swederm

Beauty Glossary

Everything you wanted to know about active ingredients, skin types and dermatological terms – explained simply.

A
Acne Skin Condition
A chronic skin condition with comedones, papules, pustules and cysts – triggered by excess sebum and bacteria.
Adaptogens Active Ingredient
Natural plant and mushroom compounds that strengthen the skin's resilience against oxidative stress, pollution and external irritants – without causing irritation.
Adipocytes Skin Anatomy
Fat cells that store energy – their accumulation leads to cellulite and localized fat deposits.
Aluminum Chloride Active Ingredient
An inorganic chemical compound found in antiperspirants – it temporarily blocks the sweat glands and reduces sweating.
Antiperspirant Body Care
A product that reduces sweating by temporarily blocking the sweat glands – it works differently from a deodorant.
Azelaic Acid Active Ingredient
A versatile organic acid – antibacterial, soothing and brightening. For skin prone to blemishes, redness and dark spots.
Azeloglicina Active Ingredient
A gentle derivative of azelaic acid – it brightens dark spots, reduces blemishes and regulates sebum production without irritation.
B
Bacterial Skin Infection Skin Condition
A skin infection caused by bacteria – it shows up as redness, swelling, pain and possible pus-filled lesions.
Bags Under Eyes Skin Concern
Puffiness or sagging skin under the eyes – the result of fluid retention, skin aging or genetics.
Blackheads Skin Concern
A clogged pore with a black tip – melanin oxidized at the surface gives it the dark color, it's not dirt.
Broken Capillaries Skin Concern
Visible, dilated or broken blood vessels on the face (telangiectasia) – usually on the cheeks and nose.
C
Capillaries Skin Anatomy
The finest blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to skin cells – when they weaken, couperose develops.
Cellulite Skin Texture
Uneven skin that resembles orange peel – the result of an uneven distribution of fat, water and metabolic waste beneath the skin's surface.
Ceramides Active Ingredient
Natural lipids that form the skin's water-lipid barrier – they protect against moisture loss and strengthen the skin's resilience.
Chapped Lips Skin Concern
Dry, cracked and flaky lips – the result of dehydration, bad habits or a vitamin deficiency. They need regular care.
Collagen Active Ingredient
The most important structural protein of the skin, responsible for elasticity and firmness – its production declines from the age of 25.
Couperose Skin Skin Type
A skin type with visible, dilated capillaries – prone to redness, telangiectasia and sensitivity to external triggers.
D
Dandruff Scalp Concern
Flaking of the scalp in the form of white or yellowish flakes – caused by the yeast Malassezia or excess sebum production.
E
Eczema Skin Condition
A chronic skin condition (atopic dermatitis) – dry, itchy, reddened skin prone to recurring flare-ups.
Enzyme Peel Active Ingredient
Natural proteins that dissolve dead skin cells – they work gently, without irritation, and are safe for sensitive skin.
Evening Makeup Makeup
The more intense version of makeup for special occasions – bolder colors, a more dramatic finish and longer-lasting products.
Exfoliation Skincare Treatment
The removal of dead skin cells – it improves the complexion, smooths the skin and increases the absorption of active ingredients.
F
Face Contouring Makeup
A makeup technique that visually sculpts the features of the face with bronzer, highlighter and blush.
Freckles Skin Changes
Small, flat pigment spots caused by clusters of melanin – genetic, and they become more intense in the sun.
Frown Lines Signs of Aging
Vertical lines between the eyebrows caused by repeated frowning – one of the first signs of skin aging.
G
Glycolic Acid Active Ingredient
The best-known AHA acid – it dissolves dead skin cells, smooths wrinkles, brightens dark spots and improves the absorption of skincare products.
H
Hair Loss Scalp Concern
Excessive hair shedding (more than 100 hairs a day) – possible triggers include stress, nutrient deficiencies, hormones or scalp conditions.
Hair Porosity Hair Care
The ability of your hair to absorb and hold water – it determines which care products to choose. Hair is classified as low, medium or high porosity.
Hyaluronic Acid Active Ingredient
A natural moisture-binding molecule – one molecule holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration.
Hyperpigmentation Skin Concern
Dark spots on the face caused by excess melanin production – triggered by sun, hormones or inflammation. They need consistent care.
K
Keratin Active Ingredient
The protein that hair, skin and nails are mainly made of – it gives them strength, elasticity and protection.
Keratosis Pilaris Skin Texture
A harmless skin condition with small, rough bumps around the hair follicles – usually on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks.
L
Lip Plumper Skincare Treatment
A cosmetic effect in which the skin is visibly and noticeably plumped and smoothed – especially popular in lip care.
M
Menopause Skin Changes
The time of hormonal change when skin becomes drier, loses elasticity and wrinkles deepen – it needs more intensive care.
N
Niacinamide Active Ingredient
A form of vitamin B3 with a broad range of effects – it brightens pigment spots, regulates sebum, refines pores and strengthens the skin barrier.
O
Olive Skin Skin Type
A skin type with a warm, golden or olive undertone – it ages more slowly and burns less often, but tends toward pigment spots.
P
Peptides Active Ingredient
Short chains of amino acids that signal skin cells to produce collagen, elastin and other structural proteins.
R
Razor Bumps Skin Concern
Small bumps and pimples that appear after shaving – the result of mechanical irritation or ingrown hairs.
Retinol Active Ingredient
A derivative of vitamin A with a strong anti-aging effect – it speeds up cell renewal, smooths wrinkles and brightens dark spots.
S
Sagging Cheeks Signs of Aging
Loosening facial tissue that lets the cheeks drop – the result of losing collagen, elastin and fat tissue with age.
Salicylic Acid Active Ingredient
An oil-soluble BHA acid – it penetrates the pores, clears them of blackheads and regulates sebum production. Ideal for blemish-prone skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Skin Condition
A chronic skin condition with greasy, flaky patches and redness – most often on the face and scalp.
Serum Cosmetic Product
A lightweight skincare product with a high concentration of active ingredients – it targets a specific skin concern and absorbs quickly.
Skin Discoloration Skin Concern
Pigment spots of different origins – sun-induced, hormonal, post-inflammatory – they need to be identified and cared for accordingly.
Skin Infection Skin Condition
An infection of the skin caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites – it shows up as various skin changes that should be checked by a doctor.
Skin Microbiome Skin Anatomy
The community of microorganisms living on your skin – a healthy microbiome protects against harmful germs, regulates pH and strengthens the skin's defenses.
Sodium Lactate Active Ingredient
The salt of lactic acid and a natural part of the NMF (natural moisturizing factor) – it holds moisture and regulates the skin's pH.
Stearic Acid Active Ingredient
A natural fatty acid with an emollient effect – it smooths the skin, strengthens the lipid barrier and improves the texture of cosmetics.
Stretch Marks Skin Concern
Skin scars that form when the body changes quickly – pregnancy, growth spurts, weight fluctuations. They look like pink-purple or silvery streaks.
Sun Allergy Skin Condition
Skin conditions caused by excessive sensitivity to UV radiation – not an ordinary sunburn, but a misdirected immune reaction.
Sunburn Skin Concern
Skin damage caused by too much UV radiation – it shows as redness, pain and peeling skin.
W
Whiteheads Skin Concern
A white or skin-colored bump under the skin – a sealed pore with no opening, filled with sebum and dead cells.