Definitions for skincare, treatment, and wellness terms used throughout our site.
HSA
A special savings account that lets you set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses. Funds can be used for treatments that are medically necessary, including some cosmetic procedures prescribed by a healthcare provider.
BenefitsPHSP
A health benefit provided by your employer that reimburses you tax-free for eligible medical expenses not covered by your regular health insurance. Can be used for medically necessary treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Benefitsaftercare
The specific care instructions you follow after a treatment to ensure the best healing and results.
Clinicalbotox
An injectable treatment that temporarily relaxes facial muscles to smooth wrinkles and prevent new lines from forming.
Clinicalcharting
The detailed notes we keep about your treatments to ensure consistent, personalized care.
Clinicalchemical peel
A treatment using safe acids to exfoliate your skin, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath.
Clinicalchromophore
The specific substance in your skin (like pigment or redness) that the laser is designed to treat.
Clinicalcollagen
The main protein that gives your skin its strength and structure, naturally decreasing as we age.
Clinicalcontraindication
A health condition or medication that means a particular treatment may not be right for you.
Clinicaldermaplaning
A gentle exfoliation treatment that removes dead skin cells and fine facial hair for smoother, brighter skin.
Clinicaldowntime
The recovery time after a treatment when your skin may be red, sensitive, or peeling before revealing results.
ClinicalEHR
A digital health record that can be securely shared between your healthcare providers.
ClinicalEMR
A secure digital system where your health information and treatment history are stored.
Clinicalesthetician
A licensed skin care specialist trained to provide facial treatments, hair removal, and other cosmetic services.
Clinicalfiller
Injectable gel used to restore volume, smooth lines, or enhance facial features like lips or cheeks.
Clinicalfine lines
Small, shallow wrinkles that often appear around the eyes and mouth, usually the first signs of aging.
ClinicalFitzpatrick scale
A scale that helps us understand how your skin responds to light, so we can customize your treatment safely.
Clinicalfluence
The energy level setting we use on the laser, adjusted specifically for your skin type and treatment.
Clinicalhyaluronic acid
A naturally occurring substance in your skin that holds moisture and provides volume, often used in dermal fillers.
Clinicalhydradermabrasion
A gentle facial treatment that deeply cleanses and hydrates your skin using water-based technology.
ClinicalIPL
A light-based treatment that improves skin tone, reduces redness, and treats sun damage without lasers.
Clinicallaser hair removal
A treatment that uses laser light to permanently reduce unwanted hair by targeting the hair follicle.
Clinicalmelasma
Dark patches of skin, often on the face, caused by hormones, sun exposure, or genetics.
Clinicalmicroblading
A semi-permanent eyebrow technique using fine, hair-like strokes to create natural-looking brows.
Clinicalmicroneedling
A treatment that uses tiny needles to encourage your skin to naturally repair and rejuvenate itself.
Clinicalpatch test
A small test we do on your skin before certain treatments to make sure you won't have a reaction.
Clinicalpigment
Color in ink or natural substances that give your skin, hair, or permanent makeup their color.
ClinicalPMU
Long-lasting cosmetic treatments like eyebrow enhancement that reduce daily makeup needs.
Clinicalpost-procedure-protocol
A specific skincare routine to follow after a treatment, designed to help your skin heal properly and maximize your results.
Clinicalpulse duration
How long each burst of laser light lasts - we adjust this for the safest, most effective results.
Clinicalretinol
A vitamin A derivative that helps reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and boost cell turnover.
Clinicalsunscreen
A protective product that shields your skin from harmful UV rays that cause aging and damage.
Clinicaltelehealth
Video or phone appointments that let you connect with us from the comfort of your home.
Clinicaltreatment plan
A personalized roadmap of recommended treatments designed to help you achieve your goals.
ClinicalTRT
A timing measurement that helps us deliver laser energy safely without overheating surrounding skin.
Clinicalvitamin C
A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin, protects against sun damage, and boosts collagen production.
Clinicalwrinkles
Lines and creases that form in your skin as part of natural aging or from repeated facial expressions.
Clinicalhev-light
High-energy visible light from your phone, computer, and TV screens that may contribute to dark spots and premature aging.
Environmentalparticulate-matter
Tiny airborne particles from wildfire smoke, car exhaust, and industry that can penetrate your skin and cause inflammation and aging.
EnvironmentalBNPL
A payment option that lets you split your purchase into smaller, interest-free payments.
Financeappointment type
The specific service or treatment you are booking.
Schedulingavailability
The times when appointments can be booked.
Schedulingbuffer time
Extra time we schedule between appointments for preparation.
Schedulingcalendar
The schedule showing available appointment times.
Schedulingconsultation
A one-on-one meeting where we discuss your goals and create a personalized plan for you.
Schedulingintake form
The health and information forms you complete before your appointment.
Schedulinglead time
How far in advance you need to book an appointment.
Schedulingno-show
A missed appointment without advance notice.
Schedulingtouch-up
A follow-up appointment to perfect your results, often included with your initial treatment.
Schedulingwaitlist
A list we maintain to contact you when an earlier appointment becomes available.
Schedulingbarrier-repair
Restoring your skin's protective outer layer after treatments or damage, using special ingredients that help rebuild its natural defenses.
Skincarebroad-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.
Skincarecorrective-aesthetics
Active treatments that target specific skin concerns like dark spots, scars, or fine lines, going beyond daily skincare to deliver visible improvement.
Skincareenviroscreen
Colorescience's patented formula that protects your skin against UV rays, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation all at once.
Skincarefree-radicals
Unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and smoke that damage skin cells and speed up aging. Antioxidants help neutralize them.
Skincaregrowth-factors
Proteins that help your skin cells repair and regenerate. AnteAGE products use these to support skin healing and reduce signs of aging.
Skincaremineral-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.
Skincareniacinamide
A form of Vitamin B3 that strengthens your skin barrier, helps fade dark spots, and reduces redness. Found in many professional skincare products.
Skincareoxidative-stress
Damage that happens when your body has too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants to fight them, leading to premature aging.
Skincarephotoaging
Premature skin aging caused by sun exposure over time. Responsible for most visible signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, and rough texture.
Skincareskin-barrier
The outermost layer of your skin that protects against moisture loss and environmental damage. Keeping it healthy is essential for good skin.
Skincareskin-health-philosophy
A professional approach to skincare built on two pillars: Protect (daily defense and prevention) and Correct (treatments that fix existing concerns).
SkincareSPF (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.
Skincaretransepidermal-water-loss
Moisture that evaporates through your skin when its protective barrier is weakened, leading to dryness and sensitivity.
SkincareUV 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.
Skincarecollagen-induction-therapy
A treatment that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in your skin, triggering your body to produce new collagen for firmer, smoother skin.
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