The dermatology literature reports various skin pH values as being ‘normal’. All reported skin pH values fall in the acidic range, but with a broad sweep of values ranging from pH 4.0 to pH 7.0.
Most recently, it has been found that the average pH of skin is about 4.7 (and always definitely less than pH 5.0).
Application of skin cleansers, including plain tap water, in some cases, shifts the pH of the skin from below 5.0 to 6.0 or 8.0. This has significant impact on the skin’s health and barrier function.
Skin which is routinely maintained at pH levels of 5.0 or below has better barrier function, greater moisturization, and better structure than skin which is routinely maintained at pH levels higher than this.
Also, at lower pH levels, skin necessary bacteria are more likely to remain in the skin. At higher pH levels, these bacteria are lost, decreasing the integrity of the skin.
Chemistry aside, why does this matter to you?
It matters for several reasons. One, because it suggests that you should also focus on keeping your skin slightly acidic, in order to keep your skin as healthy as possible. One way of doing this would be to include (and use) a [tag-ice]toner[/tag-ice] in your daily face-washing regimen.
Application of skin cleansers will take the skin’s pH levels up to 8.0 or higher. If you do not use a toner, the skin will remain at this level for some time after cleansing. This is undesirable, because it can lead to loss of barrier function and structural integrity.
Using a toner after cleansing returns the skin to its preferred acidic pH, which means better looking (and better behaving) skin for you.
If you don’t use toner each time you cleanse, start immediately. You will see a difference in the health and beauty of your skin.
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Under-eye circles, those dark or blackish circles you see under your eyes can be caused by many different factors, including heredity, sun exposure, allergies, lack of sleep, medications, poor nutrition, age, and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menstruation.
Heredity and sun exposure can both lead to darkening of the skin under the eyes. Allergies may be another factor, as would any other skin or respiratory condition that would lead you to rub or wipe your eyes.
Rubbing or wiping your eyes will increase blood flow to the eye area. Since the skin around the eyes is very thin, increased blood flow will show up as dark circles under your eyes.
Certain medications can cause dark circles, most often those which result in blood vessel dilation. The hormonal shifts associated with pregnancy and menstruation may also change the color and texture of the skin under the eye.
While all these factors can play a role in the development of dark circles under your eyes, the two most common culprits are lack of adequate nutrition and lack of enough sleep.
If you have dark circles under your eyes, consider adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, as people with diets low in vitamins C and E (antioxidants), low in lutein, beta carotene, and zinc are likely to have dark circles.
Get enough sleep, and sleep with your head slightly elevated. Getting enough sleep will always help you look and feel better; sleeping with your head slightly elevated will keep the skin around the eye draining properly.
No matter what your reason for undereye circles, remember there are steps you can take to effectively combat them.
And if all else fails? Invest in a good quality concealer cream, and dot it on the inside corners of your eyes, and blend in gently. This one trick, alone, makes me look like I’ve slept a hundred hours.
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As Halloween approaches, I’ve started to see lots of advertisements for costumes; ghoulish, outrageous, and sexy. Halloween wouldn’t be complete without layers of thick makeup, designed to obscure your identity (or at least help you look the part for whatever costume you’ve chosen). Although dressing up for Halloween can be fun, there are some things to be aware of in terms of your skin care this Halloween.
Halloween makeup is often made of different ingredients than your regular cosmetics. Halloween makeup is likely to be based on a grease-paint foundation, which is great for full coverage, but all that grease on your face, combined with perspiration, is opening the door for clogged pores. Greasepaint is a big NOT for acne prone or oily skin.
Clogged pores and skin problems can be especially worse if you dress up multiple times in the days up to, and including, Halloween. Each time you put Halloween makeup on your face, it’s more and more likely that your skin will suffer. Another issue with Halloween makeup is that the bright oranges, purples and greens in this makeup may contain minerals or ingredients which can irritate your skin. It’s wise to stick to Halloween cosmetics which are manufactured in the US, as the standards for what can be included are much higher.
Aside from this, be sure to do a patch skin test- apply a bit of the makeup to the inside of your arm and wait for a few hours. If you have any kind of itching or redness, toss the makeup. You don’t want those symptoms on your face.
When you are choosing Halloween makeup, be sure to select oil free or water based formulas when possible. Consider using a light, protective skin barrier (I use Elastishield by Beauty for All Seasons/Jeunique), which you’d apply over your cleansed, toned, and moisturized face.
Put your Halloween makeup on last, and remove it first thing when the party is over. Use gentle cleansers and be thorough. Avoid using cleansing products containing alcohol, as you will probably have to wash your face several times, and alcohol based products will dry out your skin.
Follow these skin safe [tag-ice]Halloween makeup[/tag-ice] tips, and keep your skin from being ghoulish after Halloween.
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