Glossary

ADD SHINE

The key to healthy, shiny hair is a good blow-dry using a round boar bristle brush to smooth cuticles, section by section. Shine products can be effective, but use sparingly, to avoid looking too greasy.
Anita Cox
Hairstylist

ANTI-AGEING
Combat inflammation - Free Radical damage - with Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory fats (Omega 3) and look for peptides, retinol (vitamin A), glycolics, collagen and SPF as a preventative measure against future ageing.
Dr. Daniel Sister
Anti-ageing skincare expert

EXFOLIATING
Removes dead skin cells revealing more radiant skin below and aiding penetration of anti-ageing and protecting serums. Can be chemical using AHAs/BHAs or Glycols, or with beads or granules.
Sarah Chapman
Skincare expert

FIRMING/SCULPTING
Skin firming/sculpting relates to muscle tone and bone density. Eat a protein-rich diet and apply a topical DMAE (a precursor to Acetyl Choline which tightens the muscles) to help sculpt the face.
Christian Lee
Nutritionist

ILLUMINATING
Clean, buff and moisturise your face, as nourished skin illuminates naturally from under make-up. Prime the skin, use light foundations or tinted moisturisers and highlight with shimmer products.
Mary Greenwell
Makeup artist

MOISTURISING
There are two main types of moisturisers: hummecants which attract water to the cells and occlusive that form a protective barrier preventing loss of water from the skin's surface.
Christian Lee
Nutritionist

PLUMPING
Plumping skin makes it look more radiant, youthful and fresh. Massage skin in small circular movements to increase blood flow, pump oxygen into blood, boost collagen production and remove toxins.
Nichola Joss
Skincare expert

REPAIRING
Rough skin is caused by a build up of keretinised cells, sun-damage, dirt, or excessive use of self-tan. Exfoliate to smooth skin using products with a base of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), Glycolic Acid or fruit acid.
Nichola Joss
Skincare expert

COLOURED/TREATED

Invest in the best professional products specifically designed for coloured/treated hair to keep the colour glossy. Try to avoid products containing alcohol as it really strips colour from hair.
Jo Hansford
Hairstylist

FINE/FLYAWAY
People often mistake flyaway hair for frizz, using oil-based products that are far too heavy for fine hair. Try cream-based products and trim hair every 6-8 weeks, to keep ends looking neat and thicker.
Anita Cox
Hairstylist

THICK/COARSE
Control thick hair with straighteners, after which it should stay put because the texture keeps its shape. Try Vitamin-enriched shampoo and conditioner designed for thick hair to leave it silky smooth.
Karine Jackson
Hairstylist

CURLY
Curly hair is usually strong, but coarse, and often lacks shine. Use rich moisture-enhancing products to avoid frizz and dry ends. De-humidifying, intensive conditioning can help tame and define curls.
Tara Smith
Hairstylist

AFRO
Afro hair is delicate, especially when wet, chemically relaxed or straightened. Avoid over-washing hair and use moisturising shampoos and deep conditioners, hot oil treatments and a boar bristle brush to stimulate scalp.

MATURE
Hair can become drier and coarser with age so it is best to use a deeper conditioner before drying hair to soften it. Styling can be more difficult so experiment with different styling products to keep hair in place.
Karine Jackson
Hairstylist

BLONDE
Red hair can be more porous and needs extra conditioning and brightening to counteract the natural darkening process. Use moisturising shampoos and conditioners with SPF to protect against sun damage
Anita Cox
Hairstylist

BROWN
Usually shiny, giving the illusion of warmth and richness. For treated brunette, choose a warm undertone to accentuate shine; use colour-specific shampoo and conditioner with added pigment.
Anita Cox
Hairstylist

BLACK
Often thicker and courser than others and benefits from richer, creamier, moisture-based products. Avoid drying alcohol-based products and use a paddle brush to avoid ripping tangles.

PALE

Blemishes and irregularities show up more on pale skin so keep it buffed and polished. Don't go too matt, pump up your skin's energy with shimmer and luminosity and play up your eyes and lips.
Mary Greenwell
Makeup artist

MEDIUM
Retains youthfulness but prone to oiliness, spots and pigmentation. Choose gentle cleansers, light moisturisers with SPF 20 , oil-free makeup and gold, bronze and green colours

DARK
Dark skin is prone to pigmentation and dark circles. Oil-free foundations with more of a red pigment are good for black skin, more yellow for Asian. Choose bright, intense colours but avoid pastels.
Ruby Hammer
Makeup artist

SENSITIVE
Use gentle milk cleansers and moisturisers with calming ingredients eg. Aloe and Chamomile to avoid aggravation. Drink water to keep skin hydrated, and touch skin minimally.
Michelle Roques-O'Neill
Aromatherapis

DRY
Skin lacks oil, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Prevent premature aging with rich moisturisers, eat foods high in Omega-3 oils, avoid overexposure to sun and wind and exfoliate regularly.
Michelle Roques-O'Neill
Aromatherapist

OILY
Indicates an excess of bodily heat. Skin gets clogged more easily which causes black/whiteheads and enlarged pores. Touch skin with clean hands and gently exfoliate to remove dead cells.
Michelle Roques-O'Neill
Aromatherapis

MATURE
Intrinsic ageing is irreversible but extrinsic ageing can be slowed by protecting skin against UV damage, taking antioxidant-rich Vitamins A, C, E and Bioflavanoids, and not smoking.
Shenaz Shariff
Skincare expert

NORMAL/COMBINATION
Oily T-Zone with drier cheek and eye areas. Benefits from deep cleansing, clay masks, hydrating and firming products and treatments, with more moisturising needed in colder months.
Shenaz Shariff
Skincare expert

OMEGAS
Omegas, including Linoleic Acid, are powerful anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids and a key component of sebum. Consume and apply Omega oils topically to prevent acne and other skin problems.
Karen Sinclair Drake
Sophyto founder

VITAMIN A/RETINOL
Retinol is the alcohol form of Vitamin A, an anti-ageing vitamin. It has an exfoliating effect but can cause slight irritation on sensitive skin so should be used with sunscreens to avoid hyperpigmentation.
Sarah Chapman
Facialist and skincare expert

PEPTIDES
Naturally occurring elements that prevent and repair damage from internal and external free radicals. Vitamins A, C, E, Selenium, and Coenzyme Q10 are exceptional Antioxidants.
Michelle Roques-O'Neil
Aromatherapist

SPF
Protects skin from (UVA/UVB) sun rays, which causes wrinkles, pigment- ation, brown spots, and Melanomas (cancer). The higher the factor the better but covering up is the best protection.
Susie Rogers
BeautyWorksWest founder

BOTANICAL INGREDIENTS
Chemicals can be effective for skin maintenance but can have adverse effects. Herbs and other plants offer excellent natural healing properties, especially when blended together, without side effects.
Aunt Ilcsi
Founder of Ilcsi Skincare

APLHA HYDROXY ACID
Derived from fruit or milk sugars, Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help reduce wrinkles, spots, and other signs of ageing and sun-damage. Build up tolerance gradually and use with SPF to prevent sun sensitivity.
Karen Sinclair Drake

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
A universal (water and fat-soluble) antioxidant that boosts cells' energy production, regulates glucose levels and prevents AGEs (Advanced Glycation End-products) that can cause wrinkles.
Christian Lee
Nutritionist

GLYCOLIC ACID
An organic acid used to break bonds in the epidermis to gently 'dissolve' the dead skins and improve tone and texture. It reduces wrinkles, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Christian Lee
Nutritionist

VITAMIN C
Effective skin brightener, Antioxidant and exfoliant. Water-soluble forms, such as Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, effectively target pigmentation and fight free-radical damage.
Sarah Chapman
Skincare expert

OXYGEN
Crucial for allowing skin to breathe and retain its youthful appearance. A lack of oxygen through the capillaries of the subcutaneous area of the epidermis can result in premature skin aging.
Ling Chan
Facialist and skin care expert

SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid) is an exfoliant; helps remove dead skin cells to prevent blackheads and blemishes. Use all acids moderately and keep skin properly hydrated.
Ling Chan
Ling Skincare founder

VITAMIN E
Applied topically, Vitamin E (Tocopherol) helps protect skin from sun damage. This powerful Antioxidant can also improve the effectiveness of other topical sun protectants.
Ling Chan
Ling Skincare founder

HYALURONIC ACID
Natural complex sugar found in sub-skin connective tissue, which retains water, therefore moisturising, and expands skin volume to create a plumper appearance, as well as helping transport nutrients to skin cells.
Karen Sinclair Drake
Sophyto founder

SPF NATURAL
Usually Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide, which naturally protect from ageing UVA/UVB rays by both degrading radiation into heat and reflecting it from skin. Good chemical-free protection.
Dr. Saul Alkaitis
Dr Alkaitis founder

VITAMIN K
Applied topically, Vitamin K (Phytonadione) helps calm redness and irritation from conditions such as Rosacea and broken capillaries. Also reduces appearance of dark circles.
Ling Chan
Ling Skincare founder

ENZYMES
Essential for proper skin function, enzymes improve circulation of nutrients to the skin, as well as exfoliating dead cells, making them essential for older skin in particular.
Dr. Jón Bragi Bjarnason
Icelandic biochemist

PARABENS
Compounds widely used as anti-microbial preservatives. Adverse effects are inconclusive but parabens are thought to worsen Oestrogen dominance and have been found in breast tumour biopsies.
Karen Sinclair Drake
Sophyto founder

ARTIFICIAL FRAGRENCE
Due to cost, stability or unavailability of natural fragrance, most commercial fragrances use chemical equivalents. Long-term effects of mixing such chemicals still unknown.
Michelle Roque O'Neill
Aromatherapist

ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS
Often cheaper than vegetable equivalents, these are used in some cosmetics, although not always identified eg. Allantoin (Uric acid from cows), Beeswax and Boar bristles.
PETA
Animal rights organisation

TALC
Mineral milled for cosmetics with a very similar chemical makeup to carcinogenic Asbestos. Cosmetic-grade Talc remains unregulated but particles have been found in cancerous tumours.
Karen Sinclair Drake
Sophyto founder

PETROCHEMICALS
Synthetic products of chemically processed petroleum, these are unnecessary additives and can be effectively replaced by natural oils of excellent quality and great skin compatibility.
Lena Korres
Korres director

SULPHATES
Foaming agents found in industrial cleaning products as well as cosmetics, usually known by acronyms eg. SLS and SLES. Irritants believed to denature proteins and therefore degenerate cell membranes.
Karen Sinclair Drake
Sophyto founder

FORMALDEHYDE
A carcinogen used in some cosmetics released by some preservatives, including Imidazonyl Urea, upon contact with the skin.
Dennis Hazleton
Ila Spa chemist

MINERAL OIL
By-product of petroleum used in many cleansers and creams. Coats skin like plastic, clogging pores. Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins and slows down cell regeneration.
Shenaz Shariff
Skincare expert

PHTHALATES
Synthetic chemicals (DEP, DEHP, DBP) used in some fragrances. They are not always listed so hard to avoid but tests have found links with reproductive damage.
Dennis Hazleton
Ila Spa Chemist

ROSACEA
Chronic disorder affecting the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. The redness worsens with age and visible blood vessels may appear exacerbated by stimulants, environmental pollutants and stress.
Christian Lee
Nutritionist

CELLULITE
When skin collagen fibres harden, the fat, water and toxins held below it can protrude, causing an orange peel effect. Best prevented by exercising, improving diet, and addressing hormonal problems.
Dr. Daniel Sister
Anti-ageing skincare specialist

STRETCHMARKS
Broken, dilated connective tissue fibres caused by weight gain/loss. Creams can be used to prevent/fade stretch-marks while CarboxyTherapy can help shrink them.
Susie Rogers
BeautyWorksWest founder

AGE SPOTS
Usually harmless spots caused by sun-exposure. Fade creams, laser removal and freezing treatments can reduce them but prevention is better than cure so always use SPF.
Susie Rogers
BeautyWorksWest founder

ACNE/SPOTS
90% of breakouts reflect dehydration and 10% hormonal disharmony. Oil glands overact to combat the imbalance and skin over-hydrates, clogging the sebaceous glands.
Ling Chan
Ling Skincare founder

DARK CIRCLES
Usually hereditary but sleep deprivation and Internal imbalances can cause colouration too; brown tinges indicate digestive problems, while blue indicates adrenal overload and poor circulation.
Michelle Roques-O'Neil
Aromatherapist

FINELINES/WRINKLES
Caused by thickening of the dermis and dehydration of the epidermis. Crow's feet, worry and frown lines are caused by muscle use, while drooping is caused by gravity, and a loss of fat and collagen.
Christian Lee
Nutritionist

DEEP WRINKLES
Tissue folds, caused by frequent muscle use, that form a trough in conjunction with a breakdown in Collagen and Elastin support. Peptides can help smooth and sometimes peels are beneficial.
Sarah Chapman
Facialist and skincare expert

BLACKHEADS
Clogged sebum, dirt and makeup oxidises in pores, turning dark and forming blackheads. Treat with oil cleansers or steam-cleaning facials to dissolve plugs without damaging the skin.
Sarah Chapman
Skincare expert

DANDRUFF
Dry/itchy/flaky scalp and dandruff can be caused by stress. Try an in-salon treatment or hypoallergenic shampoo formulated with AHA, to calm a sensitive scalp and loosen the build up of skin.
Karine Jackson
Hairstylist

URBAN/HIGH POLLUTION
Combat pollutants and free radicals with a pH-balanced moisturiser, rich in Antioxidants and Pentapeptides, to regenerate dull skin. Use a pore-scrubbing cleanser to dissolve grime.
Vanda Serrador
Skincare expert

RURAL/ROUGH ELEMENTS
Treat dehydration, dryness, sensitivity and broken capillaries with a thick moisturiser containing Calendula and Vitamin C; avoid harsh exfoliants, alcohol-based toners and fragrant plant extracts.
Kirsty Mcleod
Skincare expert

PARTY LIFESTYLE
Late-night parties take their toll on skin: smoking destroys Vitamin C, while alcohol depletes Vitamin B. Fight free-radical overload with powerful Antioxidants and vitamins internally and topically.
Sarah Chapman
Skincare expert

VISIBLE PORES
Enlarged pores are caused by congested skin that are blocked by a combination of excess sebum and dead cells. To reduce them exfoliate regularly using a Glycolic peel and/or mineral detox mask.
Christian Lee
Nutritionist

SEVENTY
Skin is increasingly susceptible to sun damage so wear protective clothing at all times. Extrinsic ageing can also be slowed by taking Antioxidant-rich Vitamins A, C, E and Bioflavanoids.
Lucy Halperin
Makeup artist

HYPERPIGMENTATION
Patches of skin darken when excess Melanin forms deposits; caused by sun damage, or hormonal changes, such as pregnancy.
Shenaz Shariff
Skincare expert

TEENS
The worst of the teenage spots should be disappearing and your skin is plump and glowing. Investing time in your skin and moisturising with SPF15 will pay dividends as you age.
Sarah Vorbach
Face boutique director

TWENTIES
The worst of the teenage spots should be disappearing and your skin is plump and glowing. Investing time in your skin and moisturising with SPF15 will pay dividends as you age.
Sarah Vorbach
Face boutique director

THIRTIES
The payback years: sun-damage, partying and general life start to show as pigmentation, lines and slackening. Combat with anti-ageing products containing Vit A, Peptides and Antioxidants.
Sarah Chapman
Skincare expert

FORTIES
Hormonal changes can reduce elasticity, cause age spots and deepen wrinkles. Exfoliate regularly to renew cells, use rich moisturisers to plump up the skin and up your intake of Antioxidants.
Michelle Roques-O'Neil
Aromatherapist

FIFTIES
Skin becomes thin and fragile and retains less moisture. Products with Green Tea, Zinc and Vit C can reduce skin flare-ups; topical CoQ10 protects skin and dramatically reduces wrinkles.
Michelle Roques-O'Neil
Aromatherapist

SIXTIES
After menopause, Oestrogen levels decline making skin drier, thinner and more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging. Acne breakouts and facial hair growth are possible, too.
Christian Lee
Nutritionist

SEVENTY
Skin is increasingly susceptible to sun damage so wear protective clothing at all times. Extrinsic ageing can also be slowed by taking Antioxidant-rich Vitamins A, C, E and Bioflavanoids.
Shenaz Shariff
Skincare expert