How to restore your skin’s pH balance with face oils.
There's one skin condition to blame for everything from irritation, chronic dryness, to acne but you most likely don't even know you’re suffering from it: an out-of-balance pH level. Let’s explore how pH levels can either resolve or cause further distress to your skin – and what you can do to bring balance back.
First, here’s a quick scoop on what pH levels mean.
The pH level of the skin refers to how acidic or alkaline it is. Your skin is at its best when there is a balance between its acidity and alkalinity (one being highly acidic, 14 being alkaline). A slightly acidic pH reading of 5.5 is considered an optimal reading. You’ve probably heard of the acid mantle - a protective layer on your skin. Your acid mantle is made up of sebum (free fatty acids that protect the skin’s barrier function) excreted from the skin’s sebaceous glands, which mixes with sweat to create the skin’s pH. The acid mantle’s functions are mainly protective; it’s your first line of defence in killing unwanted bacteria. The acidic mantle inhibits the growth of bacteria, and in the process reduces the risk of acne, allergies, as well as other skin problems.
Signs your pH levels are out of balance
Keeping the skin’s pH level balanced locks moisture in and keeps contaminants out. Upset its pH levels - by using the wrong products, eating the wrong foods, or not managing your stress levels - and your skin will let you know it's unhappy. When skin is too acidic, “good” bacteria are no longer able to keep inflammation and the “bad” bacteria at bay, which can lead to wrinkles, inflammation, sensitivity, or acne - even eczema. On the other hand, when your skin is tipped into alkaline anarchy, it can speed up the signs of ageing. The British Journal of Dermatology found that women whose top layer of skin was more alkaline ended up with more fine lines and crow’s feet than women with more acidic skin.
The pH enemies: stress, diet, pollutants, and commercial skincare products
Everything that comes in contact with our skin (the products we use, smoking, air, water, sun, pollution) and our lifestyle (diet and stress levels) can contribute to the breaking down of the acid mantle, restricting the skin’s ability to protect itself. Next time you wander down the health and beauty aisle, consider this: most commercial skincare products have a pH level of 8-10, meaning they can strip natural oils and leave the skin vulnerable to fungal or bacterial infections. Sodium laureth sulfate, hugely popular in body washes and shampoos thanks to its foaming properties, has an eye watering alkaline pH level of 10. Little wonder it causes so much dryness and skin irritation.
The fix: use natural face face oils to even things out - and score a radiant complexion.
Does smooth, glowing, predictable skin sound life-changing? The key is to put together a skincare routine that is not stressful and that harnesses the power of bioactive botanical blends (those that are truly functional and active on your body, so you get all the benefits these wondrous oils have to offer). If that sounds a little overwhelming, have no fear. With a little know-how and the help of LOVESKIN’s pH balancing face oils, you can ensure the pH of your skin is perfectly balanced and healthy.
Naturally balanced skin, the LOVESKIN way.
Why should I make the LOVESKIN face oils my new pH balancing bestie, you ask? Good question. Our philosophy when it comes to skincare is simple: all the pH interfering ingredients, such as parabens; mineral/ silicone oils; petroleum products; and synthetic fragrances, colourings, and preservatives, are out. Instead, we load our face oils with potent doses of natural vitamins and antioxidants that promote cell turnover.
Our plant based oil blends work with your skin’s natural oils to help maintain a healthy pH level and create a barrier to protect your skin from irritants. With blends designed for dry/mature, sensitive and combination/ oily skin, and all backed by a 5 star customer satisfaction rating, we have a natural skincare oil blend to suit everyone.
If you have dry or mature skin, you’ll love the Arohanui Facial Serum. Meticulously blended and containing notes of German Chamomile and Sweet Orange, this highly concentrated skincare oil will nourish and repair, using powerful essential fatty acids and antioxidants to restore essential moisture and leave skin with a fresh, vibrant glow.
If you have oily and combination skin, Kiri Ahora facial serum is going to be your skincare must-have. High in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, this meticulously blended skincare oil will ensure oily skin remains nourished, balanced and conditioned without overstimulating the skin’s natural oil production, accentuating its lustre and inner glow.
And ladies with sensitive skin, the Waiwai facial serum was designed with you in mind. This calming combination of carefully selected ingredients features borage seed oil, known for its natural soothing, repairing and anti-inflammatory properties.
