A B C D E F G H L M N O P R S T V W Y Z

Acid Perm A permanent wave that produces a soft curl in the hair. Formulas range in pH from 6.5 to 8.0 and are considered milder than alkaline perms. EC Mode Waves are acid perms using a patented vitamin technology to control the oxidation and reduce damage to the hair caused by the perming process.

Aesthetician A licensed professional trained to treat the skin. Regulations vary from state to state.

Alkaline Perm A permanent wave that produces a tight curl in the hair. Formulas have pH ranges from 7.5 to 9.5 and are considered more oxidizing to the hair than an acid perm.

Allantoin Soothing, healing properties of Allantoin make it an excellent ingredient for EC Mode Skin Care.

Aloe Vera Also known for it's healing and moisturizing properties, aloe vera gel is especially beneficial for burns and is a key ingredient in EC Mode Skin Care Systems.

Antibacterial An ingredient that can kill bacteria and treat infections. Used in EC Mode skin care.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Increases the rate of exfoliation (shedding of dead skin cells). The FDA is currently awaiting the results of a study addressing the questionable safety of Alpha Hydroxy Acids. EC Mode skin care products are not formulated with Alpha Hydroxy Acids but rather with Vitamin C and Vitamin E to normalize the natural exfoliation rate of skin.

Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients that reduce inflammation of skin cells. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can be reduced and prevented with Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin E are known antioxidants that significantly decrease the adverse effects of oxidation.

Arnica Acts as an anti-inflammatory to protect hair's strength and balance. Formulated in EC Mode Hair Care Systems.

Aromatherapy Essential oils used for therapeutic purposes.

Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C. Formulated in EC Mode Hair, Scalp and Skin Care Systems. Provides antioxidant benefits to the internal and external body. Click on Benefits of Vitamins E & C to learn more about the benefits of vitamin C for the internal and external body. EC Mode Hair, Scalp, and Skin Care Systems are formulated with Vitamin C.

Astringent Used following a facial cleanser to remove oil from the skin and promote healing of inflamed skin. Beneficial for prevention of acne. EC Mode's Facial Toner is an astringent.

Bacteria Microscopic organisms that cause infection.

Balm Mint A purifying antiseptic; helps rid scalp of harmful bacteria. Formulated in EC Mode Scalp Care.

Basal cell carcinoma The most common form of skin cancer. Rarely spread to other vital organs.

Bentonite Clay A mild exfoliant that helps rid skin of impurities. Formulated in EC Mode Vitamin C Ancient Sea Clay Facial Masque.

Biotin Conditions hair and scalp. Formulated in EC Mode Scalp Care Systems.

Botanical Ingredients derived from plants. Formulated in all EC Mode Systems.

Bromine An oxidizer used to kill bacteria in hot tubs and jacuzzis.

Burdock A botanical that provides a natural defense against harmful bacteria and fungus.

Calendula An anti-inflammatory botanical that helps heal dry, cracked skin and heal wounds. Formulated in EC Mode Skin Care Systems.

Carcinogen A substance that can cause or accelerate cancer.

Chamomile Anti-inflammatory herb formulated in EC Mode Hair and Scalp Care Systems.

China Clay A mild exfoliant that helps rid skin of impurities. Formulated in EC Mode Skin Care Systems.

Chlorine An oxidizer used to kill bacteria in drinking water and pools and is also used as an active bleach to remove pigment color. Chlorine can damage the cuticle and protein of hair and create an oxidizing effect on elements in the air. Chlorine can alter the electrical charge on minerals in the hair causing them to bond more strongly to the hair, and can even change the color of certain minerals. The highly charged minerals, may, in turn, damage and/or discolor hair.

Citric Acid Derived from citrus fruit. Adjusts and maintains pH balance. Formulated in EC Mode Hair Care Systems.

Collagen The connective tissue of skin found in the dermis layer. As our skin ages, the elasticity of our skin breaks down. Vitamin C formulated in EC Mode Skin Care helps stimulate natural collagen synthesis.

Comedone A mass in an obstructed sebaceous duct in the skin. A whitehead is a closed comedone as sebum has built up beneath the surface. A blackhead is an open comedone as the sebum is exposed to air but is still stuck in the pore.

Comedogenic A cosmetic preparation known to promote acne. Causes clogging of pores. EC Mode Skin Care ingredients are non-comedogenic.

Comfrey A botanical that acts as an astringent and healing agent. Formulated in EC Mode Hair and Scalp Care Systems.

Cosmeceutical While not recognized to date by the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, this term has come to be associated with products that help reduce or prevent disease or conditions that affect the structure and function of the body. EC Mode products can be recognized as cosmeceutical due to the relief and prevention of numerous conditions of the hair, scalp and skin.

Cuticle The outermost layer of the skin (the area where your fingernail ends and your skin begins) or the hair shaft. Hair cuticle overlaps like the bark of a tree. Hair cuticle lies flat when hair is healthy. When hair is oxidized or damaged, the cuticle is lifted, no longer laying flat and exposing the inner structure of the hair shaft.

Dermis The middle layers of skin lying immediately under the outer layer or epidermis. Consists of two layers, the papillary (outermost) and the reticular (innermost). Fat forms in these layers of skin. Blood vessels and sweat glands located in the dermis layers help regulate the body's temperature. Nerve endings, also located in the dermis layers send messages to the brain of pain, itching, temperature and touch. Hair follicles and oil glands are located in the dermis layers. Oil glands produce sebum, which helps to moisturize the skin.

Developer The purpose of the oxidizer developer is to lift pigment and blast open the cuticle to allow the color pigment to adhere to the hair proteins. The level or percentage of peroxide used depends upon the desired result. The process of bleaching is achieved by using a high level of peroxide. Further oxidation occurs when color-treated hair is exposed to the air and the sun.

Elastin An extracellular connective tissue protein which is the principal component of elastic fibers in the middle layer of arteries in the dermis.

Emollients Ingredients that soften or smooth. Emollients are formulated in EC Mode Hair, Scalp, and Skin Care Systems.

Epidermis The outermost layer of skin. This layer of skin is made up primarily of dead cells that protect the skin from the environment. Melanin production takes place in the epidermis to protect the skin from ultraviolet light.

Ecrine Gland Sweat gland located in the dermis layers of skin.

Eucalyptol An herbal extract and antiseptic that eliminates impurities and clogged pores to clarify acne-prone skin. Formulated in EC Mode Anti-Acne Skin Care System.

Eucalyptus Oil A botanical that provides an invigorating fragrance. Formulated in EC Mode Exfoliating Body Scrub.

Exfoliation Skin's natural process of removing dead skin cells revealing a layer of healthier new skin cells. If skin is exfoliating abnormally (either too rapidly or too slowly), skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis can occur. EC Mode Skin Care Systems help normalize the natural exfoliation rate of skin and prevent skin conditions from developing or worsening.

Free Radicals Highly reactive oxygen fragments that lack electrons and try to steal them from other molecules to regain balance. This process is known as oxidation. Research confirms that many diseases and the aging process may be caused by free radical damage to healthy cells. Free radicals can be produced in damaging amounts by cigarette smoke, air pollution, pesticides, and ultraviolet radiation. Stress and over-exercising can also cause free radicals in the body. Research confirms that Vitamin C and Vitamin E help protect the internal and external body against free radical damage.

Follicle A pore in the skin from which a hair grows.

Golden Seal A botanical with therapeutic properties for the treatment of eczema and wounds. Formulated in EC Mode Hair Care.

Hair Loss

Healthy Hair If the hair and scalp are healthy and hair is shedding at a normal rate, we lose approximately 50-100 hairs a day. Healthy hair grows in three phases: the growth phase which lasts between two and six years, the next phase is the resting phase which lasts two to three months then at the end of the resting phase, hair is shed. When hair is shed, a new hair is replaced from the same hair follicle and the cycle of growth begins again. On average, scalp hair grows about half an inch per month.

There are a variety of types of alopecia developing from a variety of causes, including thyroid problems, medications, chemotherapy, and childbirth.

Androgenic alopecia is caused by the oxidation of the hormone testosterone resulting in the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This oxidation causes deterioration of the hair follicle. Research is closer than ever to unlocking the genetic code that causes this oxidation to occur in some people more than others.

Hair Loss Approaches Drugs that currently try to halt hair loss are Minoxidil and Propecia. Unfortunately, both of these drugs can cause side affects. Minoxidil taken orally, reduces blood pressure by relaxing and dilating blood vessels. Side affects of this drug include itching and irritation of the skin and growing hair in areas other than the scalp. Propecia can help inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in some cases of androgenic alopecia. However, reported side affects of this drug include decreased sexual drive (2% cases reported) and impotency (1% cases reported) both temporary conditions once the drug is stopped. Unfortunately, within a few months of stopping either of these drugs, hair that would have been lost in the preceding five years will then be lost.

Our wellness approach to creating optimum conditions for new hair growth feeds the scalp with:

Nature's own antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin E to normalize exfoliation and stop oxidation.
Niacin, which supports the health of skin and is an important vitamin needed for the proper synthesis of testosterone.
Biotin and nicatonate to increase circulation of blood flow.
Gentle therapeutic cleansers and nutrients to treat the scalp without harsh ingredients.

Hops A botanical with healing properties. Formulated in EC Mode Scalp Care Systems.

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Strengthens hair proteins. Formulated in EC Mode Hair and Scalp Care Systems.

Hypoallergenic Ingredients that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. EC Mode Skin Care is hypoallergenic.

Lemon Grass An herbal extract that clarifies skin. Formulated in EC Mode Anti-Acne Skin Care System.

Lemon Peel An herbal extract that acts as an antiseptic to cleanse and purify. Formulated in EC Mode Anti-Acne Skin Care System.

Linden An herbal extract that provides a refreshing and fragrant floral aroma. Formulated in EC Mode Hair Care.

Malignant melanoma The most dangerous of all skin cancers as it may spread to other organs and often can be fatal.

Marsh Mallow A botanical emollient that soothes and hydrates. Formulated in EC Mode Hair Care Systems.

Melanin The pigment that naturally colors the hair and skin. The more melanin in the hair and skin the darker the hair and skin.

Montmorillonite Clay A mild exfoliant that rids skin of impurities and polishes skin. Formulated in EC Mode Vitamin C Ancient Sea Clay Facial Masque.

Nettle An anti-inflammatory botanical that stimulates and cleanses. Formulated in EC Mode Hair and Scalp Care Systems.

Neutralizer An oxidizer used in the second stage of perming and relaxing hair to lock the bonds of the hair protein. If not completely removed with an antioxidant, such as EC Mode products, neutralizer can cause burning to the scalp and breakage to the hair following the service.

Niacin Conditions the hair and skin. Formulated in EC Mode Scalp Care Systems.

Non-comedogenic Ingredients that are less likely to clog pores of the skin or cause acne. EC Mode Skin Care Systems are non-comedogenic.

Olive Oil A botanical that penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to moisturize and improve skin's elasticity. Formulated in EC Mode Skin Care Systems.

Oxidation Defined as a chemical reaction of a substance with oxygen whereby an electron is lost. The rust of a piece of iron and the aging process of the body are examples of oxidation. Damage to healthy cells of the internal and external body can be caused by oxidation. Oxidation can be slowed down or halted by antioxidants.

Panthenol Penetrates the hair and skin to moisturize and protect hair's strength. Formulated in EC Mode Hair, Scalp and Skin Care Systems.

Permed Hair The process of perming begins with a solution separating hair proteins by forcing two hydrogen molecules between each sulfur bond on the hair protein. Once the proteins are separated, rods act as a template to change the way the proteins attach to each other. Once they have taken proper shape, an oxidizer (neutralizer) is put on the hair, placing an oxygen molecule between the two hydrogen molecules, forming water causing the hair proteins to reattach in their new formation.

Peroxide A compound used as an oxidizing and bleaching agent to remove color pigment from the hair. The more concentrated the peroxide, the greater the oxidizing effect.

Pore The opening of the secretory duct of an ecrine (sweat) gland in the skin.

Porosity The ability of the hair to absorb moisture.

pH The acronym for potential hydrogen. pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of liquid substances. pH is evaluated and monitored on a scale from 1 to 14, with 1 being the most acidic and 14 being the most base (non-acidic). Water has a pH of 7, which is considered neutral.

Psoriasis An exaggerated form of exfoliation in the scalp. Symptoms include scaling, extreme dryness, and discomfort.

Relaxer An oxidizing chemical applied to the hair to remove the natural curl.

Rosemary A botanical that stimulates and energizes skin. Formulated in EC Mode Hair and Scalp Care Systems.

Sage An anti-inflammatory botanical that helps stimulate and enrich the skin. Formulated in EC Mode Scalp Care Systems.

Sebaceous Gland A gland which produces sebum.

Sebum Natural oils in the skin that lubricates and protects. When sebum becomes trapped in the hair follicle in the skin, acne develops.

Sesame Oil A botanical that helps keep skin smooth. Formulated in EC Mode Skin Care Systems.

Squamous cell carcinomas Less common form of skin cancer but potentially more harmful as they can grow quickly and spread to other organs of the body.

SPF The acronym for "Sun Protection Factor" that ranges from 2 to 45. EC Mode Silk Sunblock provides a SPF of 15.

Sunflower Oil A botanical lubricant that provides moisture to the skin. Formulated in EC Mode Skin Care Systems.

Tea Tree Oil A botanical that helps protect skin against bacteria. Formulated in EC Mode Skin Care Systems.

Vitamin C A water-soluble vitamin and natural antioxidant known chemically as L-ascorbic acid that scavenges free radicals that can damage the internal and external body. Vitamin C provides numerous benefits to the internal and external body (hair, scalp and skin). Click on Benefits of Vitamins E & C for a more detailed listing of the benefits of this well-known antioxidant. EC Mode Hair, Scalp, and Skin Care Systems are formulated with Vitamin C.

Vitamin E A fat-soluble vitamin and natural antioxidant that quenches free radicals that can damage the internal and external body. Vitamin E provides numerous benefits to the internal and external body. Click on Benefits of Vitamins E & C for a more detailed listing of the benefits of this well-known antioxidant. EC Mode Hair, Scalp, and Skin Care Systems are formulated with Vitamin E.

Vitamins Organic substances required to regulate the proper functioning of cells. Vitamins are either fat-soluble (vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin K) or they are water-soluble (vitamin C and the B vitamins). Vitamins are essential to life. Research now confirms the benefits of vitamins (specifically vitamin C and vitamin E) for the proper functioning and protection of the external body. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B are formulated in EC Mode Hair and Scalp Care Systems. Vitamin C and vitamin E are formulated in EC Mode Skin Care Systems.

Walnut Powder Gently exfoliates dead cells. Formulated in EC Mode Exfoliating Body Scrub.

Witch Hazel A purifying agent which helps ward off harmful bacteria. Formulated in EC Mode Anti-Acne Skin Care System.

Yarrow An herbal extract that helps tone skin. Formulated in EC Mode

Yucca A botanical that soothes and nourishes the scalp. Formulated in EC Mode Hair and Scalp Care Systems.

Zinc Oxide An astringent that provides protection to the skin against Ultra Violet radiation. Formulated in EC Mode Silk Sunblock Skin Care.