Things To Know | AsiaMs.net | Asian American Women's Site

Things To Know

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Jan 16, 08:52 pm

Things to Know

It is important to know what kinds of products you’re using to cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin. If you strip your skin of its acid mantle by using alkaline cleansers, you’re leaving your skin defenseless against bacteria and disturbing the structure of the dead skin cells that sit on top of your skin.

Rethink: Though we spend a lot of time trying to remove our layers of dead skin cells, they actually prevent bacteria from penetrating our deeper skin layers and protect us against sun damage. The accumulation of dead skin cells can leave our skin looking dull, but if removed completely our skin is much more vulnerable to deeper damage. So instead of scrubbing your face off morning and night, strike a balance between protection and vanity. Cleanse every day and save exfoliation for once a week.

“Mild” soaps often have a very alkaline pH, raising the pH of the skin, and therefore undermining its defenses. This is why people with skin problems should beware of washing their faces with the wrong kinds of soap which can increase their vulnerabilities to irritation and infection.

Popular hair and skin care ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate have a pH level of 10.

Be mindful that overly acidic products can also weaken the skin’s natural defenses, making it more susceptible to breakouts or dryness. Watch out for products that contain alpha hydroxy acids, amino fruit acids and other acidic ingredients as they may be damaging to your skin as well.

According to a study, women with more alkaline skin developed more fine lines and crow’s feet than those with acidic skin.