Dermaplaning Glossary of Terms

Dermaplaning- A method of exfoliation that consists of using a 10 gauge scalpel to gently scrape off the top layer of dulling dead skin cells in order to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion.

Skin Cell Regeneration- The process which consists of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, undergoes constant renewal; every 28 days all cells are turned over as the most superficial cells are replaced by new ones. The turnover is much faster for infants and slows down over the course of our lifetime. The healing process also slows as we age.

Vellus Hairs- Also referred to as peach fuzz, is the fine, thin, light-colored hair that covers the majority of the body, including the face, arms, stomach, and legs. Vellus hair also tends to be very short and is usually no longer than 2 millimeters.

Broken Capillaries- Also Known as Telangiectasia, are actually tiny blood vessels that have burst under the skin that can appear in any location on the body, but are especially noticeable in the nose area or other regions of the face.

Hyperpigmentation- Dark spots on the skin. A common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin are darker than the surrounding skin. It occurs when special cells in the skin make too much of the pigment called melanin.

Acne- The occurrence of inflamed or infected sebaceous glands in the skin; in particular, a condition characterized by red pimples on the face, prevalent chiefly among teenagers.

Acne scars- Are usually the result of inflamed blemishes caused by skin pores engorged with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. The pore swells, causing a break in the follicle wall. Shallow lesions are usually minor and heal quickly.

Extraction- The process of clearing a clogged or compacted pore by manual or mechanical means. Extractions are often performed as part of a facial. 

Exfoliation- Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface. 

Dry skin- Occurs when your skin loses too much water and oil. Dry skin is common and can affect anyone at any age. The medical term for dry skin is xerosis.

Dull Skin- Skin tone as a result of excess dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin. This can make your face feel rough or bumpy, and can also give the skin a dull, lackluster appearance.

Rough Skin- Has uneven texture and feels coarse to the touch. Common on the face and body, rough skin can be the result of dryness or a buildup of dead skin cells.

Mature Skin- The main characteristics of mature skin that disappear with age are flexibility and elasticity. Part of the skin's consistency gradually decreases, it becomes more fragile, finer, more uneven and the dreaded wrinkles appear, which are accompanied by pronounced expression lines.

Peach Fuzz- Fine, light hair and especially such hair growing on the face.

Active Ingredients- Are the ingredients contained within skincare products that actually work to address the skin concern the product is meant to target. They are the ingredients that have supposedly been scientifically proven to actually have the desired effect.

Blackheads- Are small bumps that appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles. These bumps are called blackheads because the surface looks dark or black. Blackheads are a mild type of acne that usually form on the face.

Whitehead- Are small, white, raised bumps on the skin. They form when oil and skin collect in the pores. Whiteheads are also known as closed comedones and pimples.

Enlarged Pores- Are depressions in the facial skin surface that contain one or more openings to the ducts carrying sweat and oil from their respective eccrine glands and sebaceous glands.

Fine Lines- Small and shallow creases that form on thin, delicate skin, this is normally an indicator of first signs of ageing. Fine lines turn into wrinkles as you age, this is because the collagen and elastin beneath the surface of your skin begins to break down. Fine lines on your face are associated with repetitive movements (frowning, smiling, squinting, and laughing). You'll usually see these fine lines first around your eyes and mouth.

Skin Types- There are four basic types of healthy skin: normal, dry, oily and combination skin. Skin type is determined by genetics. The condition of our skin can, however, vary greatly according to the various internal and external factors it is subjected to.

Retinol- Also known as Vitamin A, helps eliminate and reduce signs of aging, improve appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture. An excellent ingredient for flawless-looking skin.

Breakouts- Most often appear where our skin has the most oil glands. That means on the face, chest, and even upper back and shoulders. During a breakout or an acne flare, the hair follicle fills with dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and sometimes bacteria.

Waxing- The process of removing unwanted hair from a part of the body by applying wax and peeling off the wax and hairs together.

Physical Exfoliant- A product or tool that requires rubbing or scrubbing action. These include your skincare scrubs, brushes, sponges, loofahs and muslin wash cloths. This type of exfoliation nudges the loose dead skin cells from the topmost layer of the skin using physical friction.

Enzymes- Often derived from plants and fruits (or through fermentation) unglue the bonds between dead skin cells, which causes skin to exfoliate and slough off.

Face Masks- They blanket the skin, delivering benefit ingredients to improve the appearance and or quality of the skin. 

LED Light Therapy- LED stands for light emitting diode. A popular non-invasive skin treatment for acne, sun damage, wounds, and other skin problems. The treatment uses varying wavelengths of light to trigger the skin’s natural healing processes to repair the skin. Several treatments are necessary to see results.

Serums- Are lightweight moisturizers that contain a higher concentration of active ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin C) than typical facial moisturizers. Known for their effectiveness, face serums are often used to manage specific skin care concerns, such as wrinkles.

10 Gauge Scalpel- A large curved cutting edge, which represents a more traditional blade shape. 

Skincare Experts- Assess the condition of his or her clients' skin and make recommendations on what can be done to improve their skin quality. Treatments performed include; facials, full-body treatments, lasers, head and neck massages to improve the health and appearance of the skin. 

Fitzpatrick Scale- A numerical classification scheme for determining the skin color based on a questionnaire related to an individual's genetic constitution, reaction to sun exposure, and tanning habits etc. The Fitzpatrick scale is based on six different skin types, according to how much melanin is present.

Dead Skin Cells- These cells are called 'keratinocytes', and are composed of the fibrous protein keratin. They are formed at the base of the epidermis, and gradually move up through the skin until they reach the outer surface, where they die.

Shaving- Shaving is the removal of hair, by using a razor or any other kind of bladed implement, to slice it down—to the level of the skin.

Skin Resurfacing- The superficial abrasion of the epidermis. This skin aggression induces a natural skin healing process and stimulates the neocollagenesis in the dermis. The collagen and elastin production contribute to a smoother, even skin and blemishes are faded.

Congested Skin- The build-up of dead skin cells, sweat, impurities, and sebum in the pores. As this debris builds up, if it's unable to leave the skin it becomes trapped and leads to blackheads, uneven skin texture and a dull appearance.

Acne Vulgaris- A common chronic skin disease involving blockage and/or inflammation of pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and their accompanying sebaceous gland). Acne can present as noninflammatory lesions, inflammatory lesions, or a mixture of both, affecting mostly the face but also the back and chest.

Chemical Exfoliant- Are acids that get rid of dead skin cells. They come in various concentrations. Weaker formulas can be bought over the counter, while stronger ones are usually applied by a skincare specialist in the form of a chemical peel.