Beauty & Skincare Terminology

Anti-Wrinkle Injections are pharmaceutical formulations of Botulinium Toxin A, such as Dysport and Botox, which can be locally administered to prevent repetitive contraction of muscles that lead to wrinkles. These injections also soften muscle tone and decrease severity of already formed skin lines. Anti-Wrinkle Injections are increasingly used by the general public as a means to prevent age related skin changes. They are safe and effective when administered by a specialised medical practitioner.

Botulinium Toxin A is a pharmaceutically isolated compound which reversibly binds to Acetylcholine receptors at the muscle end plate, preventing localised contraction of skeletal muscle around injection sites. There are two commercial formulations of Botulinium Toxin A in Australia, Dysport and Botox, each with identical action.

Localised injections of Botulinium Toxin A can reversibly block stimulation to nerves that cause excessive sweating, effectively treating hyperhidrosis. This treatment lasts approximately 6-10 months and is a useful alternative to invasive procedures.

Collagen is the main structural protein found in human connective tissue, comprised of a complex amino acid structure, with different collagen types found in various tissue. In skin, Collagen sits beneath the epidermis, and is involved in skin structure through maintaining elasticity and form.

Are a pharmaceutical formulation of HLA which have been cross-linked to prolong natural breakdown. When administered below the epidermis by a medical professional, Dermal Fillers help maintain skin hydrodynamics, by replacing age related loss of HLA. This results in a more hydrated skin tone and structure with a more youthful exuberance. Dermal filler action lasts on average 10-18 months, with most people opting for a booster at the 8-10 month mark.

Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing specifically with the dermis, and generally skin as a whole.

The dermis is the layer of skin involved with connective tissue, sitting between the outermost layer, the epidermis, and the subcutaneous structures. The dermis provides the skin with form and elasticity, as well as protects the body from stress and strain.

A Dynamic Line is the medical term for a wrinkle that forms only during muscle contraction. Dynamic lines disappear when muscle contraction is not occurring, as a normal amount of collagen is present at the location of the dynamic line. Most muscles have a resting level of tone, resulting in small dynamic lines even at rest. Repetitive formation of dynamic lines over many years results in shifting of collagen and production of Static Lines

Dysport is a pharmaceutical preparation of Botulinium Toxin A, safe and effective when administered by a medical professional.

The epidermis is the outer layer of skin, and consists of flat cells that provide protection from the external environment.

Hyaluronic Acid (HLA) is a substance that exists normally beneath the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, and is the main component of skin hydrodynamics. HLA attracts water molecules to maintain skin body and hydration. As we get older, less HLA is produced resulting in decreased skin hydration, firmness and tone. HLA can be replaced with Dermal Filler treatments.

Glands within skin, the sweat glands, secrete fluid to maintain thermoregulation. That is, evaporation of fluid from the skin helps cool the body and regulate physiological temperatures. In some people, sweat glands are hyperactive, causing excessive sweating. This is known as Hyperhidrosis.

Static Lines are ingrained skin lines, or wrinkles, formed due to shifting of collagen through many years of repetitive skin folding.