chemistry of cosmetology Flashcards Set

What is the pH range of the skin?

4.1-5.8

What are the two main layers of skin?

Epidermis and dermis

What is the top most layer of the dermis?

Stratum corneum

In which layer are cells dead?

Stratum corneum (SC)

What type of cells are dead skin cells?

Keratinocytes and corneocytes

Where do keratinocytes originate?

Stratum basale

What is sebum?

An oily substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin.

What is the structure of fatty acids in sebum?

Long chain with a hydrophilic tail and a hydrophobic head, consisting of a hydroxyl group and carbon chain.

What components make up a buffer?

A weak acid and its conjugate base.

What is the purpose of a buffer?

To resist pH changes and maintain stability.

Where are skin ceramides found?

In the skin's lipid barrier.

What can happen if the skin barrier is weakened?

Diseased skin.

What is the sensitive skin syndrome?

An unpleasant sensation of skin, not a disease.

Which part of the skin is used in skin testing?

Naso-labial folds.

What is the difference between monotherapy and combination therapy?

Monotherapy uses a single treatment, while combination therapy employs multiple treatments.

What does hypoallergenic mean?

Less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

What happens to the structure of corneocytes during dermatitis?

The brick and mortar structure is disrupted.

What are haptens?

Substances that cause an immune response.

Name two chemicals that treat acne.

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

What are intrinsic and extrinsic factors in skin aging?

Intrinsic factors are internal (like genetics), and extrinsic factors are external (like UV radiation).

What is the biggest extrinsic factor that affects skin aging?

UV radiation.

What is collagen?

A protein that keeps skin elastic and is made of linked amino acids in a triple helix.

What is the composition of sun energy that reaches us?

Information not provided in the notes.

How does high energy damage skin?

Higher energy rays penetrate the skin, and sunscreen can create radicals.

Where is collagen found in the body?

In skin, nails, hair, bones, and cartilage.

What is the most effective treatment for collagen?

Oral treatment, as topical molecules are too large.

Is hyaluronic acid a temporary treatment for aging?

True, it gets metabolized and is degenerated.

What chemical is responsible for skin coloring?

Melanin.

What type of melanin is most dominant?

Eumelanin (black-brown).

What are the consequences of having more melanin in the skin?

Less vitamin D intake.

Are all topical corticosteroids the same?

False.

Does the potency of corticosteroids depend on the chemical and dose?

True.

What is the superior synthetic film-forming agent in skin?

Silicone.

What is the difference between silicon and silicone?

Silicon is an element, while silicone is a polymer bonded to oxygen.

What are the solubility properties of silicone?

Not soluble in water or oils.

What are concerns associated with silicones?

Environmental effects due to non-biodegradability and being non-naturally occurring.

What are qualities of formulations considered green and clean?

Natural ingredients, few ingredients, silicone free.

What parts are covered by the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990?

Information not provided in the notes.

Is there a universally agreed-upon definition for natural or nature-identical ingredients?

False.

What group in the USA monitors performance-oriented claims of manufacturers?

NAD (National Advertising Division).

What group regulates medicinal claims?

FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

What types of cosmetic labels does NAD evaluate?

Green, preservative-free, silicone-free, etc.

What are common types of emulsions?

Ionic or non-ionic.

What are the challenges of ester emollients as substitutes for silicone?

Stability issues.

What pH affects esters, and what happens to them?

Information not provided in the notes.

What do short esters smell like?

Fruity.

What formulations should include preservatives and what percentage?

Anything with water, at 0.3-1%.

What is the starting compound for synthesizing paraben preservatives?

PHBA (p-Hydroxybenzoic acid), found in plants and nature.