The Language of

Glossary and helpful terms about skin care.

Active Ingredient

According to the FDA, an active ingredient is any substance that is intended to furnish pharmacological activity or other direct effect that affects the structure or function of the body. Active ingredients include those components of the product that may undergo chemical change during the manufacture of the product and be present in the product in a modified form intended to furnish the specified activity or effect.

Allergy Tested

Indicates that a controlled study in which human subjects are exposed to very large doses of a potential antagonist has been performed. The NIA 24™ products were allergy tested and no ingredients were shown to produce allergic reactions.

Alpha Bisobolol

An effective ingredient with anti-microbial and anti-irritant properties. It soothes and hydrates the skin and is found in the NIA 24™ 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.

Antioxidant

A quick review of chemistry: Stable atoms contain two electrons in their outer shells. Atoms containing only one electron are unstable and seek maximum stability by entering into reactions with other molecules to fill its outer shell with an even number of electrons. Such unstable atoms are called oxidants or free radicals. An antioxidant, therefore, reduces the effects of free radical damage by preventing the oxidative action of these unstable atoms. Any substance that impedes or slows free-radical damage by preventing the oxidative action of molecules is referred to as an antioxidant.

Broad Spectrum Protection

With regard to sun protection, the phrase indicates that a product shields against UVA as well as UVB rays. NIA 24™ 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 protects against both of these types of ultraviolet rays.

Ceramides

Naturally occurring skin lipids that are major structural components of the skin's outer epidermal layers. Found in the NIA 24™ Skin Strengthening Complex, ceramides reinforce the skin barrier and enhance the skin's water-retention capacity resulting in smoother, firmer skin.

Chamomile

An herb with anti-irritant, soothing, and antioxidant properties. Found in the NIA 24™ Physical Cleansing Scrub, it helps to calm and soothe the skin.

Color, Fragrance and Dye Free

Added colors, fragrances and dyes are known to be common skin irritants. As a result, the NIA 24™ products do not contain any added colors, fragrances or dyes.

Dermaxyl® Peptide Complex

A peptide complex that stimulates cell communication and repairs age-related skin damage, to produce anti-aging, wrinkle smoothing and cutaneous skin barrier repair.

Desquamation

The last phase of the skin's natural cell turnover cycle, in which dead skin cells are shed or detach from the outer layers of the skin.

Evening Primrose Oil

An ingredient found to have anti-inflammatory and emollient benefits for the skin. As one of the secondary active ingredients in the NIA 24™ Skin Strengthening Complex it helps provide moisture to the skin.

Free Radical Damage

Free-radical damage takes place on an atomic level. Molecules are made of atoms and a single atom is made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Electrons are always found in pairs. However, when oxygen molecules are involved in a chemical reaction, they can lose one of their electrons. This oxygen molecule that now has only one electron is called a free radical. With only one electron the oxygen molecule must quickly find another electron, and it does this by taking the electron from another molecule. When that molecule in turn loses one of its electrons, it too must seek out another, in a continuing reaction. Molecules attempting to repair themselves in this way trigger a cascading event called "free-radical damage." The action of free-radical damage takes place in a fraction of a second. Antioxidants are substances that prevent oxidative damage from being triggered.

Green Tea

An ingredient that provides antioxidant benefits as well as contains anti-inflammatory properties. Found in NIA 24™ Skin Strengthening Complex, it helps to restore and protect the skin.

Humectant/Natural Moisturizing Factors

Describes a wide range of ingredients that help the skin retain water (moisture). Natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) are ingredients that help prevent individual skin cells from losing water and keep the intercellular matrix that holds the epidermal layers together intact. NMFs mimic the structure and function of healthy skin and include a number of ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and sunflower oil.

Melanin

A skin pigment that gives the skin its color. Dark-skinned people have more melanin than light skinned people. Melanin also acts as a sunscreen and protects the skin from ultraviolet light.

NAD

NAD is the acronym for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme derived from vitamin B, nicotinic acid, and is responsible for various metabolic processes within the cells. Among its many benefits, it has been shown to promote improved cellular metabolism, stimulate the natural repair processes of the cells and stimulate a receptor that reduces hyperpigmentation.

Niacinamide

The chemical structure of this form of Vitamin B3, Niacin, differs from nicotinic acid and the Pro-Niacinô molecule. Niacinamide is hydrophilic and therefore cannot be absorbed efficiently by the lipid-rich skin. Furthermore, unlike nicotinic acid, it does not promote the release of leptin (a natural repair hormone).

Non-Comedogenic

A substance that does not contribute to the formation of blackheads or pimples on the skin. NIA 24™ products will not clog pores or induce skin breakout.

Oatmeal

An ingredient with anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties. Found in the NIA 24™ Physical Cleansing Scrub, it helps to calm and soothe the skin.

Rosemary Extract

An antioxidant that benefits the skin. Used as a secondary ingredient in the NIA 24™ Skin Strengthening Complex it helps restore the skin and protect it from damage.

Sage Extract

A potent antioxidant and anti-irritant. Since it helps to calm and soothe the skin, it is one of the ingredients found in the NIA 24™ Physical Cleansing Scrub.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance called sebum.

Silicone

A substance derived from silica. Silicones serve a variety of functions including acting as mollients, water barriers and emulsifiers. Used in skin care products, they are widely known for their smooth, silky, non greasy properties that create a feel highly desired by consumers.

Sun Protection Factor [SPF]

Most commonly referred to as SPF, it is a number assigned to a product that identifies its ability to protect the skin from sunburn. SPF numbering is regulated by the FDA and is a measure of the amount of time a person can stay in the sun without getting burned if a sunscreen is applied. The SPF number on sunscreens relates only to the product's efficacy against UVB exposure. There is no rating system for UVA protection. NIA 24™ Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which protect the skin from both UVA and UVB damage.

Sunflower Oil

A non-volatile plant oil used as a natural moisturizing factor. This ingredient is found in the NIA 24™ Physical Cleansing Scrub and helps hydrate the skin.

Titanium Dioxide

An inert earth mineral that acts as a sunscreen and protects the skin from UVA and UVB radiation. It is well tolerated by people of different skin types and is not known to cause skin irritation. It is one of the primary active ingredients in NIA 24™ 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.

Tretinoin

A topical prescription medication that can improve cell production deep in the dermis. It is the active ingredient in Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, and Avita.

UVA and UVB Radiation

The sun produces a range of ultra-violet (UV) radiation. UVA rays have been shown to penetrate the under layers of the skin where they can cause significant damage contributing to the skin's aging. UVB rays, the sunburn rays, are the ones that cause the most concern. To be effective, sunscreens must protect the skin from both UVA and UVB radiation. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, the sunscreens found in the NIA 24™ 100% Mineral Sunscreen, provide protection against the full range of UVA and UVB radiation.

Vitamin E

A naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamin that protects the skin from the adverse effects of oxidative stress. When applied topically, vitamin E has proven to have powerful antioxidant benefits. Found in the NIA 24™ 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, it helps repair and protect the skin.

Wheat Germ Oil

An emollient plant oil that acts as a natural moisturizing factor. Helping to deliver moisture to the skin, it is a secondary ingredient in our NIA 24™ Skin Strengthening Complex.

Zinc Oxide

An inert earth mineral that provides many benefits including protection from UVA and UVB radiation. Also used to treat or prevent minor skin irritations including diaper rash, it is well tolerated by people of all skin types. It is one of the primary active ingredients in NIA 24™ 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.

Ask your doctor about NIA 24™ Skin Care

Gentle and beneficial for nearly every patient, NIA 24™ skin care products are a necessary daily protocol for those choosing the most effective treatment regimens or procedures, as well as anyone with a history of sensitized skin, or even sun worship. Getting started on the path to better skin couldn't be easier.