Skin care
Skin care comprises practices and products used to cleanse, protect, and maintain the health and appearance of the skin.
Skin: The body's outer covering, consisting of the epidermis, dermis, and underlying tissue. Its layers and functions determine what skin care can affect.
Cleansing: The removal of dirt, sweat, oil, cosmetics, and other material from the skin. It is the routine's basic removal step, but harsh methods can impair the barrier.
Acne vulgaris: A chronic inflammatory disorder of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, producing comedones and lesions. Acne routines often combine gentle cleansing with targeted topical treatment.
Natural skin care: Skin care products or practices promoted as using ingredients from natural sources. Natural origin does not guarantee safety, effectiveness, or low irritation.
Skin barrier: The protective outer system that limits water loss and blocks irritants and microbes. Many cleansing and moisturizing choices aim to preserve or support this barrier.
Moisturizer: A topical product that hydrates the outer skin and reduces water loss. Moisturizers support comfort and barrier function after washing or during dryness.
Atopic dermatitis: A chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by itch and a disrupted skin barrier. Barrier-focused skin care can help reduce dryness and support medical treatment.
Cosmeceutical: A marketing term for cosmetic products claimed to have drug-like biological effects. The term can imply medical status that cosmetics do not necessarily have.
Stratum corneum: The outermost epidermal layer, made chiefly of dead cells embedded in lipids. Cleansers, moisturizers, and exfoliants interact directly with this layer.
Sunscreen: A topical product that reduces ultraviolet radiation reaching the skin. Daily photoprotection helps prevent sunburn and cumulative ultraviolet damage.