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. Go to the
Other Supplements Dictionary and look up Oat.
Oat Beta Glucan: This ingredient provides great moisture-retention
capability to the skin.
Oat Derived Polysaccharide: Natural complex derived from
oats that function to assist 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.
Go to the Other Supplements Dictionary and look up Oat.
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. Go to the Other
Supplements Dictionary and look up Oat.
Oat Oil: Oat oil is a powerful emollient (skin smoothener
and softener) and provides deep antioxidant activity.
Go to the Other Supplements Dictionary and look up Oat.
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: A hypothetical hydrocarbon radical regarded as
an essential residue of octane, and as entering into its
derivatives; as, octyl alcohol.>
Octylacrylamide Acrylate Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate
Copolymer: Part of cationic system. A fixative that is
water soluble if washed within 48 hours after application.
Used for stiffness and high gloss in hair sprays.
Octylacrylamide Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer:
see Octylacrylamide Acrylate Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate
Copolymer.
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: 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 and 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 also prevent or delay the development of cancer
and related tumors. It may also improve bone growth. Go
to the Enzymes, Fatty Acids Sugars Dictionary and look
up Omega-3.
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. Go to the Enzymes, Fatty Acids Sugars
Dictionary and look up Omega-6.
Omega-9: Omega-9 is a mono-unsaturated fat mainly found
in olive oil. It acts to regulate the immune system. Omega-9
also 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. Go to the Enzymes, Fatty Acids Sugars Dictionary
and look up Omega-9.
Onychomycosis: Fungus infection of the nail.
Opacity: The condition of being opaque; an opaque spot
or area. 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,
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. 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 doctor's prescription that are
intended to treat or prevent disease, or otherwise affect
the structure or functions of the human body.
Oxy: (oxy- or ox-) A combining form meaning sharp, quick,
or sour, or 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.
Shh! 
