Skincare Glossary

Our whole all-natural skincare line is naturally and scientifically formulated to help heal, restore, and hydrate. Your skin will thank you.

Vieve's Leaves Skincare Glossary

AHAs

Naturally occurring acids found in fruits and milk. AHAs are used topically to reduce the appearance of fine lines. AHAs help speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliation process, to help it shed dead skin cells. They can improve the texture of the skin, unclog pores, and help prevent breakouts. Glycolic acid is one of the commonly used AHAs.

Antioxidants

Helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, molecules with an unpaired electron. They cause oxidation that can damage cellular material. Vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene, green tea, and grape seed extract are all highly effective antioxidants.

Collagen

A fibrous protein found in the skin. When the collagen levels in the skin are high, the skin appears firm. Levels of collagen decline as we age. As the support provided by the collagen is reduced, wrinkles begin to form. Injections temporarily replace lost collage.

Emollients

Hold moisture in the skin and make the skin soft and supple. (avocado oil, wheat germ oil, glycerin lanolin, petroleum, shea butter, and others)

Exfoliators

Designed to help slough off dead skin cells.

Humectants

Absorb water from the air and help the skin retain moisture. (glycerin, algae extract, sodium hyaluronate, urea, lactic acid, panthenol and others)

Oxidants

Unstable molecules caused by pollution, smoke, ultraviolet light, toxins, and other environmental factors. Also known as free radicals, they attack and damage the skin, leading to premature aging.

Photo Aging

Sun damage

Serums

Concentrated, corrective skin treatments that are packed with highly effective active ingredients that address specific skin concerns like dullness and uneven skin tone. Serums should be applied after cleansing, before moisturizer.

SPF

(sun protection factor) Measures the degree of protection a product provides against the sun’s UVB rays. The formula used divides the minutes it takes to burn while wearing a thick application of the product by the minutes the same person takes to burn without any sunscreen. There is no current rating system for UVA protection.

Tyrosinase Inhibitors

(kojic-acid, hydroquinone) Preventing browning or age spots on the skin. Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabrd) has been used for centuries to lighten and brighten skin.

Aloe

Soothing and healing – has antimicrobial properties which help protect against bacteria and acne, Contains vitamin C & E which are both rich in antioxidants that help reduce signs of aging, it’s moisturizing properties help to increase the production of collagen in the body & skin elasticity.

Fruit Stem Cells

Conditioner for skin, leaves it feeling softer, smoother & stronger, Improves the longevity of skin cells by delaying skin cell deterioration, Great for anti-aging benefits, activates the collagen production in skin cells.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo Biloba’s high concentration of antioxidant compounds-polyphenols and flavonoids- play a role in neutralizing free radicals that are present in the environment. Provides hydration and increases skin moisture-retention and smoothness and reduces roughness. These antioxidants also play a role in skin-soothing effects, increased skin hydration, and significant anti-aging defense has cleansing properties that help unclog pores.

Ginseng

Acts as a shield against environmental pollution. These same antioxidants also help balance oil production. Natural anti-inflammatory properties help quell redness and puffiness. Can be used as a calming remedy for skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

Chamomile Flower

Boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe the skin, reducing redness and blemishes. It can even relieve skin irritations like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. It has also been shown to offer wound healing and natural skin moisturizing benefits to the skin.

Peptides

Protects skin against the proteins that break down collagen/peptides, which appear during aging and stress.

Hyaluronic Acid

A sugar found naturally in the skin that holds water and helps it stay hydrated/plump. This fluid also surrounds the joints and is found in skin tissue. It is used as a filler for wrinkles (injection) and can be applied topically or taken in pill form. It is often added to moisturizer and works to hydrate skin, improving the skin elasticity.

Green Tea

A powerful antioxidant found in many anti-aging products that may slow down sun damage. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin irritations, redness, and swelling.

Vitamin A

The golden standard for anti-aging. Antioxidant essential for the growth and renewal of new skin cells. Topically applied, may boost collagen production and promote skin cell turnover.

Vitamin C

The building block of collagen, the protein that gives the skin its structure, tone, and elasticity.

Vitamin E

Antioxidant that helps build and maintain healthy skin tissue.

Want to learn more about the ingredients we use and skincare terms? Click here for a complete glossary by Byrdie.

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