Skincare words, explained
Short, plain definitions of the words a label uses without explaining them — in English and Bangla.
Toner
A thin liquid applied after cleansing. In modern skincare it hydrates; it does not 'close pores'.
Cleanser vs face wash
Mostly the same thing. What matters is pH and whether it foams, not the word on the bottle.
Pigmentation
Patches darker than your natural tone. Your natural tone is not pigmentation.
Skin barrier
The outer layer that keeps water in and irritants out. Most 'sudden sensitivity' is a damaged one.
Sebum
The oil your skin makes. Stripping it reliably produces more, not less.
Non-comedogenic
A claim that a product is unlikely to block pores. It is unregulated and not a guarantee.
SPF vs PA
SPF measures UVB. PA measures UVA — the range linked to pigmentation. You need both numbers.
White cast
The pale film some sunscreens leave. A comfort problem, and a real reason people stop wearing SPF.
Double cleansing
An oil cleanse then a water cleanse. Useful on sunscreen and makeup days, pointless otherwise.
Glass skin
A Korean beauty term for very smooth, very hydrated skin. A look, not a skin health standard.
Melasma
Symmetrical brown patches, often hormonal, made worse by heat as well as sun. Managed, not cured.
AHA, BHA and PHA
Three families of chemical exfoliant. The difference is what they dissolve in and how fast they work.
Purging
A temporary breakout when an active speeds up cell turnover. Only some ingredients can cause it.
Patch test
Trying a product on a small area first. Behind the ear or on the jaw — not the wrist.
Fragrance-free vs unscented
Not the same thing. 'Unscented' can contain a masking fragrance.
Comedone
A blocked pore. Open ones are blackheads; closed ones are whiteheads.
Humectant, emollient, occlusive
The three jobs a moisturiser does. Most good ones do all three.
Actives
Ingredients that change how skin behaves rather than how it feels. One at a time.
Slugging
Sealing your routine under an occlusive overnight. Useful for dry skin; risky for congested skin.
Broad spectrum
A sunscreen that filters both UVA and UVB. Without it, SPF alone is half the job.