Here's to looking 30 when you're 40!

WHAT IS pH AND WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH YOUR SKIN- Here's a little chemistry recap. The pH level of the skin refers to how acidic or alkaline it is. On a scale of 1-14, with 1 being the most acidic to 14 being the most alkaline, 7 is considered a neutral reading for your skin's pH. Our skin has a thin, protective layer on its surface, referred to as the acid mantle. The acid mantle is an effective form of protection, but if your pH level is too alkaline or too acidic, the mantle is disturbed and skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and rosacea may result. WHY SOAP AGES US- Most cleansers, including bars and detergent soaps, tend to be too alkaline for the skin, as they strip away natural oils causing dryness and irritation. Skin that is too alkaline can be more susceptible to acne because a certain level of acidity is needed to inhibit bacterial growth on the skin. You may have noticed that many cleansers and shampoos are now avoiding the use of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which has an approximate alkaline pH level of 10 and can be very drying and irritating to the skin. Choosing mild cleansers and toners that are slightly acidic (close to 5) will benefit all skin types in properly maintaining the acid mantle. CHOOSING GOOD-FOR-YOU OILS & MOISTURIZERS- As we age, the amount of oil or sebum naturally produced by our skin decreases, influencing the acid mantle and its ability to protect the skin. QUEUE AGING!! Using effective moisturizers helps rebuild this important barrier. Oils that work particularly well with the skin's natural oil secretions include jojoba, coconut, argan and olive oils. Using a moisturizer will also calm oil production; When you over dry your skin, your body will naturally try to compensate with an over production of oil. Talk about adding to the problem!! Now, not only do you have dry, flaky skin, but now you have an over production of oil underneath. You know those bumps that aren't quite zits? So the moral of the story is, invest in yourself and your skincare. A high quality cleanser and moisturizer is a lot less expensive than a face lift and botox in 10 years! So here's to looking 30 when you're 40!