that allows it to keep its youthful appearance. It acts like a glue and keeps the skin tight and without wrinkles.
Try: There is a thorough explanation of collagen at Dermaxime.

Organic

More and more, there is a trend toward green products and organic ingredients. Organic is actually defined as a product that is not grown with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or a variety of other unappealing ingredients. Most people think of organic skin products as an all-natural way of caring for their skin.
Try: You can find out a lot more about organic skin products at InspiredLiving.com.