Skincare Dictionary: The A-Z of Buzzwords

We take your through the A to Z of important skincare steps, products and ingredients your face can’t afford to miss out on!

A IS FOR ACTIVES

Active ingredients work wonders for your skin and are the most effective at delivering results.

B IS FOR BB CREAM

Coverage and skincare combined, BB (blemish balm) cream is lighter than foundation but works in the same way, plus it has moisturising, priming and SPF properties in there too. It’s a hard working multi-tasking product.

C IS FOR COLLAGEN

Known as the skin’s building blocks, collagen will keep your skin looking plump, youthful and radiant. The amount your body produces naturally reduces as you get older, so opt for collagen-boosting products.

D IS FOR DERMATOLOGICALLY APPROVED

This means a product has been tested by skincare experts to make sure it’s great for your skin.

E IS FOR EXFOLIATE

Exfoliation is a must to get rid of spot-causing dead skin cells and to prevent the skin from looking dull. Use an exfoliator two to three times a week (more than that can irritate your skin).

F IS FOR FACE WIPES

They’re great for removing your make-up before you cleanse, especially for removing stubborn mascara. They’re also handy for taking to festivals or on flights to refresh your face when you don’t have access to running water!

G IS FOR GLYCERIN

This wonder ingredient locks in moisture to prevent skin from becoming dry and dehydrated.

H IS FOR HYALURONIC ACID

Another wonder ingredient, it helps the skin retain moisture and stay plumped and hydrated. Make sure your eye cream contains this ingredient, as the skin around the eyes is the area most likely to dry out.

I IS FOR IRRITATED SKIN

Your skin can be temperamental – you never know what’s going to upset it! Using a harsh exfoliator every day can leave your skin raw and hypersensitive so stick to using it two to three times a week. If you have sensitive skin steer clear from products that contain essential oils – always do a patch test 24 hours before using a new product.

J IS FOR JUICING

If your face has been suffering as a result of all the junk food you’ve been eating, “superjuices” are a great way to nourish the skin from within, as part of a healthy balanced diet. Grab yourself a blender and pop in 300ml coconut water, a whole banana, a handful of berries and two handfuls of spinach leaves. This juice will help keep your skin hydrated and nourished with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

K IS FOR KEY INGREDIENTS

When buying any skincare products it’s always important to check what the key ingredients are to give you a better idea of how the product works.

L IS FOR LIVE YEAST EXTRACT

A key ingredient in some eye creams, which helps combat those dreaded dark circles and help reduce any puffiness.

M IS FOR MASSAGE

It’s always a good idea to thoroughly massage any skincare products into the skin to ensure they are properly absorbed. A massage can also relieve any tension in the face and release toxins by boosting circulation.

N IS FOR NIGHT CREAM

Although you may want to wear a lighter moisturiser during the day, before bed it’s best to cocoon your skin in a rich night cream.

O IS FOR OIL

Oil isn’t always your skin’s enemy. Oil-based cleansers are good, especially for those with oily skin, as they attract and remove the oil on your skin like a magnet.

P IS FOR PHASES

Different skin types need different products to suit their specific needs. Factors include age, diet, lifestyle and how much sun exposure your skin has had.

Q IS FOR QUICK FIX

Want a fuss-free cleanse in a hurry? Use a micellar water to cleanse skin and remove makeup without stripping it of moisture.

R IS FOR RELAX

If you’re stressed, it will show on your face. As well as causing breakouts, research has shown that stress can make our skin age faster, meaning more lines and wrinkles at a younger age. If you’re finding it difficult to switch off, try and have some ‘me time’ each day to unwind. Meditation and yoga are great for dealing with stress too.

S IS FOR SALICYLIC ACID

A great ingredient for keeping spots at bay, it deeply cleanses pores and helps exfoliate the skin, making it less bacteria-friendly.

T IS FOR TETRAPEPTIDE

This active ingredient found in some products targeted at people in their mid-twenties and above. It’s great for helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

U IS FOR UV RAYS

These damaging rays are your skin’s worst enemy and are one of the main causes of wrinkles. Before you go out, wear a moisturiser with an added SPF of at least 15. And always remember: prevention is better than cure!

V IS FOR VITAMIN C

A key ingredient in most skincare products, vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps your skin protect itself and also works to boost elasticity. If you suffer from dark spots, the vitamin C can help reduce them.

W IS FOR WATER

Drinking six glasses of water a day is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Water will keep skin hydrated and help flush out toxins.

X IS FOR X-FACTOR

A great way to find out if a skincare product has “the x-factor” or not is to use it over four to six weeks and closely monitor the difference it makes in your skin when you first wake up. Does it feel plumper or smoother? Have you broken out in more spots than usual? Does it seem to have reduced wrinkles and fine lines?

Y IS FOR YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN

OK, so you may not want to look like a teenager if you’re in your 30s, but you still want to look fantastic for your age. Our advice? Drink lots of water, moisturise regularly, cleanse thoroughly (or the moisturiser won’t absorb!) and wear sun protection every day – even when the weather’s cold. Trust us, your skin will thank you for it.

Z IS FOR ZZZZ!

Sleep is so important to your skin, so unless you want dark circles and a puffy, spotty complexion, make sure you get at least eight hours’ worth a night.