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The skin’s pH value is one of
major contributors to acne and other skin problems. Propionibacterium acnes is a bacteria that normally lives on skin and is a normal bacteria found in all persons regardless of presence or absence of acne.
However, in individuals prone to acne, number of P. acnes is greatly increased. It has been found that growth of this bacteria is very much dependent on pH value of skin and its growth is at its minimum at normal skin pH of 5.5. A slight shift towards alkaline pH would provide a better environment in which it can thrive.
One of major culprits that radically alter pH of skin, is soap. Ordinary, commercially available soaps are highly alkaline (pH range 9-11) and raise skin’s pH to be much more alkaline. This can be adjusted by using products such as Wild Herb Toner or Milk of Roses Toner (http://www.wildcrafted.com.au/Toners.html), depending on your skin type. These toners restore normal pH of skin and thus provide an environment not conducive to growth of bacteria. In addition, soap dries out skin, because of its high alkalinity. Thus if you choose to use a commercially available soap, you must restore pH of your skin to prevent loss of moisture and excessive growth of bacteria. It is important to remember that this applies to entire surface of your skin, not just face.
Instead of using ordinary soap, you need to use products such as Skin Renewal Gel from Wildcrafted Herbal Products, which cleanses your skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving your skin’s pH as it is meant to be. Following this with use of a Toner will close open pores, preventing blackheads and loss of moisture from skin.
Another factor that helps in regulating your skin’s pH is presents of microflora on your skin. Staphylococcus epidermis is involved in breakdown of fatty acids, and is therefore partly responsible for acidic pH of skin. The use of ordinary soap, not only changes pH of skin to be more alkaline, effectively removing protective acid mantle, but also kills bacteria responsible for creating, at least in part, acidic pH of your skin – a double whammy.
It is therefore of great importance to have a good skin care regime in which high quality, natural skin care products are employed. There are a couple of simple steps to take before buying a particular brand of natural skin care products. 1.Identify skin type(s) on face. There are usually two or more. One skin type is usually isolated to T-Zone (forehead and nose), other applies to rest of facial skin. 2.Carefully select your natural skin care products. It is not good enough to choose products, which add natural ingredients to an otherwise non-natural base crème or lotion, as is case in many supermarket brands. READ label carefully, ask questions and if you are buying products on-line, make sure there is a guarantee that allows you some time to evaluate products before they need to be returned for a refund. 3.Look for manufacturers that have qualified herbalists or naturopaths on staff. These people generally do not support use of artificial ingredients because it goes against everything they teach their patients, friends and family. – For most part, it’s a pretty good indication that products are pure, when natural therapists are in charge of formulation of products.
