Reference Library

Medical Glossary

Plain-English definitions of the dermatology, trichology, hijama and nutrition terms used across the Nayami Cosmyc Knowledge Hub.

Androgenetic alopecia

Genetically driven pattern hair thinning, usually at the temples, crown or midline part.

See also: /knowledge/hair-fall
Barrier function

The skin's ability to hold water in and keep irritants out. Damaged barriers make every other treatment harder.

Collagen induction

Controlled micro-injury that prompts the dermis to lay down new collagen — the mechanism behind microneedling.

See also: /knowledge/microneedling
Comedone

A blocked follicle. Open comedones are blackheads, closed ones are whiteheads.

See also: /knowledge/acne
Fitzpatrick type

A 1–6 scale of how skin responds to UV. Most Indian skin is type IV–V, which changes laser and peel settings.

Hyperpigmentation

Excess melanin producing darker patches or marks.

See also: /knowledge/pigmentation
Melasma

Symmetrical hormonal pigmentation on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. Managed long-term rather than cured.

See also: /knowledge/pigmentation
PIH

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — the flat brown mark left behind after acne or injury.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

A concentrate of your own platelets injected to deliver growth factors to follicles or skin.

See also: /knowledge/prp
Sebum

The oil produced by sebaceous glands. Excess sebum is one of four drivers of acne.

Telogen effluvium

Diffuse shedding two to three months after illness, surgery, childbirth or rapid weight loss. Usually reversible.

Ferritin

Stored iron. Low ferritin is one of the most common correctable causes of hair fall in Indian women.

Hijama

Wet cupping — suction plus superficial scarification performed with sterile single-use equipment.

See also: /knowledge/hijama
Glycaemic load

How much a portion of food raises blood glucose. A more useful number than glycaemic index alone.

See also: /knowledge/nutrition
Basal metabolic rate

Energy your body uses at rest. Falls with muscle loss, which is why crash diets backfire.

See also: /knowledge/weight-management
Insulin resistance

Cells respond poorly to insulin, pushing levels higher. Central to PCOS and type 2 diabetes risk.

Fluence

Laser energy delivered per unit area. Lower fluence with more passes is safer on deeper skin tones.

See also: /knowledge/laser-treatments
Downtime

The period where treated skin is visibly recovering and normal activity or makeup is restricted.