Written by Adeline J. Wells
In an ever-changing society, language must follow suit. It is a guideline to the way that we understand the world, adapting and expanding to reflect our current reality. The wellness industry is not exempt from this phenomenon; an ever-changing field requires ever-evolving language as well. With so many new, changing buzzwords, it can be difficult to keep up with the current, fresh, and relevant terms in the industry. Below is a guide to some of the most widely used wellness and beauty buzzwords today.
Gua Sha
This term has been around for a while — in fact, for centuries. Dating back to ancient Chinese Medicine, the gua sha tool is used to scrape the body where stagnation occurs, stimulating lymphatic drainage while promoting circulation of blood and energy, or qi. Often crafted from smooth, natural stones such as jade, bian stone, or rose quartz, gua sha tools typically feature curved edges to aid in smoothing out the muscle, sometimes accompanied by sharper angles to massage tighter, compressed knots.
Anti-Aging
In a society that seems increasingly focused on looking younger, “anti-aging” is a term that is frequently used. Of course, aging is part of the beautiful, natural process of living a full life on this earth; to be “anti-aging” undermines this fact. However, there is a wide range of products, ingredients, and treatments that address the visible effects of aging, such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. By targeting and helping to relieve these skin qualities, anti-aging products support strong, healthy skin for graceful aging.
Slugging
This term has had a surge of popularity in recent years, thanks to the widely acclaimed online trends. Slugging refers to the process of sealing in moisture and skincare treatments overnight by way of applying an occlusive layer to the skin, such as petroleum jelly. The method aims to seal in moisture and active ingredients for heightened absorption, leaving the skin hydrated and refreshed come morning when it is washed off. While this technique can be useful for people with dry, damaged skin, it can pose issues for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Clean Beauty
Clean Beauty is a simple, inclusive, and widely unregulated term that has largely defined a movement. In general, it means that products are created without any chemicals, toxins, or other potentially harmful substances that could adversely affect one’s health. While this term intends to increase transparency around beauty and wellness, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all ingredients are naturally derived, and could also refer to synthetic ingredients. It is best to double-check ingredient lists and look for other terms such as “natural,” “organic,” or “vegan” to bolster comprehension.
Double Cleansing
If you have been in, it is difficult to avoid the term “double cleansing.” This widely used phrase refers to using dual cleansers with different properties to help fully clean the skin and effectively remove buildups of makeup, dirt, and oil. The first cleanser is typically an oil-based cleanser, which helps remove makeup and other debris. For best results, use an antioxidant-rich oil that helps protect against free radicals. The second cleanser is often a different base, such as foam, gel, or cream, which can cleanse the pores further. At Mojave Desert Skin Shield, our Organic Calming Cleansing Oil is an ideal oil for the first step of this popular practice.
