How To Balance Skin pH with a Night Skincare Routine
Melbourne based Model
Many of our least favorite skin problems occur because our pH levels are unbalanced. Everything from dry, itchy skin, redness to clogged pores can often be attributed to a compromised barrier.
So, if you want to maintain clear, healthy and hydrated skin, paying attention to the pH levels in your products is a great start! In this routine Bonita Sorrentina shows a routine focused on maintaining her barrier, using products that are pH balanced.
There’s a bit of information to breakdown when it comes to understanding your barrier and it’s needs, so we’ve answered a few essential questions throughout this routine to help you care for it better!
So, what is pH?
If you’ve ever wondered or worried about how pH relates to your skin and skincare, you’re not alone. While it can be difficult to navigate the information about pH levels, it’s worth knowing, as unbalanced pH levels can lead to a wide range of skin problems.
pH is short for ‘potential to free Hydrogen ions’ and is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a product is. The pH scale ranges from 0.0 - 14.0, with anything below 7.0 being acidic and anything above 7.0 being alkaline. The natural pH of the skin is slightly more acidic and should sit around 4.5 - 5.5.
How does pH balance get thrown off?
So, we know that our skin is made up of multiple layers, but it’s important to remember that the outer layer of our skin (or the “stratum corneum”) is there as a protective barrier against environmental factors.
If this barrier (known as the “acid mantle”) becomes disrupted, the skin can become more susceptible to bacteria and chemicals, and once impaired can struggle to stay hydrated and repair itself.
So, how does the barrier become impaired? Well, while there are plenty of environmental and dietary factors at play, it can also come down to the products we use, and how often we use them.
Emulsifiers found in moisturisers and cleansers can be high in alkalinity, and acids like AHA’s, BHA’s, Retinoic acid and Hyaluronic acid can be high in acidity.
Now, while the ideal pH level for skin care sits between 4.0 - 6.0, certain products, such as chemical exfoliants, sometimes need to sit above this range to work effectively.
Using these products occasionally can work a treat, but overuse can lead to inflammation, irritation, dryness and skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and redness.
How do I keep a balanced pH?
Apart from using pH balanced products, make sure you read your skin, try your best not to overdo it on the acids, and avoid over-exfoliating.
If you’ve gone too far, restoring your barrier is all about taking your skincare routine back to basics, using very gentle products, focusing on hydration, and using ingredients like Niacinamide, Panthenol and Probiotics.
This routine is a great place to start if you’re after some products that will help support your barrier!
Bonita’s pH balanced night skincare routine:
Step 1: Makeup removal
Step 1: Makeup removal
Using a with either cold or warm water, remove your makeup with circular motions. The fibre strands of the cleansing system help remove the makeup deep inside your pores.
Step 2: A deeper cleanse
Step 2: A deeper cleanse
Continue to clean the skin with a gel cleanser like the . Apply a pea sized amount of this cleanser to the skin and massage it in before emulsifying and rinsing it off. Dermalogica is free of artificial fragrances and is gluten and cruelty free.
Step 3: Active mist
Step 3: Active mist
Rehydrate and balance the skin with a few sprays of the . This will help the absorption of the products that follow.
Step 4: Natural moisturiser
Step 4: Natural moisturiser
Next, Bonita applies the , which is a thick and occlusive moisturiser, packed with organic ingredients. This moisturiser is perfect for dry or rough skin.
Step 5: Nourishing oil
Step 5: Nourishing oil
Apply several drops of the onto the skin and then rub it in using upwards motions to firm and tighten and then downwards motions for lymphatic drainage.
Step 6: Gua Sha
Step 6: Gua Sha
Bonita then uses the to contour the face, jawline and neck. Start by using the tool in upwards motions on your neck, and then take it to your jawline. Following this, sweep the tool in upwards motions across your cheekbones on both sides. Lastly, sweep the tool in upwards motions on your forehead. This tool helps products penetrate the deeper layers of your skin and promotes circulation.
Step 7: Plumping eye cream
Step 7: Plumping eye cream
To hydrate the undereye area try the . Simply dab this cream lightly onto your under eye area.
Step 8: Juicy overnight lip mask
Step 8: Juicy overnight lip mask
For plump and hydrated lips, Bonita uses the , which she leaves on overnight.
This routine was transcribed by India Williams.
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