glossary - BEAUNPL Clinic

A

Acne (여드름): A common skin condition where hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Acne can affect people of all ages and often requires a tailored approach combining topical treatments, laser therapy, and medical-grade skincare.
Anti-aging (안티에이징 / 항노화): Treatments and skincare strategies designed to slow, prevent, or reverse visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, and volume loss. Modern anti-aging dermatology combines injectables, laser resurfacing, and regenerative therapies.
Autologous Fat Transfer (자가지방이식): A procedure that harvests fat from one area of your body (typically the abdomen or thighs) and re-injects it into the face to restore volume and improve contour. Because it uses your own tissue, the results are natural-looking and long-lasting.

B

Botox (Botulinum Toxin) (보톡스): An FDA-approved injectable that temporarily relaxes facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles such as forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Results typically last 3 to 6 months and require no downtime.
Broad-Band Light (BBL) (브로드밴드 라이트): An advanced intense pulsed light technology that treats a wide range of skin conditions including sun damage, age spots, redness, and uneven texture. BBL delivers precise wavelengths of light energy to target specific chromophores in the skin.

C

Chemical Peel (케미컬 필링): A skin resurfacing treatment using a chemical solution (such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or TCA) to exfoliate damaged outer layers, revealing smoother and more even-toned skin beneath. Peels range from superficial to deep depending on the concern.
Collagen (콜라겐): The most abundant structural protein in the skin, responsible for firmness, elasticity, and a youthful appearance. Collagen production naturally declines with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging.
CO2 Laser (CO2 레이저): A carbon dioxide laser used for precise skin resurfacing, scar treatment, and removal of skin lesions such as moles and warts. The CO2 laser vaporizes thin layers of skin with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
Cryotherapy (냉동치료): A treatment that uses extreme cold (typically liquid nitrogen) to freeze and destroy abnormal or unwanted tissue such as warts, skin tags, and certain precancerous lesions. The procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated.

D

Dermal Filler (필러): Injectable gel — typically hyaluronic acid-based — used to restore facial volume, smooth deep wrinkles and folds, and enhance facial contours such as lips and cheeks. Results are immediate and can last from 6 months to over a year.
Dermoscopy (피부경 검사): A non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses a specialized magnifying device (dermatoscope) to examine skin lesions and moles in detail. Dermoscopy helps detect skin cancers and other conditions at an early stage.
Downtime (회복기간): The recovery period after a cosmetic treatment during which patients may experience redness, swelling, peeling, or bruising. Downtime varies significantly depending on the procedure — from zero for non-invasive treatments like Sofwave to several days for ablative laser resurfacing.

E

Elastin (엘라스틴): A key structural protein in the skin that allows tissue to stretch and snap back to its original shape. Along with collagen, elastin is responsible for skin’s youthful resilience and bounce.
Exfoliation (각질 제거): The process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, either mechanically (scrubs, microdermabrasion) or chemically (AHAs, BHAs). Regular exfoliation promotes cell turnover, brightens the complexion, and enhances absorption of skincare products.
Erbium Laser (어비움 레이저): A type of ablative laser that targets water in the skin to precisely remove thin layers of tissue. Erbium lasers typically cause less thermal damage and faster healing compared to CO2 lasers, making them ideal for moderate wrinkles, sun damage, and superficial scars.

F

Fractional Laser (Fraxel) (프락셔널 레이저 / 프락셀): A laser treatment that delivers energy in a fractionated pattern, treating a fraction of the skin at a time while leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing. This approach stimulates deep collagen remodeling and is highly effective for acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone.
FDA-approved (FDA 승인): A designation indicating that a medical device, drug, or treatment has been evaluated and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy. FDA approval is an important benchmark of quality and reliability.

G

Glycolic Acid (글리콜산): An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane, widely used in chemical peels and skincare for its ability to exfoliate the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Glycolic acid promotes cell turnover, improves skin texture, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
Growth Factor (성장인자): Naturally occurring proteins that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and healing. In dermatology, growth factors are used in serums, PRP therapy, and stem cell treatments to accelerate skin repair and rejuvenation.

H

Hyaluronic Acid (히알루론산): A naturally occurring substance in the skin that retains moisture — capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water — providing plumpness, hydration, and a supple texture. Hyaluronic acid is the primary ingredient in most dermal fillers and skin boosters.
Hydrafacial (하이드라페이셜): A patented multi-step facial treatment that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant protection in a single session. The Hydrafacial uses a vortex suction technology to deeply cleanse pores while infusing nourishing serums.
Hyperpigmentation (색소침착 / 과색소증): A condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area due to excess melanin production. Common causes include sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, and skin injuries.

I

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) (IPL / 아이피엘): A broad-spectrum light treatment that targets pigmentation, redness, broken capillaries, and sun damage by delivering controlled pulses of light energy to the skin. Unlike lasers, IPL emits multiple wavelengths simultaneously, allowing it to address several concerns at once.
Injectables (주사 시술): A broad category of non-surgical cosmetic treatments delivered via injection, including Botox, dermal fillers, skin boosters, and PRP. Injectables offer immediate or near-immediate results with minimal downtime.

J

Jowl Lifting (턱선 리프팅): Procedures designed to tighten and redefine the jawline by addressing sagging skin and fat along the lower face. Jowl lifting can be achieved through non-invasive technologies such as Ultherapy and Thermage FLX, or minimally invasive techniques like thread lifts.

K

K-Beauty (K뷰티): A global term for Korean beauty culture, products, and skincare innovations known for multi-step routines, cutting-edge ingredients, and a focus on achieving healthy, glowing skin. South Korea is a world leader in dermatological research and cosmetic technology.
Keloid (켈로이드): A type of raised, overgrown scar that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound due to excessive collagen production during healing. Keloids can be itchy or painful and are more common in certain skin types.

L

Laser Resurfacing (레이저 리서페이싱): A broad category of laser treatments that remove or remodel the outer layers of skin to improve texture, reduce scars, and diminish wrinkles. Laser resurfacing can be ablative (removing skin layers) or non-ablative (stimulating collagen without removing tissue).
LED Light Therapy (LED 광치료): A non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light — such as red for collagen stimulation and blue for acne-causing bacteria — to address various skin concerns. LED therapy is painless, requires no downtime, and is suitable for all skin types.
Lifting (리프팅): Aesthetic procedures aimed at counteracting the effects of gravity and aging by tightening and elevating sagging facial or body skin. Non-surgical lifting options have advanced significantly and now offer impressive results without incisions.

M

Melasma (기미): A common pigmentation disorder causing symmetrical brown or gray-brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Melasma is often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetic factors, and is particularly prevalent in Asian skin types.
Microneedling (마이크로니들링): A minimally invasive treatment that uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural wound healing response and stimulating collagen and elastin production. Microneedling is effective for acne scars, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and overall skin rejuvenation.
Moisturizer (보습제): A skincare product designed to hydrate and protect the skin barrier by trapping moisture and preventing transepidermal water loss. Moisturizers are essential in any skincare routine, especially after dermatological treatments.

N

Nasolabial Fold (팔자주름): The deep lines or creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, often referred to as “smile lines” or “laugh lines.” These folds deepen with age as facial volume diminishes and skin loses elasticity.
Non-invasive (비침습적): Treatments that do not require incisions, needles, or breaking of the skin surface. Non-invasive procedures typically involve zero to minimal downtime and are popular among patients seeking subtle improvements without surgery.

O

Oligio (올리지오): A next-generation monopolar radiofrequency device designed for skin tightening and contouring. Oligio delivers uniform RF energy to heat the deep dermis and subcutaneous layers, stimulating collagen contraction and new collagen production.
Oxidative Stress (산화 스트레스): An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to cellular damage that accelerates skin aging, causes dullness, and contributes to inflammation. UV exposure, pollution, and lifestyle factors increase oxidative stress.

P

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) (PRP / 자가혈 치료): A regenerative treatment that uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to stimulate tissue repair, collagen production, and cellular renewal. A small blood sample is drawn, processed in a centrifuge, and the growth factor-rich plasma is re-injected into target areas.
Pico Laser (피코 레이저): An advanced laser that delivers ultra-short picosecond (trillionth of a second) pulses to break down pigment particles into tiny fragments that the body can naturally eliminate. Pico lasers are highly effective for melasma, sun spots, freckles, tattoo removal, and overall skin tone improvement with less thermal damage than traditional lasers.
Pigmentation (색소): The natural coloring of the skin determined by melanin production. Irregular pigmentation — including dark spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — is one of the most common dermatological concerns.

R

Radiofrequency (RF) (고주파): A technology that uses electromagnetic energy to heat the deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen contraction and new collagen and elastin production. RF treatments are used for skin tightening, body contouring, and wrinkle reduction.
Rejuvenation (피부 재생): The process of restoring skin to a more youthful state through treatments that address texture, tone, volume, and overall radiance. Skin rejuvenation encompasses a wide range of procedures from laser resurfacing to injectables and regenerative therapies.
Retinol (레티놀): A derivative of vitamin A widely regarded as one of the most effective anti-aging skincare ingredients. Retinol accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and helps fade pigmentation and smooth fine lines.
Rosacea (주사 / 로사시아): A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, bumps, and sometimes swelling, primarily affecting the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Rosacea requires careful management as the skin is highly sensitive.

S

Sofwave (소프웨이브): A non-invasive ultrasound device that targets the mid-dermis (1.5mm depth) using Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology to stimulate new collagen production and improve fine lines and wrinkles. Sofwave treatments are quick, comfortable, and require no downtime.
Skin Booster (스킨 부스터): Micro-injections of hyaluronic acid (and sometimes vitamins or amino acids) delivered directly into the skin to deeply hydrate, improve elasticity, and create a natural, luminous glow from within. Unlike fillers, skin boosters do not add volume but rather improve overall skin quality.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) (자외선 차단 지수): A measure of how effectively a sunscreen protects against UVB radiation, the primary cause of sunburn and a major contributor to skin cancer and photoaging. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%.
Stem Cell Therapy (줄기세포 치료): An advanced regenerative treatment that utilizes stem cells or stem cell-derived growth factors to promote tissue repair, collagen production, and overall skin rejuvenation. Stem cell therapies represent the cutting edge of aesthetic dermatology.
SMAS Layer (SMAS 근막층): The Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System — a fibrous tissue layer beneath the skin and fat that connects facial muscles to the dermis. The SMAS layer is the key structural target for effective facial lifting.

T

Thermage FLX (써마지 FLX): The latest generation of Thermage radiofrequency technology, featuring an improved algorithm and comfort pulse technology for more uniform heating and enhanced patient comfort. Thermage FLX tightens and contours the skin on the face, eyes, and body by stimulating deep collagen renewal in a single treatment session.
Thread Lift (실 리프팅): A minimally invasive lifting procedure that uses biocompatible, absorbable threads (such as PDO or PLLA) inserted beneath the skin to physically lift sagging tissue and stimulate collagen production along the thread pathway. Thread lifts offer immediate lifting with progressive improvement over several months.
Tretinoin (트레티노인): A prescription-strength retinoid (vitamin A derivative) that is the gold standard for treating acne, reducing fine lines, and improving overall skin texture and tone. Tretinoin works by accelerating cell turnover and boosting collagen synthesis at a deeper level than over-the-counter retinol.

U

Ultherapy (울쎄라): The only FDA-cleared non-invasive procedure that uses micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) to lift and tighten the skin on the face, neck, and décolletage. Ultherapy targets the deep SMAS layer — the same layer addressed in surgical facelifts — to stimulate long-term collagen regeneration.
UV Protection (자외선 차단): Measures taken to shield the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoidance of peak sun hours. UV protection is the single most important step in preventing premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.
Ultrasound (Aesthetic) (초음파 시술): The use of focused ultrasound energy in aesthetic dermatology to target specific tissue depths for skin tightening and lifting without damaging the surface. Ultrasound-based treatments like Ultherapy and Sofwave can reach deeper structures than lasers or radiofrequency alone.

V

Vitamin C Serum (비타민 C 세럼): A topical skincare product containing a concentrated form of vitamin C (ascorbic acid or its derivatives), a potent antioxidant that brightens the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and protects against free radical damage from UV exposure and pollution. Vitamin C also supports collagen synthesis.
Volumizing (볼륨 시술): Aesthetic treatments designed to restore or enhance facial volume in areas that have become hollow or flat due to aging, weight loss, or natural anatomy. Volumizing is typically achieved through dermal fillers, autologous fat transfer, or collagen-stimulating injectables.

W

Wrinkle (주름): Lines, creases, or folds that develop in the skin as a result of aging, sun exposure, repetitive facial expressions, and loss of collagen and elastin. Wrinkles are classified as dynamic (appearing with movement) or static (visible at rest).

Dermatology Glossary

Book a Consultation at BEAUNPL Clinic