Balanced Skin Care: What is It, Really?

When your friends chat about balance, chances are they're not talking about their skin. Nope. Most folks wants a healthy work/life balance but are not aware that their skin care needs balance too. For healthy skin, you need to achieve the skin's ideal balance of pH 5.5. So how to we achieve perfect skin balance and what the heck is pH anyway?

Well, technically, pH is an abbreviation for "potential of hydrogen" but that's referring to the concentration of hydrogen ions in a substance. These substances are assigned a number value according to the pH level. On one end of the spectrum, the more acidic the substance the lower the number like 0 but the more alkaline the substance the number gets higher--all the way up to 14. Just to give you a benchmark, water has a perfectly neutral pH of 7 whereas skin is best at 5.5. So how can you reach this magic number?

You don't need a swanky test to

check your skin's acidity, although you can purchase one quite easily. All you have to do is examine your skin. Do you see dryness, oiliness or breakouts? If so, you're pH needs a bit of balancing.

So what's the big deal about pH? When your pH balance is off, the protective acid mantle in your skin weakens removing this crucial veil. Basically, a good pH level keeps moisture in and bacteria out!
You don't have to visit the cosmetologist to get perfect pH. Make a few changes to your skin care routine and you'll accomplish healthier, more radiant skin. (I'm a big fan of products that correct my pH level.) Try these tips for gorgeous skin!


Swap out the soap. Harsh soaps can measure in at a pH of 9 or higher! That soap may leave you feeling squeaky clean but it also wash away that acid barrier. Trade in harsh soaps for products that will cleanse without damaging the cellular veil. Try Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash. It's modestly priced and easily found at your local pharmacy.

Limit the exfoliations. Scrubbing away at your skin does some serious damage. Sure, you'll scrub away dead skin cells but some of those healthy cells get washed away too. After you step out of the bath or shower, liberally apply Sebamed Moisturizing Body Lotion. Replenish the lipid barrier and you'll enjoy smooth skin all day long.

Show some kindness to your "lady" parts, too. Unlike the rest of your body, intimate areas should ideally have a pH of 3.8, not 5.5. Hormonal fluctuations, intimate activity and some clothing can changes these levels. Adjust the pH with Sebamed Feminine Intimate Wash, it cleanses, soothes and moisturizes.

As a beauty professional, I can attest to the fact that beauty begins with beautiful, healthy skin. Protect your skin with safe, gentle products. You'll be glad you did!