HEALTHY SKIN STARTS WITH A GOOD pH BALANCE

August 07, 2017 by Renee Tavoularis

Your skin is one of the first things people notice about you. The glow of good health shows on your face, as do the signs of illness and exhaustion. While makeup offers a boost to tired, dry, or fragile skin, it can't fully hide or disguise what lies beneath. Instead, you must go deeper, making specific lifestyle choices based in holistic wellness that lead to beautiful skin.

One of the most important and most overlooked factors in your skin's overall health is your skin's pH balance and the need to set a good pH balance. With a little attention to creating a healthy balance in this area, you can look forward to a favorable shift in the overall appearance of your skin.

SOLVING THE pH MYSTERY

An acid barrier coats your skin, providing a thin layer of protection for your skin. This acid barrier is specifically designed to keep lipids and moisture in while blocking pollution and bacteria. However, the acid barrier can only do its job properly with the right chemical balance. This is where pH levels are important.

The pH level of any material falls along a 15-point scale that measures the acid levels versus the alkaline levels. For example, water is a perfect balance between the two, scoring a 7. Substances that are extremely acidic, such as pure lemon juice or vinegar, are low on the scale, and substances that are extremely alkaline, such as lye soap or ammonia score extremely high. Everything else falls in between, depending on its acid or alkaline content.

THE IMPACT OF A pH IMBALANCE

Your skin's ideal pH level is just a touch acidic, ideally a 5.5 on the pH scale. That slight acidity has important benefits for your health and appearance. For example, the acidity blocks bacteria that thrive in a more alkaline environment. A pH imbalance can lead to the release of toxins and impurities from your sweat glands, creating a hospitable environment for conditions like acne and eczema.

One of the biggest issues you will notice if your acid layer becomes too alkaline is varying degrees of dryness. This is associated with increased signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. You will also lose some of your natural protection against the sun, accelerating the appearance of aging. Balanced pH levels make it possible for your skin to retain moisture properly and help delay premature signs of aging.

Although some acidity is important, you may have issues if your skin becomes too acidic. This condition causes an increase in inflammation, which can lead to bacterial infections. In an overly acidic environment, your skin is also more prone to irritation, which can be uncomfortable.

BRINGING GOOD pH BALANCE BACK TO YOUR SKIN

When your skin has a good pH balance, you will notice the difference right away. Skin looks and feels younger, softer, and healthier when the acid barrier is working properly to protect against pollution and bacteria. The barrier keeps moisture in, and your skin is able to secrete critical enzymes responsible for breaking down excess sebum. You may even notice a boost in your immune system's effectiveness when your skin produces antigens that prevent the growth of bacteria that cause illness.

The cosmetics and cleansers you use on your skin have an impact, and you can protect your acid barrier by choosing organic skin care products. Soap is one of the most common causes of pH imbalance in the skin, as it is high on the alkaline scale. Balanced pH levels make it possible for your skin to retain moisture properly.

In addition to choosing the best natural skin care products, balancing your skin's pH levels requires a focus on overall wellness. Making smart decisions about your nutrition can mean all the difference. Your body's acidity levels increase when you eat sugar, meat, dairy, yeast, processed grains, caffeine, and alcohol. In an unexpected twist, your body becomes more alkaline when you eat acidic citrus fruits such as limes, lemons, and grapefruits. Instead of risking an imbalance, choose foods high in antioxidants, such as carrots, avocados, broccoli, and tomatoes.