Definitions for skincare, treatment, and wellness terms used throughout our site.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
|
Barrier Repair
barrier-repair |
Restoring your skin's protective outer layer after treatments or damage, using special ingredients that help rebuild its natural defenses. |
|
Broad-Spectrum Protection
broad-spectrum-protection |
Sunscreen that protects against both UVA rays (which cause aging) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn). Look for this on any SPF product. |
|
Corrective Aesthetics
corrective-aesthetics |
Active treatments that target specific skin concerns like dark spots, scars, or fine lines, going beyond daily skincare to deliver visible improvement. |
|
EnviroScreen Technology
enviroscreen |
Colorescience's patented formula that protects your skin against UV rays, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation all at once. |
|
Free Radicals
free-radicals |
Unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and smoke that damage skin cells and speed up aging. Antioxidants help neutralize them. |
|
Growth Factors
growth-factors |
Proteins that help your skin cells repair and regenerate. AnteAGE products use these to support skin healing and reduce signs of aging. |
|
Mineral Sunscreen
mineral-sunscreen |
A type of sunscreen that uses natural minerals like zinc oxide to physically block UV rays. Gentler than chemical sunscreens and ideal for sensitive skin. |
|
Niacinamide
niacinamide |
A form of Vitamin B3 that strengthens your skin barrier, helps fade dark spots, and reduces redness. Found in many professional skincare products. |
|
Oxidative Stress
oxidative-stress |
Damage that happens when your body has too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants to fight them, leading to premature aging. |
|
Photoaging
photoaging |
Premature skin aging caused by sun exposure over time. Responsible for most visible signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, and rough texture. |
|
Skin Barrier
skin-barrier |
The outermost layer of your skin that protects against moisture loss and environmental damage. Keeping it healthy is essential for good skin. |
|
Skin Health Philosophy
skin-health-philosophy |
A professional approach to skincare built on two pillars: Protect (daily defense and prevention) and Correct (treatments that fix existing concerns). |
|
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
SPF (Sun) |
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor — a number on sunscreen that tells you how much UVB protection it offers. SPF 30 blocks about 97%% of UV rays, and SPF 50 blocks about 98%%. No sunscreen blocks 100%%, and all sunscreens need to be reapplied every 2 hours. Look for "broad spectrum" on the label to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays. |
|
Transepidermal Water Loss
transepidermal-water-loss |
Moisture that evaporates through your skin when its protective barrier is weakened, leading to dryness and sensitivity. |
|
UV Index (Ultraviolet Index)
UV Index |
A number from 0 to 11+ that measures how strong the sun's UV rays are at a given time. The higher the number, the faster unprotected skin can burn. In Ottawa, UV is highest in June and July (7-8) and lowest in winter (1-2). Even on cloudy days, UV rays reach the ground — so daily sunscreen is recommended year-round. |
