You see and hear this all the time, pH level or pH balance but what does it mean?  pH actually stands for power (p) of hydrogen (H)  molecule.

Hold on, I know it’s already sounding to techie but it’s actually due to the elements role as a determining factor of acid or alkaline.

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral.  A pH of less than 7 is acidic and a pH of greater than 7 is alkaline.

Why is the pH level or balance in a product so important?

Every product has to interact with your skin and your skin has a pH level also.  Typically your skin has a pH in the acidic range varying from 5.5 to 6.5.  This will depend on the area of skin that’s tested and your skins chemical composition.

Skin Care products that are pH balanced are usually formulated to have the same pH level as your skin.  Unless you’re having a product especially made for you, the pH level will be a general reading.

With essential oils this reading can sometimes be more personalized because essential oils will take on the chemistry of your body.

If you’re going to exfoliate your skin,  the pH level will need to be more acidic in order to remove the dead skin cells.  In order to experience a real/true exfoliation of your skin the pH level would need to be below 3.

Remember as a person of color you have sensitive skin, and while the normal pH level for exfoliation might need to be below 3, you might be able to get the same results with a higher pH level.

When you’re looking for an exfoliating product look for anti-inflammatory ingredients such as, Shea butter and aloe vera that will prevent burns and if it contains lavender essential oil, all the better.

Shea butter coupled with jojoba wax beads will make a wonderful exfoliant for your skin.  The Shea butter will moisturize your skin, while the jojoba wax beads will gently exfoliate and remove the dead skin cells.

If you’d like to take this into a deeper level, add turbinado sugar or medium coarse Epsom salt.  The abrasiveness of the sugar/salt will not only remove the dead skin cells but the ashy gray shadow on your skin will also disappear.

Finding Balance  …

Whether it’s in your skin care products, your skin or your hair, the right pH level/balance will yield a gorgeous and beautiful new you.

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care