With new terminology added to our beauty lexicons every year, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest terms. That’s why we’ve created this quick guide to explain some of the jargon you might come across in skin care videos, magazines or blogs. We’re covering 10 beauty buzzwords, including popular treatments, skin care science basics and viral trends you may want to try once you have a better understanding of what they are. 

10 Beauty Buzzwords

1. Slugging

This unfortunately-named trend became popular online in 2022, but “slugging” isn’t actually a new concept. It’s been around for many years, only gaining recognition recently due to the social media app TikTok. Slugging involves applying a thick occlusive layer at the end of your nighttime routine and leaving it on while you sleep. 

People with dry skin benefit from slugging the most as the occlusive layer seals in hydration and prevents moisture loss. Those with oily or problem skin may want to try slugging occasionally or avoid it altogether, as it could increase breakouts for this skin type.

Many online videos about slugging suggest using a petroleum-based product like Vaseline. For a cleaner, petroleum-free alternative, we suggest trying a rich lipid balm such as the Rosehip & Lemongrass Repair Balm. Watch Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar in this In The Mix video as she investigates the slugging skin care trend and provides recommended products. 

2. Skinimalism

In an ideal world, we would all have time to apply a robust, multi-step skin care routine every morning and night. Realistically, however, there are many situations where we might be running short on time and need to focus on just the essentials. Enter skinimalism, the practice of simplifying one’s routine into a few quick steps using multi-tasking products. we recommend that even the most basic routine should include at least three essential steps: cleanser, eye cream and moisturizer. Additionally, we suggest finishing with an SPF in the morning. For more information, read more about the best simple skin care routines for each skin type.

3. Gua Sha

Gua sha tools can now be found in many spas and skin care stores around the world. You may be surprised to know that this tool has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its blood circulation-boosting properties. Besides increasing lymphatic flow, gua sha massage can improve the visible signs of aging, decrease inflammation and sculpt the face. It works by breaking up facia adhesions, also known as scar tissue adhesions, which releases tension and improves blood flow.

Traditionally, gua sha tools were made from jade, but today they can be constructed from many different materials, including rose quartz and aventurine. Regardless of material, a gua sha tool should be comfortable to hold with angles that correspond to the natural shape of the face.

If this de-puffing, contouring device sounds like something you’d like to try, watch our gua sha demonstration video or learn how to use gua sha for the body.

4. Skin Cycling

Skin cycling is a skin care hack that went viral on social media. This method requires you to switch up your skin care routine over the course of four days to “cycle” through different effective, yet intensive, products. Typically, the first day involves using an exfoliant, followed by conventional retinol on the second day. The next two days are “rest days,” when you can add a replenishing serum, mask and moisturizer to your routine. Skin cycling helps you establish a consistent routine, while minimizing reactivity to conventional retinol and exfoliation — ideal for sensitive skin.

At Eminence Organic Skin Care, we use a Natural Retinol Alternative instead of conventional retinol. Made from potent botanicals, it mimics the benefits of conventional retinol without any of the harmful side effects. If you’re using a product containing Natural Retinol Alternative (like the Bamboo Firming Fluid) rather than a conventional retinol product, skin cycling isn’t necessary because no rest time is required between uses. 

5.  Chemical Peels

While the words “chemical” and “peel” might evoke imagery of harsh ingredients and blotchy skin, this is not an accurate depiction of the type of chemical peels you can find at an Eminence Organics spa. In fact, all our peels are made with natural ingredients, and many are suitable for all skin types. 

A chemical peel is any skin care product that contains exfoliating chemicals and is applied topically. One popular group of chemicals used in peels is alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), like the mandelic acid used in our Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel. Chemical peels have many benefits, including high active ingredient content and faster cell turnover so that you see results quickly.

6. Skin Microbiome

If you’ve tried any products from our Kombucha Microbiome Collection, you may know that these products are formulated to balance and restore your skin’s microbiome. But what exactly is the skin’s microbiome? Incredibly, the microbiome is a thriving ecosystem of beneficial microorganisms living on your face! The skin’s microbiome plays an important role in supporting the skin barrier. However, it can easily become compromised by exposure to environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays, as well as lifestyle factors such as over-cleansing, stress and poor sleep. To maintain a healthy microbiome, we suggest choosing skin care products that contain pre, pro and postbiotics.

7. Clean Beauty

Clean beauty is a term used to describe products that are free from toxic ingredients and synthetic chemicals such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates (SLSs) or phthalates. Clean beauty consumers also tend to choose products that are cruelty-free and sustainably made. It’s best to think of clean beauty as a movement that begins with the wish to become mindful about what we put on our skin, for our own health as well as the Earth’s.

8. Biodynamic®

Biodynamic® farming is a process that yields the most pure, potent ingredients, safe for our skin and the planet. Crops are grown in rhythm with the moon phases and ocean tides, to be harvested during their most nutrient-rich state. The Biodynamic® farm itself is viewed as a self-sustaining, living organism where all its needs are provided from within.

Both organic and Biodynamic® agriculture emphasize soil health and prohibit the use of synthetic chemicals, but the latter goes a step further. Biodynamic® farmers use a variety of regenerative agricultural techniques including crop rotation, composting, interplanting and seed saving to ensure a farm’s health and longevity. Notably, our Beyond Organic Collection features Demeter-certified Biodynamic® ingredients that are hypoallergenic and suitable for even the most sensitive of skin.

9. Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is a common beauty term originating in South Korea. It refers to the method of using two cleansers to ensure that your skin is perfectly cleansed and ready for the next steps in your routine. Washing your face twice may seem redundant, but using two different kinds of cleansers allows you to cleanse your face of makeup, sebum and a buildup of oil. Start with an oil-based cleanser, such as the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil, which will remove makeup and other debris. Next, use a gel, foam or cream cleanser like the Coconut Milk Cleanser to wash away any residual surface impurities.

10. Transepidermal Water Loss

If you’ve ever researched solutions for dry or dehydrated skin, you’ve likely come across the term, transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This process occurs when water passes from the dermis (middle layer of the skin) through the epidermis (outer layer) and evaporates through the skin barrier, leaving the skin dehydrated. Our Marine Flower Peptide Collection is specifically formulated to combat TEWL with deeply hydrating ingredients. You can learn more about transepidermal water loss here.

Have you tried any of these trends at home? To learn about the treatments listed above, book a consultation with a licensed esthetician at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.