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Skin Care Terminology and Facts Dictionary - B
Skin Care Terminology and Facts Dictionary - B
bald spot: | see alopecia |
Beau's Lines: | transverse (horizontal, from edge to edge) ridges / depressions / indentations in the nail plate. Beau's lines appear when growth under the cuticle is interrupted due to severe illness, malnutrition or injury. Caused by temporary stoppage of cell division in the nail matrix, as a result of infection, a problem or injury in the nail fold, where the nail begins to form. Severe zinc deficiency is seen as one of the causes. If the matrix is restored to health, Beau's lines will grow out with the nail and eventually disappear. Complete replacement of a fingernail on average takes about six months. They may be an indicate malnutrition, psoriasis or a thyroid problem. |
bentonite: | clay mineral with moisture and toxin absorbing properties. Is soft in feel. Its name derives from its origins at Benton, Montana, USA. For more information on clay masks and how they work see the Nancy K Brown Home Page - RESOURCES - Skin Topics - Skin Care Topics - Clay Masks. |
beta carotene: | a form of vitamin A. Found in leafy green vegetables and carrots. Gives carrots their orangy color. |
beta hydroxy acid: | beta hydroxy acid (BHA) - there is only one BHA - namely Salicylic Acid - derived from Willow bark, belongs to the aspirin family. Is lipid (fat) soluble, has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Main uses are 1)sebum (skin oil) production control; 2) anti-inflammatory action; 3) anti-bacterial action; 4) removal of deep skin congestion; 5) skin exfoliation. Has a larger molecular structure and longer working action than Glycolic Acid - thus behaves differently than, yet complimentary with Glycolic Acid. |
BHA: | beta hydroxy acid (BHA) - there is only one BHA - namely Salicylic Acid - derived from Willow bark, belongs to the aspirin family. Is lipid (fat) soluble, has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Main uses are 1)sebum (skin oil) production control; 2) anti-inflammatory action; 3) anti-bacterial action; 4) removal of deep skin congestion; 5) skin exfoliation. Has a larger molecular structure and longer working action than Glycolic Acid - thus behaves differently than, yet complimentary with Glycolic Acid. |
broad spectrum: | a sun shield, sun block or sunscreen formulated to protect against both UVA and UVB rays from ultra-violet light sources, such as the sun. Also known as full spectrum. |
bulla: | a vesicle or spot filled with fluid which is larger than 5 mm / 0.2 inches in diameter. |
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