pH balance

Balance – is lifelong desire for most of us. Sometimes it is difficult to achieve with work deadlines, kid’s school projects and ever demanding social life.

Our skin needs a balance as well!
We all have heard of “pH Balance” but what does that mean?

In skin care pH refers to how acidic or alkaline your skin is. These pH levels measured from 1 being acidic to 14 being alkaline. Our body maintains a very specific balance of acidity and alkalinity, an off balanced pH could be a cause of rapidly aging skin, acne, and inflammation.

Our skin has a protective barrier called acid mantle, it formed by secretion from sweat and sebaceous glands and breakdown of fatty acids by microflora. Acid mantle helps our skin to keep moisture in and protects from pollution and bacteria. Being more acidic helps the skin to reduce bacterial growth thus the skin is most naturally balances at pH of 4.4-5.5.

To insure your skin stays properly balanced and appears hydrated, plump with a healthy glow make sure to use a pH balanced facial cleanser instead of a bar soap. Bar soaps are very alkaline and they destroys acid mantel, striping skin off its natural oils and water. If you have a high alkaline skin that is prone to acne try out Clear Acne Cleanser that treats and prevents breakouts while leaving the skin thoroughly cleansed. Gentle scrubbing beads clear the skin’s surface to allow for optimum Salicylic Acid penetration. 2% Salicylic Acid smoothes skin and improves texture, helps prevent acne and controls oil. Scrubbing Beads provide gentle physical exfoliation without stress or irritation to the skin. Apple Enzyme that’s obtained by the acylation of essential amino acids from apple juice, a natural concept that respects the skins natural barrier. pH 4.0.

Another way to address high alkalinity is to add a chemical peel to your monthly facial treatment. At our studio in Brookline we offer a variety of corrective Acid Peels from superficial to medium strength. We use professional grade enzymes and chemical acids with various levels of pH. An alpha and beta hydroxy acids can help stimulate cell turnover, smooth texture of your skin, aid in the control of acne, minimize the appearance of premature aging and hyper-pigmentation, and restore hydration of the skin. After the treatment skin appears clearer, younger and fresher, revealing a beautiful complexion.

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Skin Care in Your 20s

Most important objective of skin care in your 20s is to develop good habits that could be applied to skin care, fitness or a diet. When it comes to skin care, create simple routine that you will be able to use through your whole life for a beautiful, youthful skin.

At this age it’s all about prevention.  Here are some simple daily steps to follow:

1. Use facial cleanser – wash your face thoroughly to prevent large pores. We recommend trying Purifying Gel Cleanser. Main ingredient – salicylic acid, deeply cleanses pores while antioxidants protect and soothe the skin

2. Use clearing pads – to balance, calm and purify the skin. Try Clear Complexion Pads that gently breaks down excess sebum, immediately balancing oily skin and helping prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Sodium chlorite breaks apart oily secretion and bacteria while preventing regrowth of bacteria. Citric acid, acts as a natural preservative, softens the skin and adjusts acid-alkaline balance

3. Exfoliate – it is the best way to prevent build up and establish regular regenerative cycle. We recommend trying Refresh Facial Polish,  a gentle facial polish that revives and refreshes the skin. The soothing botanical-based formulation has a combination of jojoba beads that gently exfoliate while refined polyethylene beads remove debris from the skin’s surface without irritation

4. Use mask – to prevent and heal break outs and hydrating the skin. We recommend Soothing Gel Mask that cools and calms sensitive or irritated skin with a soothing complex of antioxidants calendula, wild yam and vitamin E. Another great mask to try is Refining Clay Mask. Oil-absorbing clay purifies the skin and calms irritation while proven blemish fighting ingredients tea tree and zinc reduce the appearance of pores and refine skin’s texture

5. Take care of your eyes – hydrate, sooth and protect your eyes, after all, they are the focal point of your face. Try Eye Restore to prevent appearance of fine lines and puffiness and restore skin’s texture. Eye Restore contains palmitoyl oligopeptide that stimulates cell growth, increases skin thickness, and helps correct discoloration, while an antioxidant green tea extract has anti-inflammatory properties

In youth, your body is surging with everything it needs to perform its best. Establish positive habits with fitness and healthy eating now and you will have a positive foundation for years to come.