Source :- gq-magazine.co.uk<\/p>\n\n\n\n
hen reading about hair and skincare, you\u2019ll often encounter the term \u201cpH balance,” as if you\u2019re supposed to have any idea what it means. pH might sound familiar, though, and rightfully so: You learned about it in your high school chemistry class. And, as it would turn out, your skin and hair have their own natural pH levels that, if imbalanced, can lead to dryness and irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And we\u2019ll get to that, but before we dive in, here’s what you need to know about pH: \u201cIt stands for \u2018potential hydrogen,\u2019\u201d says dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse of Beverly Hills. \u201cIt refers to the acid-basic ratio of a substance. The more hydrogen ions available, the more acidic, and the lower the pH.\u201d There is a 0-14 scale denoting if something is alkaline (with high pH) or acidic (low pH). The middle, 7, is neutral, and anything less than that increases in acidity, whereas anything above it increases in alkalinity. Different elements and organisms carry different natural levels, and a neutral 7 isn\u2019t necessarily equilibrium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maintaining healthy pH levels is essential to keeping your skin happy, especially on your face. It can help prevent aging and generally keep your face clear of irritation. Here’s how to do it\u2014without trying too hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Know your natural pH level
\nSkin is acidic in its natural state, with levels believed to be somewhere between 5-6 on the pH scale, says Shainhouse. However, some studies have proven that natural, untreated skin gets as low as 4.7. \u201cThe skin\u2019s acid mantle, aka the skin barrier, is made up of sebum, lactic and amino acids, and it is what enables the skin to retain moisture and keep out germs, damaging UV rays and environmental pollutants, as well as preventing it from becoming irritated by topical chemicals and skin care products,\u201d she says. There’s no easy way to check the pH balance of your skin. But there are other, more indirect, ways to monitor it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watch out for signs that your pH is off
\nIf your skin is inflamed, dry, irritated and overly sensitive, it might be suffering from a high pH, Shainhouse says. \u201cThe alkali strips the skin of its protective properties. It can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Low skin pH\u2014e.g. when it gets too acidic\u2014manifests as redness, irritation, oiliness, or increased acne. \u201cMany skincare products are acid-based and can help treat some acne, but overusing them can remove the protective skin barrier, leaving skin irritated and hypersensitive,\u201d Shainhouse adds. \u201cHealthy skin with a normal pH appears smooth, soft without tightness, dryness, flaking, irritation or itching,\u201d she says. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t react or become sensitive to skincare products that you use regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So try to preemptively maintain your pH balance
\nFirst and foremost, the pH levels in the water that you shower in can affect your skin\u2014including your scalp. \u201cYou want soft, non-alkaline, non-mineral, heavy water for bathing,\u201d says Shainhouse. She suggests getting a water softener if your skin and hair are consistently too dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many soaps of yore were made of lye, which is ultra alkaline, and would dry out the skin\u2014or worse, leave chemical burns on it. Shampoos and soaps that contain sulfates\u2014the ingredient that lathers up all those suds\u2014might also irritate the skin. So Shainhouse suggests using gentle, moisturizing soaps and shampoos, and something slightly acidic\u2014with alpha or beta hydroxyl acid\u2014to maintain proper acidic levels. (Try Murad\u00ae AHA\/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap and Davines Minu Shampoo.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skin toners are especially good for targeting pH\u2014they\u2019re specifically designed to manage these levels in the skin. \u201cToners and micellar waters can be used to deliver specific ingredients, including salicylic acid for acne-prone skin, or green tea or chamomile to soothe,\u201d Shainhouse says. (Try Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps the best thing you can do for your hair is use a conditioner. \u201cHair conditioner is actually a \u2018toner\u2019, in that it can pH balance the hair after it is altered by alkaline tap water or drying, stripping shampoos,\u201d Shainhouse says. (Try Hanz de Fuko Natural Conditioner.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, Shainhouse says that moisturisers add the important levels of hydration that keep skin balanced, while reparative formulations like ceramide- or hyaluronic-acid-packed products will help seal a broken skin barrier to minimise moisture loss and prevent irritation. (Try Dr. Jart+ Ceramide Liquid, Youth to the People Hyaluronic Acid Age Prevention Cream.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Source :- gq-magazine.co.uk hen reading about hair and skincare, you\u2019ll often encounter the term \u201cpH balance,” as if you\u2019re supposed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":538,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[733,734,260,735,533],"class_list":["post-537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-anti-aging","tag-dryness","tag-irritation","tag-natural","tag-prevent-aging","tag-skincare"],"yoast_head":"\n