Beauty glossary

Chemical peel

Also: peel, chemical peeling, acid peel

An acid solution applied to the skin that removes the layer of dead cells and stimulates skin renewal.

Laser hair removal

Also: laser epilation, laser hair reduction

Destruction of the hair follicle with a monochromatic beam of light, in order to reduce hair growth over the long term.

LPG massage

Also: endermologie, Cellu M6

A patented vacuum massage technique (LPG / Cellu M6). The most popular anti-cellulite and body-firming treatment there is.

Lymphatic drainage

Also: manual lymphatic drainage, MLD, Vodder technique

A specialised gentle massage that stimulates the lymphatic system. It reduces swelling, supports detoxification and improves the appearance of cellulite.

Mesotherapy

A cocktail of vitamins, peptides or hyaluronic acid delivered into the skin through fine needles — it hydrates and stimulates skin regeneration.

Microblading

Also: semi-permanent eyebrow makeup, eyebrow embroidery

A permanent makeup technique in which a microblade tool makes fine incisions in the skin and fills them with pigment.

Microdermabrasion

Also: microdermabrasion, diamond peel, crystal peel

A mechanical exfoliation treatment in which a jet of crystals or a diamond tip removes the dead skin layer. The old-school forerunner of HydraFacial.

Microneedling

Also: dermapen, collagen induction therapy, CIT

Controlled micro-injury created in the skin with tiny needles, which triggers the body's own collagen regeneration.

PDO thread lift

Also: PDO thread lift, thread lift, PDO threads

Polydioxanone threads inserted into the skin that mechanically lift the tissue. A mini facelift without any cutting.

PRP (vampire facial)

Also: platelet-rich plasma, vampire facial, PRP therapy

Platelet-rich plasma separated from the client's own blood and injected into the skin to stimulate regeneration.

Ultrasound cavitation

Also: ultrasonic cavitation, ultrasonic fat reduction

Low-frequency ultrasound that breaks fat cells apart non-invasively. The non-surgical alternative for localised fat deposits.

Cryolipolysis

Also: CoolSculpting, fat freezing

Destroying fat cells with controlled cold. The non-invasive alternative to liposuction for localised fat deposits.

HIFU

Also: high intensity focused ultrasound, ultrasound skin tightening

Focused ultrasound that heats the deep layers of the skin and stimulates collagen — a non-surgical facial lift.

HydraFacial

A patented three-step facial device that combines exfoliation, deep cleansing and hydration in a single treatment.

IPL

Also: intense pulsed light, photofacial

A broad-spectrum light technology used for hair removal and for treating pigmentation spots and blood vessels. The laser's cheaper relative.

LED therapy

Also: LED light therapy, phototherapy, photobiomodulation

Treatment with low-energy light-emitting diodes. Different wavelengths target different skin concerns — red for collagen, blue for acne bacteria.

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids)

Also: glycolic acid, mandelic acid, alpha hydroxy acids

Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble acids that exfoliate the surface layer of the skin and improve its texture. The classic peel active.

Azelaic acid

Also: azelaic acid, Skinoren, Finacea

A versatile acid active: it works on acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation alike, and it suits sensitive skin.

BHA / salicylic acid

Also: BHA, salicylic acid, beta hydroxy acid

An oil-soluble acid that penetrates into oil-clogged pores. A proven anti-acne active that reduces blackheads and inflammation.

Botulinum toxin

Also: Botox, botulinum

A bacterial protein that temporarily blocks the nerve signals reaching a muscle — used to smooth wrinkles and to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).

Ceramides

Also: ceramides, barrier lipids

Lipids that occur naturally in the skin's hydrolipid layer. They strengthen the barrier and hold moisture in — critical through an Estonian winter.

Collagen

Also: collagen protein

The body's most abundant protein — it gives skin its strength and elasticity. From the age of 25 we lose about 1% of our collagen every year.

Hyaluronic acid

Also: hyaluronan, HA, hyaluronate

A naturally occurring moisture-binding polysaccharide whose stabilised, laboratory-made form is injected to plump lips and restore facial volume.

Niacinamide

Also: nicotinamide, niacinamide, vitamin B3

A form of vitamin B3 that reduces the visibility of pores, regulates oil production and evens out pigmentation.

Peptides

Also: signal peptides, cosmetic peptides

Short chains of amino acids that send messages to skin cells. In cosmetics they stimulate collagen and elastin.

Retinol

Also: retinoid, vitamin A derivative

A vitamin A derivative that speeds up cell turnover and stimulates collagen — a proven anti-ageing active.

SPF (sun protection)

Also: sun protection factor, sunscreen

Sun Protection Factor — the figure showing how many times better protected your skin is against UVB radiation with sunscreen on.

Tretinoin

Also: retinoic acid, Retin-A

The prescription-strength active form of retinol — roughly 20 times stronger. A dermatologist prescribes it for acne, wrinkles and sun damage.

Vitamin C in skincare

Also: L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C, ascorbate

An antioxidant that neutralises free radicals and stimulates collagen. The morning must-have of any anti-ageing routine.

Hair transplant (FUE)

Also: FUE, DHI, hair transplant, hair restoration

Transplanting hair follicles from a donor area (the back of the scalp) into a balding area. In Estonia €1,500–3,500 for 1,500–3,500 follicles.

Lash lamination

Also: lash lift, eyelash lamination

A chemical treatment that curls and tints your own lashes for 4–6 weeks — the alternative to lash extensions.

Fitzpatrick skin types

Also: Fitzpatrick skin type, Fitzpatrick scale, skin type 1-6

A dermatological classification of skin by its UV sensitivity and how it pigments. It determines which lasers and peels are safe for you.

Pigmentation spots

Also: hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun spots, melasma

Excess melanin production in the skin, appearing as darker patches. There are four main types: sun damage, melasma, post-inflammatory marks and birthmarks.

Rosacea

Also: acne rosacea

A chronic skin condition that causes persistent facial redness, visible dilated blood vessels and sometimes a pimple-like rash.

Types of acne

Also: acne types, acne grades, breakouts

Acne falls into 4 grades of severity: mild (comedones), moderate (inflammatory), severe (nodular) and cystic. Each grade is treated differently.