Plain-English definitions for every skincare, lash, and brow term used in the studio — written by a licensed skin therapist so you can walk into your next consultation confident.
The slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin that helps protect against bacteria, viruses, and moisture loss.
Healthy skin sits around pH 4.5-5.5. Over-cleansing with alkaline products or aggressive actives raises the pH, weakening the acid mantle and triggering reactivity. Gentle, pH-balanced products preserve it.
A chemical service that temporarily restructures the bond pattern of brow hairs so they can be set in a brushed-up, fuller-looking shape.
Brow lamination uses a setting solution to relax the hair, then a fixing solution to hold it in the new direction. Results last 6-8 weeks. Pairs naturally with brow shaping and tinting in the same appointment.
Precision wax or thread shaping that frames the face and enhances natural features through a custom-designed brow line.
Brow shaping is more than hair removal — it begins with a measurement and consultation about face shape, eye placement, and existing growth pattern. Includes optional brow tinting for definition.
A controlled application of cosmetic acids that accelerate cellular turnover to address pigmentation, texture, congestion, and signs of aging.
Chemical peels range from light (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, mandelic — minimal downtime) to medium (TCA — 5-7 days of visible peeling). Each acid targets different concerns; we choose based on your skin pattern at the consultation.
Individual synthetic lash extensions bonded one-to-one onto each natural lash for enhanced length and curl with a natural finish.
Classic extensions add length and a slight curl without changing the appearance of density significantly. Best for clients who already have a decent amount of natural lash. Lasts 2-3 weeks before needing a fill.
Acne characterized by closed and open comedones — clogged pores that appear as small bumps or blackheads, typically without inflammation.
Comedonal acne responds well to chemical exfoliation (salicylic acid peels) and consistent retinoid use. It is distinct from inflammatory or cystic acne, which require different protocols.
A manual exfoliation technique that uses a sterile surgical blade to gently remove dead skin cells and fine vellus hair from the face.
Dermaplaning produces immediately smoother skin, brighter tone, and noticeably better product penetration. Vellus hair does NOT grow back thicker — this is a common myth. Best done every 4 weeks to match natural cellular turnover.
A therapeutic enzyme treatment that uses controlled reverse osmosis to flush waste from the skin, stimulate circulation, and oxygenate the tissue.
DMK Enzyme Therapy improves skin function rather than just appearance. The treatment leaves a tightened, lifted feeling and is used in protocols for acne, pigmentation, anti-aging, and barrier repair.
Inflammatory acne that flares in cyclical patterns due to androgen activity, typically along the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks.
Hormonal acne in adult women does not respond to teen-acne treatments. It requires a cycle-aware approach — adjusting actives between the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, plus consistent home care and lifestyle support.
A mix of classic and volume techniques — typically 60/40 — applied across the lash line for texture and moderate density.
Hybrid sets give a fuller look than classic without going full volume. A popular middle ground for most clients. Same 2-3 week refresh cycle as classic and volume.
A medical-grade facial that uses vortex-suction technology to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and infuse serums into the skin in a single 45-minute treatment with zero downtime.
HydraFacial uses a patented spiraled tip and gentle suction to lift dead skin cells, blackheads, and debris from the pores while simultaneously delivering hydrating and antioxidant serums. Unlike a traditional facial that relies on manual extractions, HydraFacial is consistent and gentle enough to do before an event.
Darkened patches or spots on the skin caused by excess melanin production — from sun, hormones, inflammation, or trauma.
Treated through a layered approach: SPF as foundation, tyrosinase inhibitors (vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, kojic acid), gentle exfoliation, and a series of light chemical peels. Improvement is gradual — plan on 90-120 days.
A non-invasive treatment using specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and produce different therapeutic effects.
Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria. Red light stimulates collagen and reduces inflammation. Often combined with other treatments — a 15-20 minute LED session after a facial significantly improves results.
Gentle, rhythmic massage techniques that stimulate the lymphatic system to remove excess fluid, reduce puffiness, and improve circulation.
Lymphatic drainage is built into the Evening Experience and most facials at Beauty Therapy by Chanel. The technique meaningfully changes how the skin looks immediately (reduced puffiness, restored color) and contributes to long-term skin health.
A semi-permanent brow enhancement technique that deposits pigment into the upper layers of the skin via fine hair-stroke lines.
Microblading uses a manual hand-tool with a precise blade to create realistic hair strokes — ideal for filling sparse areas or rebuilding shape. Lasts 12-18 months. Currently not on the active service menu; ask at consultation.
A collagen-induction treatment using a device with very fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin, triggering the body to produce fresh collagen and elastin.
Microneedling is the gold standard for treating acne scars, stretch marks, loss of firmness, and enlarged pores. Results compound across a series of sessions (typically 3 to 6, spaced 4-6 weeks apart). Recovery: 24-48 hours of mild redness.
A vitamin A derivative used in skincare to accelerate cellular turnover, improve texture, reduce fine lines, and treat acne.
Retinoids range from gentle (retinol, retinyl palmitate) to prescription-strength (tretinoin). Build tolerance gradually — once or twice a week, then increase. Always use SPF the next day; retinoids increase sun sensitivity.
The outermost layer of the skin that holds moisture in and keeps irritants out — also called the stratum corneum or acid mantle.
A compromised barrier shows up as redness, sensitivity, dehydration, breakouts, and reactivity to products. Barrier repair is the first priority before any aggressive treatment. Key ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide, fatty acids.
The fine, short, lightly-pigmented hair (often called peach fuzz) that covers most of the body, including the face.
Vellus hair is genetically determined in width and color. Cutting it through dermaplaning or shaving does NOT change its regrowth pattern — it grows back at the same width and color. This is the most-asked-about myth in the studio.
Multiple ultra-fine extensions bundled into a fan and applied to a single natural lash, producing significantly greater visual density than classic.
Volume lashes use 0.05-0.07mm extensions (vs. classic 0.15-0.20mm) so the total weight on each natural lash is similar to classic, but visual fullness is dramatically greater. Best for sparse natural lashes or a glam, dramatic look.
Don’t see a term you’re looking for? Get in touch — we’ll explain anything before you book.
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