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pH Level
One of the most important factors in your skin’s appearance is it pH level. When you hear about pH level or ‘potential of hydrogen’, it is acidic, neutral or basic. Your body pH level is normally seven (basic), but your skin is slightly lower at five, which means your skin is slightly acidic. It is important to keep your skin at the correct level in this acidic environment to minimise problems like dry skin, eczema and psoriasis and protect you from infections and disease.
Skin Condition
How to work out your skin condition: if you have healthy clear skin, your balance is normal; if your skin is oily and regularly breaks out in spots, it is too acidic; if, on the other hand, you have dry skin and premature ageing, your skin is too alkaline. Everything that comes into contact with our skin can impact your pH level. Soaps and harsh cleansers, hot water, too much exposure to the sun, acidic foods and over-washing can all be detrimental to your skin balance.
Healthy Diet
Maintain a healthy diet, eat lots of vegetables and focus on foods with a low glycaemic index and keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Honey has a pH of four; you can use honey as a skin cleanser or a skin masque and, by eating honey as well, you will maintain a healthy well-balanced skin. When shopping for skin products, only use properly pH-balanced products, such as Avene Sensitive Skin Gift Set (http://www.lifeandlooks.com/avene-sensitive-skin-gift-set.html). When looking for moisturisers, read the ingredients - alcohols are drying to the skin. Choose products that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
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Hydrosols, also known as floral waters, make a nourishing skin toner; they act like an essential oil but are far less concentrated. They contain active plant ingredients that help skin hydration and balance sebum.
If you really understand what makes your skin beautiful at its core, you will have a flawless glowing complexion and a well-balanced healthy skin.