What it is
Morning sequence: gentle cleanse → hydration serum → brightening serum → moisturiser + broad-spectrum SPF.
Skincare Glossary
Your guide to understanding ingredients and terms for melanin-rich skin
AM Routine (Melanin-Safe)
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Peptide)
What it is
Signal peptide that helps soften expression-line look and support elasticity.
Try it with
VOUEE Collagen & Peptide Firming Hydrogel Mask
Alpha-Arbutin
What it is
A stable melanin-modulating active that reduces excess pigment formation.
Try it with
VOUEE Dark Spot Serum (30ml)
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
What it is
Chronic itchy, inflamed, barrier-impaired skin.
Ceramide NP (Ceramides)
What it is
Barrier lipids that restore the stratum corneum’s moisture seal and resilience.
Try it with
ZURI Exfoliate & Restore Body Toner (230ml)
Comedogenic vs Non-Comedogenic
What it is
Tendency of an ingredient/formula to clog pores (comedogenic) or not (non-comedogenic).
Double Cleanse
What it is
Oil-based cleanse to dissolve sunscreen/makeup, then a gentle water-based cleanser.
Ethyl Vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid)
What it is
A stabilized vitamin C derivative with good skin penetration and tone-evening benefits.
Try it with
VOUEE Dark Spot Serum (30ml)
Event-Prep Masking
What it is
Hydrating/soothing mask 1 day before; avoid new actives; focus on plump, calm finish.
Fitzpatrick Scale
What it is
A skin-type classification (I–VI) based on tanning/burning response used in dermatology and testing.
Fragrance-Free vs Unscented
What it is
Fragrance-free: no added scent chemicals; unscented: may contain masking agents.
Frictional Melanosis
What it is
Darkening from chronic rubbing, heat, or occlusion (e.g., inner thighs/underarms).
Gentle Exfoliation Cycle
What it is
Low-to-moderate AHA/BHA 2–4×/week depending on tolerance; avoid stacking with retinoids the same night.
Glutathione
What it is
Endogenous antioxidant that helps regulate oxidative stress and melanogenesis.
Try it with
VOUEE Dark Spot Serum (30ml)
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
What it is
Alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates by loosening corneocyte bonds to smooth and brighten.
Try it with
ZURI Exfoliate & Restore Body Toner (230ml)
Hyaluronic Acid (multi-weight)
What it is
Humectant family that binds water at multiple depths for fast and lasting hydration.
Try it with
NSUO Deep Hydration Serum (30ml)
Inflammatory Acne
What it is
Papules/pustules/nodules driven by oil, C. acnes, and inflammation.
Keratosis Pilaris
What it is
Rough “chicken skin” from keratin plugs in follicles.
Melasma
What it is
Hormone-/UV-linked patchy hyperpigmentation, often on cheeks, forehead, upper lip.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
What it is
A water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, moderates oil, and helps slow melanosome transfer (the step that makes spots look darker).
Try it with
VOUEE Dark Spot Serum (30ml)
Occlusive / Humectant / Emollient
What it is
Moisturizer roles: occlusives seal, humectants draw water, emollients smooth/soften.
PDRN / Sodium DNA (Polynucleotides)
What it is
Skin-conditioning polynucleotides that support repair signals, elasticity, and hydration.
Try it with
VOUEE Salmon PDRN Regen & Lift (4 Ampoules)
PM Actives Routine
What it is
Night sequence: cleanse → treatment (retinoid or pigment serum) → buffer with hydration → moisturiser. Alternate actives.
Patch Test
What it is
Trying a small amount on a discreet area for 24–72h to check tolerance.
Photoaging
What it is
Premature skin aging from UV/visible/IR light (wrinkles, laxity, uneven tone).
Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
What it is
Pink/red marks from dilated surface vessels post-blemish.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
What it is
Dark marks that form after inflammation or injury as melanocytes produce excess pigment.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
What it is
Dark marks that appear after inflammation (acne, irritation, friction) due to increased melanin.
Post-Shave Care (Face/Neck)
What it is
Lukewarm cleanse → soothing hydration → lightweight moisturiser; introduce BHA 2–3×/week once calm.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
What it is
Curved hairs re-enter skin causing bumps and inflammation after shaving.
Purging vs Irritation
What it is
Purging = faster turnover reveals existing clogs; irritation = barrier damage/inflammation.
Retinoid Night
What it is
Cleanse → hydrating serum → gentle retinoid → moisturiser; start 1–3×/week and build.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
What it is
Oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to reduce congestion and texture.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
What it is
Flaky patches in oil-rich areas linked to Malassezia.
Skin Barrier
What it is
The outermost layer (stratum corneum + lipids) that keeps moisture in and irritants out.
Spot-Treating Dark Spots
What it is
Apply brightening actives to marks only; support surrounding skin with hydration and SPF.
Sun-Induced Hyperpigmentation
What it is
UV/visible-light triggered darkening and mottled tone.
Sunscreen Reapplication
What it is
Reapply SPF every 2–3h outdoors; use adequate dose (“two-finger” face, more for neck/hands/chest).
TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss)
What it is
The amount of water passively evaporating through the skin barrier.
Travel/AC Recovery
What it is
Hydrating serum + occlusive-leaning moisturiser; mist or reapply humectants; keep actives minimal.
UVA / UVB / PA Rating
What it is
UVB causes burns; UVA penetrates deeper (aging/PIH). PA grade reflects UVA protection level.
Underarm/Inner-Thigh Care
What it is
Clean, dry skin → thin layer of body exfoliating toner 3–5×/week → moisturise; pause 24–48h post-shave/wax.
Visible Light (HEV)
What it is
High-energy visible light from sun/screens that can impact pigmentation.
White Cast
What it is
A visible pale/grey film left by some sunscreens, especially mineral filters.
