Beauty Glossary (F)

Terms and meanings from Flavonoids to Fungus

Farnesol ... One of the most important new ingredients in skin care products. Also known as dodecatrienol, Farnesol occurs in various essential oils, most notably rose and orange blossom and wild cyclamen.

• A fatty alcohol, it is one of the components of Vitamin K.
• Farnesol has been found to have the following effects: smoothes wrinkles; normalizes sebum secretion; increases skin elasticity; increases the tension of tissue; increases the moisture binding capacity of the skin.
• When applied to the skin, Farnesol actually promotes regeneration of cells and thereby reduces the skins aging.
• It also activates collagen, elastin and mucopolysaccharides synthesis in the dermis. As a result, the skin looks younger and lovelier.
• In addition, Farnesol has a bacteriostatic effect.

Faux ... Faux is a French word used to describe something made to resemble something else. The original French word means false, imitation or artificial.

FCC ... Food Chemical Code. FCC is a publication listing standards for foods, supplements and additives employed by the food industry.

Fennel Seed Extract ... Foeniculum Vulgare; Fennel has been used for years as a digestive stimulant, especially to treat excess gas and bloating.

• It has been found to stimulate the digestion and appetite.
• It has a calming effect on bronchitis and coughs and may be used as a flavor enhancer in cough remedies.
• The extract is useful for its following actions: carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, galactogogue, and hepatic.

Fenugreek ... A herb with healing and anti-inflammatory properties on wounds, boils, sores, fistulas and tumors. It can be taken to help bronchitis and gargled to ease sore throats.

• It may be used to stimulate milk production in nursing mothers and may also help soothe digestive discomfort.
• Fenugreek’s actions include: expectorant, demulcent, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, tonic.

Feverfew ... Feverfew is a primary remedy in the treatment of migraine headaches.

• It also eases tinnitus, dizziness, and sluggish menstrual flow.
• Caution: avoid during pregnancy. It may also result in mouth ulcers.

Fibroblast ... Any cell from which connective tissue is developed.

• Synthesizes collagen, elastin fibers, and ground substance.

Filaggrin ... Epidermal protein contained in keratohyalin granules (Granules found in living cells of keratinising epithelia and which contribute to the keratin content of the dead cornified cells).

Finishing Spray ... A hairspray with medium hold used to maintain the hair’s shape and hold.

Fir Needle Oil ... An oil that acts as a natural cleanser.

Fissure ... A thin but deep linear split (cleft or a groove).

• A skin fissure is a deep split in the epidermis that extends into the dermis.
• Severe dry skin can have fissures.

Flavonoids ... As Bioflavonoids such as Quercetin, Rutin, and Hesperidin. They are vital in their ability to increase the strength of the capillaries (blood vessels) and to regulate permeability.

• Flavanoids assist Vitamin C in keeping collagen, the intercellular cement in healthy condition.
• Are essential for the proper absorption and use of vitamin C
• Prevent Vitamin C from being destroyed in the body by oxidation
• Are beneficial in hypertension
• Help repair hemorrhages and ruptures in the capillaries and connective tissues and build a protective barrier against infections
• Quercetin is a very highly concentrated form of Bioflavonoids derived from citrus fruit.
• A deficiency in these nutrients can result in varicose veins, a tendency to bruise and bleed easily, and/or the appearance of purplish spots on the skin

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) ... Necessary for DNA & RNA synthesis. It is essential for the growth and reproduction of all body cells.

Folate ... Vitamin B9 See Folic Acid above.

Follicle ... Part of the skin which the root of hair comes from

Folliculitis ... Infection of the hair follicles

Fluorination ... A method of manipulating the steroid molecule by adding a fluorine ion to increase potency.

Flushing ... Flushing is redness in the face, neck or chest caused by a substance, physical stimulus or environment. It is a dilatation of the small blood vessels in the skin.

Fragrance ... Any natural or synthetic substance or substances used solely to impart a sweet or pleasant smell (odor) to a cosmetic product.

Fragrance-Free ... Free of perfume additives. Most products will still contain small traces of fragrance to mask unpleasant odors.

Free Radicals ... Highly reactive or unstable molecules and atoms that cause aging and degenerative diseases.

• These free radicals often result from ozone, cigarette smoke, herbicides and pesticides, solvents, petrochemicals, drugs, sunshine, X-rays and other foreign body substances.

Free Radical Scavengers ... Naturally derived anti-oxidants that counteract or influence the affect of free radicals.

Freezing Spray ... A hairspray with the firmest hold used to maintain the style, shape and hold of hair.

Fringetree Bark ... A herb used a wide range of liver problems. It is a specific for the treatment of gall-bladder inflammation and a valuable part of treating gallstones.

• Because of its benefits on liver problems it is useful in many other wider body treatments.
• Its action of releasing bile makes it a gentle and effective laxative.
• Actions include: hepatic, cholagogue, alternative, diuretic, tonic, antemetic, and laxative.

Fruit Acid ... The same as glycolic acid (reduces build up of excess dead skin cells). Has astringent, antioxidant and preservative actions.

Fungicidal ... An agent that kills fungal organisms that cause fungal infections. The most common are athlete’s foot and thrush.

Fungus ... A general term used to denote a class of microbes.

• A fungus is a type of organism responsible for many infections.
• They can cause infections of the skin, mouth and other body areas as well as some rare but serious infections throughout the body.