What the Words Mean

AHAs
Alpha hydroxy acids are an entire family of acids which can be derived from fruit, milk or sugar. They work by dissolving the bonds that hold on to dead skin cells, causing the dead surface skin to slough off, revealing newer, less damaged skin cells beneath. If you are using any AHA product, it is vital that you protect your skin with a sunscreen.

Anti-oxidants
Anti oxidants help to reduce the effects that lifestyle and environment can have on your skin; they can also help to repair damage done to the skin. Common anti oxidants are vitamins A, C & E.

BHAs
There is only one Beta Hydroxy Acid : salicylic acid, which is derived from the same acid as aspirin. BHAs can penetrate oil in the pore and exfoliate dead cells built up inside the pore - very effective for oily, acne prone, congested skins.

Boost
Add concentrated preparations to the regular skincare regime. Boosters can be used a few times a year to heighten moisture levels of the skin, re-charge vitamin levels or firm the skin. Visit Home Use Products - Specifics

Cleanse
Clean, wash, remove grime and excess oils. Cleansers for oily skin are not the same as cleansers for dry. Check which is the right one for you. Visit Home Use Products - Cleansers

Congestion
The goo that blocks pores, specially on the nose, cheeks and forehead. A combination of body oils and dead skin cells, the top surface can oxidise and turn black, giving them the elegant name of ‘blackheads’. White heads are not quite so ugly, but similarly caused; they can often feel bumpy under the surface. Preventing congestion means regular cleansing and exfoliation, to ensure that a layer of dead skin cells does not build up to produce a cap on the pores. We recommend a regular maintenance face treatment every 4-6 weeks. Visit Treatments > Face

Electrolysis
Hair removal that, if performed correctly, is permanent: a thin metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle (proper insertion should not puncture the skin), electricity is delivered into the follicle causing localised damage to the area where the hair normally finds its nutrients, aiming to weaken the hair and eliminate growth. Successful hair removal is irreversible, so if you think you might like to return to the hairy look one day, don’t rush into any permanent hair removal.

Exfoliate
Remove the layer of old, dead skin cells to reveal fresher, ‘younger’ skin beneath. Regular exfoliation can substantially improve skin condition and help to prevent ingrown hairs post-shaving or post-waxing. Visit Home Use Products

Extraction
Removing congestion from pores : masques can significantly help to relax the pores and draw out some of the congestion. Effective extraction should be undertaken by an experienced skincare therapist. Visit Treatments > Face

Face Treatment
A professional treatment to cleanse, tone and moisturise the skin of the face. Face treatments can also offer extractions ( see Extraction ) and other specific therapies aimed at hydrating the skin, adding vitamin boosters, adjusting oil levels, etc. Visit Treatments > Face.

Feet Treatment
Thorough cleanse, exfoliation and moisturising of the feet: ZIPT’s 20-minute Express Feet Treatment includes nail trim, shape and buff - a quick tidy up. The 45-minute Major Feet Treatment includes additional attention to nails and cuticles, that weird strip of skin that connects the top of the toe-nails with the toes. Visit Treatments > Hands & Feet

Glycolic Acid
Probably the most well known AHA – derived from sugar cane.

Hands Treatment
Thorough cleanse, exfoliation and moisturising of the hands: ZIPT’s 20-minute Express Hand Treatment includes nail trim, shape and buff - a quick tidy up. The 45-minute Major Hand Treatment includes additional attention to nails and cuticles, that weird strip of skin that connects the top of the finger-nails with the fingers. Visit Treatments > Hands & Feet

Ingrown Hairs
Hairs that fail to break the surface of the skin and grow inside the skin, producing unsightly, and often painful, lumps. These can become infected. Ingrown Hairs can occur after shaving or body-hair waxing, mainly when exfoliation is inadequate and a build-up of dead skin cells prevents the hair from reaching the open air. Consult ZIPT Day Spa therapists for help with prevention.

Lactic Acid
From the AHA family - derived from milk. (See AHAs).

Laser Hair Removal
Permanent (if performed correctly) hair removal by the use of laser light to kill off growth in the hair follicle. A present-day fashion that is irreversible. So if you think you might like to return to the hairy look one day, don’t rush into any permanent hair removal.

Manicure
Known as Hands Treatment at ZIPT Day Spa.

Masque
A cream or lotion that is applied to the face and left in place for between five and fifteen minutes, then rinsed off. There are masques that deep-cleanse, helping to draw out clogged pores, masques that intensely moisturise, masques that remove dead skin cells – and others. Visit Home Use Products - Masques

Micro-dermabrasion
Mechanical ‘sandpapering’ of the skin, in conjunction with calming lotions, to physically remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. A skin resurfacing procedure.

Moisturise
Add moisture and seal it in : there are many moisturisers, each directed at a certain range of skin types and/or skin conditions. Australia is the planet’s driest continent. Moisturisers are better-absorbed if applied to skin that is still slightly moist after using a toner. Visit Home Use Products - Moisturisers

Pedicure
Known as Feet Treatment at ZIPT Day Spa.

Peel
Professional treatment to remove dead skin cells. Most peels use a lotion which combines a number of AHAs, BHAs and other ingredients. Best results are achieved by preparing the skin with home use products prior to treatment and committing to a course of treatments.

Retin A
Part of the Vitamin A family – for some, it can help reverse sun damage and prematurely aged skins.

Scrub
Use a ‘gritty’ paste or lotion to exfoliate, removed dead skin cells. Also the name of the products used to achieve this effect. Visit Home Use Products - Toners & Scrubs

Skin Resurfacing
A super-strong version of a Peel. Mechanical resurfacing is known as micro-dermabrasion. Laser light can also be used for skin resurfacing.

Steamer / Vapour Zone
Bizarre Star Wars piece of equipment used at ZIPT Day Spa to produce a gentle flow of steam, with the aim of softening and relaxing the skin, to allow more effective penetration of the preparations our therapists will use to prepare and treat the skin in face and back treatments.

Tone
Cool the skin with a mildly astringent spray that takes away post-cleansing hotness and calms the skin. Visit Home Use Products - Toners & Scrubs

Waxing
The use of warm or hot wax to remove hair.