Yoga classes, spiritual retreats, working from home, life coaches – we are always searching for that perfect balance. And while we are on the lookout for that middle ground in our lives, what does balance mean for our skin?
You and your skin look and feel your best in that middle-ground "sweet spot". Too much this way or that and your skin lets you know it! ...wrinkles, inflammation, sensitivity or breakouts.
In case you were snoozing through chemistry class – let us explain about the thing that makes your skin the happiest – it's natural pH level. The term pH stands for "potential hydrogen" and is used to describe the acid-alkaline ratio of a substance, which ranges from 0 (the most acidic) to 14 (the most alkaline). Why is this important? Because the health of your body and skin is directly linked to maintaining the right balance between acidity and alkalinity.
Here's The Good News...
If you are feeling a little overwhelmed with how to tackle something like skin chemistry – there is really good news! If you simply get out of it's way – your beautifully intelligent skin can heal itself and come back to center.
Your Skin Is Smart
Your skin has the ability to care for itself by responding to changes in both your internal and external environments. And while your skin is intelligent, it can still use a little help when it comes to protection and support. The key is to encourage and strengthen your skin’s natural processes, using products that allow the skin to cleanse, balance, and renew. You can make simple changes and stop suppressing and interfering with these natural rhythms.
You don't need your skincare to "fix" your pH. You need your skincare to "allow" your natural pH. Good Medicine skincare does this by drawing upon centuries of herbal wisdom, combining traditional and modern science and technology, and by working with the skin holistically to help it achieve a natural, self-sufficient state. Our products are BIOAVAILABLE – meaning, our skin knows exactly what to do with them. Each lovely formula will strengthen and enliven your skin's naturally resilient qualities and encourage a natural state of being.
Isn’t it amazing to know that your skin is this smart? Like PhD smart.
pHabulous Skin
Externally, pH plays a fundamental role in the skin's barrier, called the acid mantle, which is formed by secretions from sweat and sebaceous glands as well as the breakdown of fatty acids by beneficial microflora. This barrier functions like an invisible veil that keeps the good stuff (lipids, moisture) in and the bad stuff (pollution, bacteria) out. As the name indicates, the acid mantle is at its strongest—and therefore most naturally balanced—when the skin is slightly acidic, with an optimum pH of about 5.5. You need some acidity to inhibit bacterial growth on the skin which is why skin that's too alkaline may be more susceptible to acne.
Avoid Common Pitfalls...
Washing the skin with harsh soaps or cleansers is one of the most common mistakes made that strips away the acid mantle. We have learned misguided information that our skin needs to be "squeaky" clean when in fact it should be soft, supple and hydrated after cleansing.
EXFOLIATION IS SO IMPORTANT
One of the least understood and underutilized therapies for beautiful, clear skin is proper exfoliation. Often times, harsh exfoliants are used and while we can't see it – these aggressive compounds are actually scratching the surface of our skin causing damage to precious cells and not doing what a good exfoliant should do – lift and clear waste. SAND Red Mineral Polish is a gentle exfoliant that uses the power of yucca root to lift waste (dead cells, bacteria, etc) to the surface while sun-soaked sand removes them and gently polishes the surface of the skin, revealing fresh clean skin that is ready to absorb moisture, nourishment ant the free exchange of oxygen. We lovingly call it our "Gentle Giant".
OIL CLEANSING
While cleaning oily skin with oils may seem crazy at first, the idea of using natural oils to cleanse the skin gently actually makes a lot of sense. A basic rule of chemistry – like dissolves like. This may be the best cleansing you will ever experience! How does it work? Dirt, makeup, bacteria and pollutants bind with the natural oils in your skin. The right blend of oils will penetrate deep into your skin, allowing the skin's natural oil to release the yuck and gently lift it to the surface to be cleared away. RAIN Replenishing Oil Cleanse gently cleanses both oily and dry skin while keeping your skin's acid mantle intact – allowing your natural oils to normalize – so no matter where you started from, your skin can come back to center.
GENTLE CLEANSERS
ASHES Reincarnation Cleansing Grains is a gentle non-soap germicidal cleanser that quickly softens and brightens the skin without altering it's natural pH balance. ASHES contains glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) – which is a great way to keep epidermal cells lying tightly upon each other and skin glowing. It contains a powerhouse of Vitamin C (a key antioxidant for youthful skin) and because ASHES is in a dry powder form, it retains the strength of this vital vitamin (which looses efficacy with H20 dilution). When this cleansing powder hits water it unleashes this powerhouse directly into your skin in its truest form – and sparks a little magic ;)
TONERS & TONICS
Toners are typically stripping, pH inappropriate and lacking in hydrators. If you’re a toner enthusiast, check out BREEZE Revival Mist and PURITY Perfectly Clear Skin Tonic to retain your precious pH balance, hydrate, calm and soothe your skin. These toners take your skin out of "releasing" mode into "receiving" mode – where you are now ready to nourish and protect your new, bright skin.
HYDRATION & NOURISHMENT
As for hydration, if you already have parched, irritated skin, applying CLARITY Awakening Face Cream will quickly calm, hydrate and protect your delicate facial tissue. After you've dealt with the healing phase, go into preventative mode and apply an "active" moisturizer such as HONEY DEW Youth Nectar. It's chockfull of organic superfoods that deliver vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential for sustaining healthy, youthful skin and your pH mantle.
Lastly, and we can't stress this enough – drink water. Lots of water! Water is your skin's best friend and will turbo-charge your skincare routine. We always hear this but often we don't apply it. Try it – and be amazed!
