Some skin-related problems, like acne, dryness and irritation, are often the result of a pH imbalance, which is actually a reflection of the pH level of the skin’s acid mantle (a thin protective layer of sweat and sebum that sits on the outermost layer of the skin). But pH affects more than just our skin. All in all, a healthy complexion is the result of a body that’s in balance both internally and externally.
If your skin has a pH level of 4.2 to 5.6, you have acidic skin. The skin becomes acidic when it’s exposed to too many acids – think alphahydroxy (AHAs) and glycolic acids – and skin-care products that aren’t pH balanced, which strip away protective oils and accelerate collagen breakdown. Overusing any acid-based topical product may be too drying for your skin. Acidic skin is caused by low-balanced pH products and an alkaline-producing diet. When your skin looks dry, dull, and dehydrated, and brings on unwanted skin problems as the skin loses its ability to naturally protect itself, “The skin becomes more susceptible to a whole gamut of reactions, including various types of damage, breakouts, infection, irritation, and aging,” explains Medical Aesthetician, Jeanna Nims.
If you skin has a pH level of 7.1, you have alkaline skin. Washing with harsh detergent soaps is the main culprit of alkalinity since it disrupts the lipid barrier of the skin. “There can be increased water loss until the moisture barrier has a chance to repair itself, causing extreme dryness and a stiff feeling,” says Catherine Bettencourt, Registered Nurse and Medical Aesthetician. Alkaline skin is caused by detergent-rich cleansers and bar soaps that contain surfactants. Dryness and dehydration, and severe skin problems like dermatitis, eczema and rosacea can occur or worsen when the skin is too alkaline.
To test your pH level, you can purchase a kit at your local pharmacy
Stay tuned for my next blog: “How to Normalize Your Skin’s PH.
I think I saw a Ph Balance menu last time I was at Dan’l Webster Inn – do you guys do this?
Addie – WE DO!!! Our Green Palate Menu was written based on foods to promote a healthy pH.
Here is a quote from our menu:
It is exciting to realize that you can control how good you feel by choosing to eat certain foods. With this in mind we offer you the following items which can not only stimulate your palate but will enhance your energy and promote healthy pH.
Below are the menu items:
Vegetable Burrito 15
Fresh vegetables and organic brown rice rolled in a sprouted grain tortilla. Served with salsa verde, mock “sour cream”, avocado and red pepper emulsions.
Tofu and Shrimp Pad Thai 16
Rock shrimp and firm tofu sautéed with fresh vegetables, tossed with rice stick noodles in a gingered vegetable tisane.
Alkali Stir-Fry 16
Sauteéd snow peas, carrots and baby bok choy served atop buckwheat soba noodles. Finished with Bragg liquid aminos and Fuirkake spiced macadamia nuts.
Pan Roasted Native Haddock 19
Finished in fresh basil and sweet lemon zest. Served with a ragout of green cabbage, mild smoked tomatoes and petite legumes.
Organic Free-Range Chicken 18
Grilled semi-boneless statler breast brushed with raw avocado honey. Accompanied by sun-dried mango and cashew pesto, whole grain wheat berry pilaf and vegetable of the day.
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My blog is on Low fat diet.
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