B

• Bach flower Remedies - a range of flower remedies created by Dr Edward Bach to treat the imbalance of emotions that he believed were the root of many of his patient's diseases. His 38 remedies have formed the basis of all modern flower remedies and each one treats negative feelings, allowing the patient to turn these emotions into positive ones

• Bacteria - unicellular micro-organisms found everywhere can be either pathogenic or non pathogenic

• Balsam - aromatic resinous substance that seep from plants and trees containing a percentage of essential oils. These resinous materials such as Peru Balsam and Pine Tar are called resinoids and balsams.

• Barrier cream - a special cream applied to the skin before working with strong detergents or other harmful substances, useful when wearing protective gloves is not always feasible

• Basal cell layer - also known as stratum germinativum it is the first layer of the epidermis just above the dermis. It is made up of a single layer of cells containing a nucleus. Mitosis or cell division occurs in this layer and melanocytes, melanin producing cells are present to a small degree in this layer

• Base note - classification of essential oils in relation to the rate at which they evaporate. Base notes are absorbed more slowly and have a slower evaporation rate than top and middle note essential oils.

• Beeswax - one of the oldest raw ingredients used in cosmetic preparations. Traditionally it has been used as an emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions and it is now also used to regulate a formulation's consistency. Beeswax is used as part of the wax composition of solid paste products such as creams, lipsticks and pomades.

• Benefits - advantages, things that promote or enhance well being

• Benign - not malignant

• Benzoin - a fragrant essential oil with bactericidal, anti-irritation, and anti-itching properties. It is an excellent ingredient for reducing skin redness and is also a preservative of fats

• Beta-hydroxy complex - a mixture containing chemically modified natural extracts, synthetic and semi-synthetic compounds to exfoliate the skin. They are also known as skin peelers because they dissolve and remove the outer layer of the skin

• Biceps - a muscle located on the upper arm

• Bio - a prefix pertaining to living organisms

• Biochemical - characterised by, produced by or involving chemical reactions in living organisms. There are thousands of natural chemical reactions occurring in cells at any given moment

• Biofeedback - a process raising consciousness of body processes in order to gain some measure of control over these involuntary activities, such as heart rate, body temperature etc.

• Biological additive - these are cosmetic ingredients that are derived from animals or plants and are used for a variety of reasons. Examples of animal products include mink oil extract, elastin extracted from mammals, keratin from skin, hair and nails and collagen taken from fibrous tendons and ligaments

• Blackheads - blockages in the follicle also known as comedones. They often accompany an oily or acne skin and are a mixture of keratin and sebum exposed to oxygen in the atmosphere which turns them black

• Blend epilation - a combination of high frequency and direct currents in the destruction and removal of the hair and it's follicle

• Blepharitis - medical term for inflammation of the eyelids. It causes red and scaly eyelids, they may feel gritty and feel uncomfortable in sunlight or smoky atmospheres

• Blood - fluid consisting of plasma, blood cells, platelets and other substances, circulated by the heart through the vascular system, carrying oxygen and nutrients to and waste products from all body tissues

• Blood pressure - the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the blood vessels ( usually refers to arterial pressure)

• Blood vessels - hollow flexible tubes that transport blood around the body

• Blood shunting - a sudden movement of blood in response to physiological demands on the body

• Body brushing - dry brushing of the skin, intended to remove dead layers and impurities while stimulating lymphatic circulation. This is one of many exfoliation techniques used as a pre-treatment for mud and seaweed body masks. The body is brushed to remove dead skin, followed by the application of moisturising lotion that leaves the skin silky smooth, alive, and glowing.

• Body language - the gestures, postures and facial expressions by which a person  communicates non verbally with others.

• Body mask - regenerating body treatment in which the whole body is covered in a combination of therapeutic ingredients including clay and essential oils. It detoxifies and hydrates the skin leaving it radiant

• Body mass index BMI - a measurement of the relative percentages of fat and muscle mass in the human body.

• Body massage - soft tissue manipulation for therapeutic purpose, can be in the form of Swedish, Aromatherapy, Thai, Balinese, Sports or Lymphatic drainage massage

• Body scrub - exfoliating body treatment using products such as salt or herbs to remove dry skin cells and increase blood circulation. The effects are to soften the skin and improve colour. It is a treatment often used to prepare the skin for massage and wraps, it is also known as body polish

• Body sugaring - hair removal process said to date from the time of Cleopatra

• Body types - classified as endomorph - curvy, mesomorph - muscular and ectomorh - slim and small boned

• Body wrap - strips of cloth or other material soaked in infusions of natural substances to treat specific body conditions and then wrapped around the body. It may be accompanied by a face head and scalp massage. It detoxifies the body, soothes muscles and rehydrates the skin

• Boil - a painful inflammation of the skin or hair follicle. It looks red and may be filled with pus, it is caused by bacterial infection

• Botanical - relating to plants or plant life

• Botanical additive - plant extracts that are added to cosmetics for a variety of reasons. Some are alternatives to synthetic ingredients or have a therapeutic function. Plants also provide natural fragrance and may contribute to the colour and appearance of a product.

• Botox - a non surgical treatment where botulinum toxin is injected into the muscles to temporarily relax them and stop them forming lines and wrinkles.

• Bronchi - air passages leading to the lungs

• Bruise - damage to the capillaries through injury, allowing blood to seep into the surrounding tissue

• Budget - an itemised summary of estimated or intended expenditure for a given period along with proposals for financing them

• Buffer - a mixture of chemicals, usually two, that can resist changes in levels of acidity or alkalinity and therefore control the pH in personal care products. This counter-acts the unwanted acidity or alkalinity that can irritate skin and eyes and produces a neutral pH

• Bulimia - a disorder characterised by uncontrollable over eating followed by forced vomiting or overuse of laxatives

• Bunion - protrusion of the big toe joint. Covering this is a fluid sac, which gives the joint protection. When the protruding joint presses against the shoe, hard skin grows over it to form a corn or callous. Prolonged pressure can lead to an inflamed or infected bursa leading to a condition known as bursitis.