DEFINING BEAUTY: Hair & Skin Glossary Terms & Definitions "D" * Style Chicks

Definition Guide of skin and hair care terms. We define skin and hair care ingredients with meaningful results. Updated regularly.

D

D3 (Vitamin): A D3 deficiency can lead to headaches, hair loss, dull skin, and poor sleep. A common deficiency for those who are diligent with sun protection products, but one that is easy to fix with supplements. Frequently found in hair supplements.

Dandelion

Dandelion Extract: Dandelion Extract stimulates collagen production. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, it protects skin against free radical damage and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Magnesium and zinc detoxify skin, and anti-inflammatory properties calm irritation and under-eye puffiness.

Daucus Carota Sativa: Daucus Carota Sativa is better known as Queen Anne’s Lace, Bird’s Nest or wild carrot. It is a white wildflower with lace-like umbrels. Orange carrots as we know them have been cultivated from this wild carrot.
Wild carrot

High in Vitamin A, wild carrot provides care for rough, dry, flaky skin and protects normal skin. High in antioxidants, it repairs skin damage and wrinkles. [1] It stimulates the growth of new tissue and new skin, thus promoting a clearer, brighter, evenly toned complexion. By contributing moisture it keeps skin supple. Regular use on dry and cracked skin can result in the faster healing of scars. It calms irritation and the fades redness in acne marks and scars. Oil from the seed has been used cosmetically in anti-wrinkle creams.

Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is a surgical or in-office procedure where the skin is sanded down to remove the top layer. This reduces the appearance of scars or pox. Less powerful dermabrasion devices are available for at-home use.

Dermaplaning: Dermaplaning uses a surgical scalpel to gently scrape off the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal smoother and brighter skin. It also removes peach fuzz. The benefit is improved skin texture, better product absorption, and younger skin appearance. Performed by dermatologists and with select at-home devices.

Dermatologically Tested: Tested on the skin by a dermatologist. This term usage varies by company or brand. The term does not automatically imply that the product results are “Dermatologist Approved” or “Dermatologist Recommended”.

Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous Earth is a safe, natural, mild abrasive found in some natural toothpaste. It is fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton.

DHT (dihydrotestosterone): DHT is a hormone which causes hair follicle shrinkage. DHT accumulates at the base of the hair follicle when hair is not washed daily. It also accumulates under dandruff and dry flakes. If left unaddressed, DHT shrinks the follicle and deters new hair growth until the follicle doesn’t grow hair at all. [2] Topical products and vitamins can remove or reduce DHT production and accumulation. Once DHT is removed, hair follicles may once again grow hair.

Dimethicone: Dimethicone is a type of silicone often used in oil-free moisturizers for slip and hydration.

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE): DMAE is useful in supplement and topical form for skin maintenance to maintain muscle and skin firmness. DMAE supplements support muscle tone, including facial muscles. Topical DMAE firms and tightens the appearance of the skin. It has short term and long-range effects.

Alves-Silva, Jorge M et al. “New Claims for Wild Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. carota) Essential Oil.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2016 (2016): 9045196. doi:10.1155/2016/904519
Takahashi T, Kamiya T, Yokoo Y (1998): “Proanthocyanidins from grape seeds promote proliferation of mouse hair follicle cells in vitro. and convert hair cycle in vivo..” Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 78: 428–432.