8 Pointers on Getting PH Balanced Skin ...

By Lisa

We often hear about pH balanced skin but what the heck does it mean for us?! I often heard the term but didn’t pay much attention to it because achieving that balance seemed to be so complicated and elusive. Well I did some digging and according to Discovery Health, although the term is commonly thrown around in skin care product advertisements, it really does make a difference! If you want the skinny on getting pH balanced skin and some product recommendations, keep reading!

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1

What It Means

When we’re talking about pH balanced skin, the actual definition and measurement take us back to chemistry class. So, without giving a mini lecture on chemistry, let’s talk about what it means to us and our skin. According to dermatologist Patricia Wexler, our body and skin require a balance between alkaline and acidity for optimum health. We have something called the acid mantle, which is our skin’s barrier. It keeps moisture in while defending itself from germs and toxins. In order for the acid mantle to work its best, it should be slightly acidic at a 5.5 pH balance.

2

Why We Should Care

When you have healthy skin, you know it. You can see it and feel it and your skin care products and makeup go on beautifully. So how do you know if your skin is out of whack? When your skin is too acidic or alkaline, it will feel dry, prone to breakouts, sensitive and inflamed. The British Journal of Dermatology published a study that found that women with skin that’s more on the alkaline side were more susceptible to sun damage and wrinkles.

3

What to do?

So now that we know the ugly side of not being pH balanced, what can we do about it? Luckily there is plenty we can do! Healthy skin is achieved by eating a healthy diet and practicing proper skin care, and the same good skin care habits will help you achieve pH balanced skin! There are simple household items you can use or there are plenty of skin care products you can purchase to achieve that perfect balance!

4

Lemon

Lemons are one of the cheapest and easiest to use body and skin care tools in your home! Drinking lemon water can help balance your body as well as help you achieve pH balanced skin. Create your own lemon toner by combining a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice with a ½ cup of water. Mix it up and apply it to your skin like you would any old toner. This refreshing mixture will help you balance out your skin, fight fine lines and nix any bacteria on the surface!

5

Go Soap-free

Don’t worry, going soap-free doesn’t mean you won’t cleanse your skin! You just want to look for products that don’t contain any soap or detergents that can erode your skin barrier. Products like Neutrogena’s Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or Fresh Soy Face Cleanser make great beauty buys for those wanting pH balanced skin. Also, avoid bar soap and use mild body washes on your body instead.

Famous Quotes

Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

George Santayana
6

Eat Raw

Certain raw foods are great at balancing the pH in your body. While most skin is said to be more on the alkaline side, our diets sometimes tend to be on the acidic side. It’s confusing, I know! If your diet consists of a lot of processed foods, sodas, sugar and junk food, it can be too acidic. Eating alkaline foods will balance the body, which will allow our blood to absorb more oxygen to aid digestion, which will in turn lead to clearer skin. Some alkaline foods are kale, cayenne peppers, garlic , carrots and cabbage.

7

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy wonder so you’re probably not surprised to see it listed as a skin care remedy for pH balanced skin! Although it doesn’t have the most pleasing fragrance, applying apple cider vinegar to your skin topically is a fab way to balance and baby your skin! Mix one part ACV with eight parts water (you can dilute it more or less, depending on your skin type) and spritz it on your body before you take a shower and wash off, or use it as a toner on your face.

8

Look for Active Ingredients

When you’re shopping for skin care products to help balance out your skin, look for products with active ingredients. There are lots of products out there that contain vitamins and antioxidants that will help protect your skin from free radicals and promote cell turnover. Origins A Perfect World moisturizer, Ren Rose O12 Moisture Defence Serum and Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum are all great picks!

Achieving pH balanced skin might seem like a tall order, but with a few lifestyle tweaks and the right skin care products, it is possible! If you’re wondering whether your skin is more on the acidic or alkaline side, Women's Health Magazine has a great quiz on their site that can help decode the mystery: womenshealthmag.com. Were your results what you expected?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Thanks! I'm going to try as many of these as I can. I think my whole body is off balance! Now to take the quiz and find out which side it's on.

Great article, truly helpful!

I have super duper oily skin like extremely oily skin like the most oilest in the whole world!! Does anyone know of something that truly works ? I've tried many things and try all fail! :(

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