Why Knowing Your Skin's pH is Important
With all of the magazines and TV commercials touting the latest skincare product, it's easy to believe that a jar of miracle cream will solve all of your skin issues. And like a true skincare and product junkie, I've definitely bought into my fair share of gimmick and hype. No doubt about it, products can definitely help, but for me, nothing is more important than knowing the science behind my skin, and using that knowledge to get my glow on, for real.
I've struggled on and off with adult onset acne since my mid-twenties, but by far my worst experience was when I moved to Vietnam almost two years ago. I had painful, cystic acne breakouts that would not go away. I had tried everything, and my skin just seemed to get worse. Around the time that I'd pretty much resigned myself to having awful skin again, I read a blog post by Kerry from Skin and Tonics. In her post, she discussed how she eliminated her acne and skin sensitivity by balancing her skin's pH. I researched, and decided I would give this whole balancing my pH thing a try.
We've all heard about pH in school, but as a refresher, the pH (or the potential of hydrogen) is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution is, on a scale from 0 to 14. Water has a pH of 7, so it's neutral. Anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline, or basic. The pH of your skin should be between 4.5-5.5, but really the goal is to have a skin pH of 5.5. This is important because a lot of us use products that completely raise the pH of our skin, which can result in irritated, hypersensitive, acne prone, or dry skin.
How do you know if your skin's pH is a mess? It's pretty easily determined just by looking. Skin with a balanced pH is smooth, plump, and slightly dewy, not oily. If your skin is too basic or alkaline, it'll look dry, oily (typically at the same time!), and you're more than likely to be suffering from some sort of breakout. If you want to be completely sure, please see a physician who can test your pH for you.
Our skin has a protective layer called the acid mantle. It's a thin, slightly acidic and protects you from bacteria, pollution, and other toxins that can penetrate the skin. When your acid mantle has a too high pH, it can cause major harm and damage to your skin. Like I said earlier, the best pH for your skin is a 5.5. Anything higher causes your skin to stop being effective at defending itself against bacteria, allowing them to penetrate the skin, causing breakouts.
Diet, the environment, smoking, and age can all contribute to your skin's unbalanced pH, but usually people have acid mantle disturbance because of their cleanser. Most commercial cleansers and soaps have a pH that is entirely too high. Ingredients such as sodium laurel sulfate (or SLS), a common foaming agent in most cleansers, have a pH of 9! When you wash your face, does it feel dry, stripped, and too clean? Not good. Your cleanser is likely too basic and is causing damage. Using a cleanser with a high pH basically washes off your acid mantle, leaving you wide open for a host of problems. Long-term use of damaging, high pH cleansers can prevent your skin from maintaining its ideal pH. This is how people can end up with perpetually dry, oily, acne-prone, or hypersensitive skin.
Armed with my new knowledge, I stopped using my problematic cleansers and switched to using low pH cleansers only. And as miracles would have it, my skin cleared up. Once my skin cleared, I started using acid treatments, and incorporating oils into my skincare routine. I haven't had a single major breakout since last year. I don't have skin sensitivity of any kind, and my skin is plump, dewy, and smooth!
So how can you balance your skin's pH?
Use the Right Cleanser
Ditch the harsh soaps and chose mild cleansers with a pH of 5.5. My favorites are the su:m37 miracle rose cleansing stick, acwell bubble free balancing pH cleanser, and the CeraVe hydrating cleanser.
Check the Ingredients
Ingredients like baking soda and lemon may seem to be helping your skin, but in reality, both are potentially damaging. Baking soda has a pH of 9, and lemons have a pH of 2. Frequent use of either can cause damage to your acid mantle, sometimes permanently changing your skin's pH. I used to be an avid baking soda fan, and I definitely don't use it anymore.
Get Tested
Test the pH of your current skincare products. You can find testing strips pretty much anywhere, but these on Amazon come highly recommended. If your products are above 6, it's probably wise to find other options.
Add A Little Acid
Incorporate mild acid treatments that can help make your skin more acidic. As I mentioned in my previous article, I'm a huge fan of AHA products. If you're into the natural skincare route, using diluted apple cider vinegar as a toner is a great option as well.
Keep It Greasy (With Natural Oils)
Use oils in your skincare routine. Oils are my life. I cleanse with them, add them to my existing moisturizers, or use them alone. My skin always looks super radiant the day after I use oils!
Balancing my skin's pH has been absolutely crucial in eliminating my acne and keeping me acne free. I'm so glad I made the switch! Now go forth, and get your glow on!
As a disclaimer, I am not a doctor or a medical professional. I'm just a woman who loves skincare, and wants to share my tips and tricks on what has worked for me personally. Please see your physician or dermatologist before beginning any new skincare regimen.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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