Neutrogena® Glossary
A skin condition typically caused when excess sebum in the skin mixes with dead cells and clogs the skin’s pores. Sebum is an oily substance naturally produced by the skin. The sebum in clogged pores promotes growth of a bacteria, P. Acnes, which is present in the skin. The result of this is irritated skin, leading to redness, inflammation and pimples.
A compound used in some toners and other products to help exfoliate skin, loosening and removing dead surface skin cells and encouraging cell turnover.
Hormones that make the skin produce more oil.
Vitamins A, B, C, and E provide antioxidant benefits including helping improve the look of skin damaged by free radicals -- molecules that can damage skin cells and undermine the supporting structure of skin.
Also known as Body Acne, it can form when pores are clogged by excess oil or dead skin. Sometimes aggravated by tight clothes or using heavy backpacks.
A Neutrogena® technology developed to cleanse skin and remove excess oil without harming the skin. The approach uses larger, polymer molecules to clean without penetrating or disturbing the skin’s barrier to help retain lipids that keep it moisturized and healthy.
Propionibacterium acnes that causes acne breakouts. It lives on oil secreted by the skin.
A tinted non-greasy Neutrogena® moisturiser that contains Essential Soy® to reduce blotchiness and discoloration, as well as minimise the look of dark spots and blemish marks.
An ingredient used in some products for moderate or cystic acne. Its primary function is killing bacteria that contribute to inflammation.
A compound used in some toners and other products to help exfoliate skin, loosening and removing dead surface skin cells and encouraging cell turnover.
A small bump on the skin with a black center, not inflamed.
A combination of ingredients that help break the breakout cycle by clearing skin while helping to minimise skin barrier disruption.
A component of skin that helps keep it supple and flexible. Collagen decreases with age.
Skin that is dry or normal in some areas but oily in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose and chin.
The most common cause of itchy, flaky scalp conditions. Two less common conditions – known as scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis – also can cause persistent flaking and scalp irritation.
Neutrogena® brand's recommendation for the best nighttime routine using products that work together for healthier looking skin. The product combinations depend on skin type. The first step uses makeup remover to clean the skin’s surface, and the second step uses a deep-cleaning product to remove oil and dirt in pores that can cause skin problems.
Hair strands are covered by a layer of overlapping cells called the cuticle. When the cuticle is damaged, the strand becomes porous, compromising its ability to hold moisture. As a result, strands look dull, feels rough and is more prone to splitting and breakage.
Skin that does not produce as much natural moisture and/or tends to lose moisture faster than normal skin, making it feel tight and potentially rough, itchy or flaky.
A component of skin that helps keep it supple and flexible. Elastin decreases with age.
Removing dead skin cells, usually with a gentle cleanser but sometimes with a more physical exfoliant.
A moisturising ingredient that can attract and seal in moisture.
A trademarked Neutrogena ® ingredient that provides broad-spectrum sun protection. The product has been photostabilised, resulting in longer protection against skin cancer and sun damage that can lead to signs of aging.
A chemical compound that occurs naturally in skin and helps it hold water. Hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, is a key ingredient in Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturising products.
Adding moisture to the skin to help create healthier, more supple skin.
A darkening of the skin in the area of a pimple that can occur if a blemish due to inflamed acne goes untreated.
Products are hypoallergenic when formulated with ingredients that minimise risk of skin allergy reactions for sensitive skin.
Red and sensitive to the touch.
Also known as moderate or cystic acne, it can be the result of skin that prevents natural oil from flowing, resulting in bacteria formation and inflammation.
Naturally occurring fat compounds that help keep skin moisturised and balanced.
An inflamed mass, like a know, either raised or felt under the skin.
Products formulated to provide moisturising benefits without clogging pores.
Neither too oily or too dry, normal skin typically does not have blemishes or many skin concerns.
Frequent use of hair care and styling products may result in a build-up on hair, causing hair to feel dirty and dull even after washing. The remedy may be to use a clarifying or anti-residue shampoo.
Skin that produces extra oil that may clog pores, attract bacteria and cause acne.
Pimples appear when a pore is clogged by oil or dead skin. When infected by bacteria, the pimples inflame the skin, making it red and sore. If that occurs deeper in the skin, the pimple can become filled with pus.
A red and sensitive (inflamed) bump on the skin with a white or yellow centre.
A skin condition in which the skin has a reddened appearance that can be aggravated by too much exfoliation.
A compound included in some acne products that reduces the size and redness of breakouts and helps prevent future acne.
Produced by the oil glands in skin, sebum protects the skin and keeps it hydrated. But when the body produces too much sebum it can be trapped in pores, clogging them and promoting the growth of bacteria that can lead to acne breakouts.
The SPF indicates the additional time skin can be exposed to the sun without burning. Most dermatologists recommend products rated SPF 30 or higher, which under ideal conditions protect skin up to 30 times longer than it would have without the product.
A skin care product that can be used as either a cleanser and/or treatment with ingredients to address certain skin concerns. In some, salicylic acid may help treat acne-prone skin, while others may include [alpha hydroxy acid](/glossary#alpha hydroxy acid) to help eliminate dead cells.
Facial areas that include the forehead, nose and chin where [oily skin](/glossary#oily skin) frequently causes of acne problems.
Abbreviation for ultra-violet light, the portion of the sun’s light spectrum that causes sunburn or skin damage.
The element of the sun’s UV rays that penetrates skin more deeply and can cause sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer. These rays persist year-round, and SPF rating does not adequately measure how well a sunscreen protects against these rays.
The element of the sun’s UV rays primarily responsible for causing sunburn and potential other skin problems, including skin cancer.
A type of pimple that appears on skin when blocked pores close up, creating small white bumps on the surface that are not yet infected, swollen or red.
A physical sunscreen with zinc oxide provides protection against the sun’s rays. Some sunscreens use titanium dioxide, which works in the same way to provide protection from the sun’s skin-damaging rays.