Beauty Glossary (O)

Beauty terms from Oat to Omega

Oat ... Oat is considered a specific in cases of nervous debility and exhaustion when associated with depression. It may be used with most of the other nervines, both relaxant and stimulatory, to strengthen the whole of the nervous system. It is also used in general debility.

Oat Beta Glucan ... This ingredient provides increased moisture-retention capability in the skin.

Oat Derived Polysaccharide ... Natural complex derived from oats that helps the body's immune system, to maintain healthy skin.

Oatmeal ... Oatmeal is known for its soothing properties in cosmetics. In soap, it adds texture for gentle exfoliation.

Oat Protein ... This protein has moisture-binding properties that are easily absorbed by the skin and hair. It gives hair improved body and greater elasticity.

Oat Oil ... Oat oil is a powerful emollient (skin smoothener and softener) and provides deep antioxidant activity.

Occlusion ... Occlusion means the act of closing off.

• In dermatology, occlusion is a technique used to increase the penetration of a topically applied substance, such as a corticosteroid.

Occlusive ... Occlusive means Impenetrable. Usually refers to an occlusive shield or film that is spread onto the skin to slow or prevent moisture evaporation. This shield or film is usually made up of materials, such as oils and waxes that cannot be penetrated by water.

O-Cresol ... White to reddish crystals used in the manufacture of dyes.

Octapeptide ... A peptide that on hydrolysis yields eight amino acids.

Octoxynol-9 ... Anti-inflammatory agent. Used as a spermicidal. Most spermicidals contain Nonoxynol-9.

Octyl Methoxycinnamate ... A non-PABA sunscreen agent derived from cinnamic acid and manufactured in Switzerland that blocks UVB rays.

Octyl Palmitate ... An emollient amplifying ester commonly used as a mineral oil replacement.

Octyl Salicylate ... An antiseptic and sunburn preventative.

Octyl Stearate ... Provides a barrier between skin and the elements; softens and smoothes the skin.

Oil, Fixed ... These are lipids, esters of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols (oily stuff) that are basically scentless. Example: olive oil.

Oil, Volatile ... The aromatic oils obtained from plants and used for their scent. Example: oil of Peppermint.

Ointment ... Type of dermatological vehicle that has an oil base giving it lubricating properties. It is often used to treat dry skin.

Oleic Acid (Olive Oil) ... Oil with acneigenic tendencies. Used as an emulsifying agent and to assist absorption of some drugs by the skin.

Oleth 20 ... Organic perfume stabilizer, derived from unsaturated fatty acids.

Oleyl Betaine ... A zwitterion (inner salt).

Olive Oil or Extract of olive ... A skin smoothener and softener (emollient) with great penetrating ability.

• Used in lipsticks, hairdressings, shampoos, soaps and conditioners.

Omega-3 ... Essential fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids). These nutrients regulate the body's production of cholesterol, and strengthening cell walls, fortifying them against the invasion of viruses and bacteria.

• The omega-3 fatty acids affect several biological systems including growth regulation, modulation of inflammation, platelet activation and lipoprotein metabolism, and the function of the central nervous system. They are essential nutrients for the development of the brain, retina and in infant development. They improve immune functions, they alleviate arthritis symptoms and inflammation, and they lower the risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are also powerful anticoagulants.
• Omega-6 fatty acids promote prostaglandins and leukotrienes, two biochemicals involved in blood clotting and immune system inflammation response. Omega-3 fatty acids moderate these chemicals, reducing clotting and inflammation. It also prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries and restenosis, the progressive narrowing of blood vessel walls.
• Omega-3 fatty oils prevent or delay the development of cancer and related tumors. They may also improve bone growth.

Omega-6 ... Omega-6 fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids) found mainly in sunflower and safflower oils, as well as various nuts and seeds is consumed more readily than its omega-3 counterpart. In fact, the estimated level of omega-6 present in the body is 20 times that of omega-3.

• The key type of Omega 6 fatty acid is called GLA (gamma linolenic acid). GLA is a precursor to hormone-like prostaglandins, which are powerful health gladiators cascading through the body performing a wide range of vital anti-inflammatory, anti-infection, anti-spasm functions in addition to reducing the stickiness of blood platelets and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Omega-9 ... Omega-9 is a mono-unsaturated fat mainly found in olive oil. It acts to regulate the immune system.

• Omega-9 provides the following benefits: the efficient transfer of vital nutrients through the cell membrane into the cell, enables cells to more efficiently extract nutrients from the blood stream and to dispose of cellular waste, helps create osmolarity of cellular fluids and helps to open cellular channels. It improves cell-to-cell communication. It acts as a surfactant and a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Makes cells healthier Reduces cellular and tissue inflammation, heat, redness, swelling, and pain. Lubricates joints so that even in bone-on-bone situations, pain is reduced and healing promoted. And it helps regulate the immune system.

Onychomycosis ... Fungal infection of the nail.

• Onychomycosis is also known as Dermatophytic onychomycosis, Ringworm of the nail and Tinea unguium. It is the most common disease of the nails and constitutes about a half of all nail abnormalities.
• The condition may affect toenails or fingernails, but toenail infections are particularly common. The prevalence of onychomycosis is about 6-8% in the adult population.

Opacity ... The condition of being opaque; an opaque spot or area.

• An example could be a cataract.

Opaque ... Exhibiting shadiness.

OPC (Proanthocyanidins) ... OPC's are used as an antioxidant to protect the body against the harmful biological effects of free radicals. OPC's can be extracted from peanut skins, pine bark or grape seeds.

• OPC's, or proanthocyanidins are the most powerful antioxidant free radical scavengers known to man. They are as much as 50 times more potent than vitamin E and 20 times more than vitamin C.
• OPC's are major protectors of collagen, the basic foundation our blood vessels and all connective tissues such as skin, ligaments around joints and tendons.

Ophthalmology ... Branch of medicine dealing with the eye and its anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc.

Orally ... Taken through or applied in the mouth.

Orange Flower ... Used for emolliency (skin smoothener and softener) and to impart luster.

Orange Oil ... Soothing, hydrating, calming oil that reduces irritation. Used in essential oil blends for treatment of cellulite.

Orange Peel Extract ... Used for color.

Organ Mountain Crape ... Mainly used in the treatment of chronic and scaly skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

• As a tonic it can be used in stomach and gall bladder conditions, especially where there is associated nausea and vomiting. As a laxative it may be used in chronic constipation.

Organic ... Pertaining to carbon-based compounds produced by living plants, animals or by synthetic processes. Referring to substances that are or have been alive and therefore contain carbon molecules in their chemical structure.

Orthophosphoric Acid ... A strong mineral acid, H3PO4, the monomeric form of phosphoric acid.

Osteoporosis ... The softening of bone mass and the widening of the bone canals.

• Form of Arthritis marked by degeneration of the cartilage and bone of the joints.

OTC Drugs ... Over the Counter Drugs. Products that can be purchased without a doctors prescription that are intended to treat or prevent disease, or otherwise affect the structure or functions of the human body.

Oxy ... A combining form meaning sharp, quick, sour, denoting relationship to acid, or denoting the presence of oxygen in a compound.

Oxidation ... The removal of a pair of hydrogen atoms (dehydrogenation) from a molecule.

Oxidize ... To combine or cause to combine with oxygen, or to lose electrons.

Oxytocin ... A short-lived, fast acting hormone, made by the hypothalamus of the brain, along with its close relative vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone), and released into the blood as needed.