How Your Skincare Routine Is Affecting Your Skin’s pH Level

If your skin has been off kilter lately, or just looking older than it should, check your pH level. We’ve all seen the term “pH balanced” advertised on various products, but how does pH relate to the appearance of your skin? When the factors creating pH are in perfect harmony, your skin has a revitalized, youthful glow. Today we’ll take a look at the science behind the outward signs of pH imbalance, and suggest products tailored to your skin’s unique chemistry.

What Is pH?

Your skin’s pH, or; “potential hydrogen” level works on sliding scale from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline. A normal rating is near an ideal 5.5 pH, just a bit acidic. This slightly acidic quality is the key to keeping your skin’s youthful appearance in check, and protecting its delicate outer layer from outside harm.

How to Achieve the Ideal pH

Your skin’s first line of defense against environmental toxins is a thin layer known as the “acid mantle”. When it’s in perfect 5.5 pH balance, it can effectively guard against the effects of bacteria and UV damage, while keeping in vital moisture. It’s made up of free fatty acids produced by your skin’s sebaceous glands, and a mixture of sweat, amino acids, and lactic acid. The acidity or alkalinity of these elements combined is what determines your pH, so using products which are balanced or geared toward your skin’s existing alkalinity or acidity will result in a healthy, well-balanced mantle of 5.5 pH which translates to glowing, youthful looking skin.

Where Does your Skin Rate on the Scale from 0-14?

You can have a physician test your pH level, or look for the following telltale signs of imbalance: If your skin is prone to chronic dryness, sensitivity, loss of elasticity, or premature wrinkles, your acid mantle may be too alkaline. Go for products with a slight acidity to restore your pH balance to normal so your skin has a fighting chance against UV rays and toxins which are causing it to look years beyond its age. Skin that is too acidic may appear red and irritated, or produce too much oil as it tries to recover from being stripped of its natural oils after excess use of harsh products.

Choosing the Right Product for your pH

The more acidic a product is, the lower its pH will be, so those with more extreme symptoms of overly alkaline skin will benefit from a stronger, more acidic product such as a peel.

Consider a medium strength peel like the Jessner 14% Peel Kit to treat dull, tired looking skin. It contains lactic acid, one of the keys to your skin’s healthy pH level. Make sure to follow with Daily Collagen Complex and Hyaluronic Moisturizer, and a daily SPF 30 to maintain your acid mantle’s healthy balance of moisture and protection.

If your skin is normal or acne prone, a pH-balanced daily exfoliator such as the Salicylic 2% Daily Exfoliator is perfect for you. This product curbs excessive oil production while it increases collagen production, all without disrupting the delicate balance of your skin’s acid mantle.

Skin that is too acidic or has been exposed to extremely acidic products can become stripped of its healthy oils, making it painful and overly sensitive. Apply a Neutralizer Solution Spray directly after a peel to stop the chemical reaction from causing too much redness and exfoliation. It calms and cools the skin and helps to return its pH balance to that ideal state of harmony.

Tips for the Ultimate Summer Skincare Routine

Summer is in full swing, along with all of the social events, selfies, and sunburns that come with it. Do you have a solid plan for blocking out the harmful effects of UV rays while keeping your skin looking healthy, fresh, and summer-ready?

The following tips will help you design a custom summer skincare routine that’s best for your skin and all of the concerns that come with the sizzling sunny months. It’s all about promoting and maintaining glowing, healthy skin to keep you looking and feeling your best this beach season.

Combat Oily Skin and Blemishes

The summer heat can bring out the oils in your skin, worsening any pre-existing acne conditions. Keep blemishes at bay with the oil-soluble power of salicylic acid. Incorporate the Salicylic 2% Daily Exfoliator into your summer skincare routine and keep your face looking fresh and clear all summer while maintaining a healthy balance of acids and pH levels in your skin.

Keep it Light

You don’t want to weigh your skin down with heavy moisturizers during the day, so the challenge is finding a daily cream that’s light and effective at the same time. Hyaluronic Moisturizer Cream is safe and lightweight enough for daily use. It cools the skin and helps to replenish it after a peel or excess sun exposure.

Shed Your Old Skin

It’s time to step out and reinvent yourself, revealing a vital new layer of skin. Don’t wait for harmful sunburns to peel your outer layer of skin away, do it yourself with a safe and effective peel.

If this is your first peel of the summer season, start with a light strength kit such as the AHA & Vitamin C Brightening 30% Peel Kit in light strength. Prep your skin with a mild exfoliator beforehand, and make sure to protect it with an SPF moisturizer of at least 30 as part of your daily aftercare.

Follow an Exfoliating Routine

If you’re preparing for a summer peel, the Glycolic Micro Peel Scrub is a great choice to prep your skin and increase your next peel’s effectiveness, allowing it to penetrate deeper into your skin. This scrub’s real microdermabrasion crystals are an in invaluable tool to resurface the outer layer of your skin and keep it looking beach-ready.

Load Up On Sunscreen Before You Hit the Beach

It’s common sense to apply sunscreen at the beach, but you can start building up your skin’s protection by applying it well before any sun damage occurs. Apply sunscreen every night for a few weeks leading up to that sun-drenched vacation you’ve been planning. Your skin will build up a store of of UV protection in its outer layer, known by the technical term “stratum corneum”.

Firm Your Physique

After you hit the gym to get your body in shape for summer, why not give an extra boost of firmness to your whole body’s skin? The Body Tight Firming Kit penetrates deep into your skin where cellulite first forms, while increasing collagen and elastin to give you smoother, sexier looking skin in just two weeks. Its active ingredients are glycolic and lactic acid, as well as caffeine and coccoloba polyphenols. Think of it as your secret weapon for a firmer-looking beach body. 

Which Chemical Peel Is Right For Me?

Determining which chemical peel is right for you is a difficult decision but the most important question a person needs to ask themselves is what are your goals for your skin. It is important to realize that all chemical peels all differ in result and how deep they penetrate the skin.

If you want to exfoliate the skin, then using a low strength glycolic, jessner or salicylic chemical peel can be used. In order to correct any pigment abnormalities such as melasma, using an AHA Kojic peel is very beneficial. For deeper peels that target fine lines and wrinkles, a TCA peel is a good peel to use.

In order to maintain healthy skin, it is vital to use a chemical peel to maintain that beauty. Several factors should be considered before applying a peel which include possible downtime and budget. A chemical peel that is applied by an esthetician usually ranges between $200 and $300 per application; however, any individual who is knowledgeable on the result they want to achieve can apply a peel.

It is important to consult with an esthetician so they can guide you in the proper direction and can help you with the result you plan on achieving. Please take a look through our  peel lineup and talk to our estheticians before making any decision.

What Are Some Exfoliation Options I Can Use?

Can't decide between the exfoliation options? Let us help you in some handy information. Exfoliants are charged with the task of removing dull, dead cells on the skin’s outermost surface. There are two general categories of exfoliation treatments: topical and mechanical. The exfoliation action of topical treatments may be considered “physical,” as when abrasive action is applied to create friction to slough off the dead cells, or “chemical,” as when the natural exfoliating properties of the topical product alone get the job done. 

Chemical exfoliants dissolve and loosen dead skin cells and encourage them off the skin. Once the dead skin cells are removed, new, healthy skin cells are revealed, creating a more youthful, vibrant complexion. Physical exfoliation has a long history of popularity thanks to its simplicity, reliability and versatility. There are two kinds of physical exfoliants: Gommage applications, also known as “sloughing creams,” best used on young, oily skin and rubbed into the skin using massage-like movements and the good old scrub applications. Which are often used for dry to normal, sensitive as well as mature skin, really depends on the constitute of the scrub. 

Chemical exfoliation as “the application of a liquid or gel solution that contains an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) or beta hydroxyl acid (BHA).” AHAs may include glycolic, lactic, citric, malic and tartaric acids; the most commonly used BHA in skin care is salicylic acid. Fruit enzymes such as pumpkin, papain (from papaya) or bromelain (from pineapple) also fit into this category. Enzymes functionally work to ‘digest’ dead skin cells after they have been brought to the surface.

 The skin cells are like layers of bricks held together by a glue-like substance. AHAs dissolve the glue that holds the cells together, which allows them to fall off. BHAs, on the other hand, digest protein, dissolving the actual skin cell.” Because the skin has an acid mantle to protect itself, a chemical exfoliant needs to have a specific pH to work. The skin’s pH range is 4.5 to 5.5, thus to penetrate the protective mantle, the product pH must be lower. So the simplicity of choosing the right peel lies in your hands and the options are there!

Glycolic Acid Attacks Bacteria In Pimples?

There are many different types of chemical peels: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid Peel, Jessner's Peel, TCA Peel, AHA Peels, a our special Fusion Peel, but only a couple of them attack the bacteria that causes the development of pimples. A study was performed by a doctor in Japan name Dr. Yuko Takenaka at Tokyo Women's Medical University. Their study wanted to determine the effect of glycolic acid chemical peels on inflammatory acne.

The doctor and her team performed the study on nine women aged 25-35 with severe cases of acne. They found that each woman all had a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes, which is associated with acne. Each researcher grew the bacteria in a petri dish and then added glycolic acid. The results found that the glycolic acid had inhibited the growth of the bacteria. With these promising results, the doctor and her team applied glycolic acid to one side of the subjects faces. 

The study showed that the bacteria on the side of where the glycolic acid was applied had significantly less bacteria than the other cheek that wasn't treated with the glycolic acid. Moreover, the side applied with glycolic acid had significantly less acne scars then the side not applied with the glycolic acid.

This research supports the use of chemical peels and the effectiveness that it has on the individuals who have cystic acne and strongly suggests that glycolic acid is a great substitute to the harsh alternative of benzoyl peroxide.

Want to see if it works for you? Try our glycolic peels today!

Containing Cold Sores When Performing Chemical Peels

Cold sores can occur when there is any type of disturbance to the skin, even when performing a chemical peel. Before performing any type of chemical peel on yourself, it is important that you visit a dermatologist to make sure you are fit to perform any type of peel or speak to a licensed esthetician. Speak to a professional and explain to them that you have had breakouts of cold sores in the past. In order to prevent the cold sores from inflammation, it may behoove the individual to start medication to prevent or even diminish the possibility of reactivation of the cold sores.


Approximately 90% of people are infected or have been infected by some form of the Herpes Virus. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion all stimulate the skin and can reactivate the virus that usually live in the sensory nerves.


The chemical peels stimulate the nerves and decrease the barriers allowing the virus to start and the cold sores to form. If the peel is more superficial, doctors will prescribe different medications to combat the cold sores. Superficial peels can include Glycolic Acid, TCA peels and Jessner Peels. 


Chemical peels are extremely safe when you have cold sores, however the key to containing them is preventing them from the beginning!

How Daily Facial Cleansing Can Be the Easiest Part of the Beauty Routine

Daily facial cleansing may appear to be the simplest and easiest part of the beauty routine, and if done correctly can promote a healthy glow. “Finding the right cleanser for your skin type is very important but that is only the first step,” says Dr. David Bank, President of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. “Equally important is knowing how to properly cleanse your face.” Below Dr. Bank gives you the top ingredients to look for in a facial cleanser for different skin woes. 

• ACNE-PRONE: Look for cleansers with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. These ingredients will gently exfoliate skin while removing bacteria and dirt that can clog pores and form acne.
• ANTI-AGING: Look for cleansers with alpha-hydroxyl acid, vitamins A, B, C and E, and green tea extract. They will exfoliate skin, removing dead skin cells and help new cell growth while repairing skin damage due to environmental assaults.
• SENSITIVE SKIN: Cleansers that contain lactic acid, glycerin or hyaluronic acid will work to clean the skin without provoking irritation.
• DRY SKIN: Ingredients like vitamin A, C and F and hyaluronic acid work best for dry skin as they help hydrate the skin by holding moisture and drawing it deep into the skin.
• REDNESS: Aloe vera, soy and chamomile are ingredients that are gentle and moisturizing enough to the skin so irritation will not occur while cleansing.

The second step is learning how to properly cleanse your face. Below are seven simple cleansing rules to clearer, brighter and younger looking skin.

1. Start with Clean Hands: Keep bacteria and dirt from hands at bay by washing hands and then be sure to rinse ALL of the soap off before moving on so that chemicals from the hand soap do not react with the sensitive skin on your face.

2. Remove all make up: Gently remove all make-up with make-up remover towelettes or a cotton pad soaked with olive oil. Removing make-up first allows for a more thorough cleaning.

3. Lukewarm Water: Start with a warm water flush to open pores and loosen dirt. Caution: Water that is too hot can shock skin and cause broken capillaries.

4. Activate the cleanser: Apply face wash onto fingertips of one hand. Rub hands together to form lather; this helps to activate the cleanser.

5. Clean: Work fingertips in a circular motion along the face and neck. It is important to be gentle so that skin does not get irritated. By rubbing in a circular motion you massage the face, stimulating the blood and oxygen.

6. Rinse: Rinse cleanser off by splashing lukewarm water on the face. Do not rub face as this can cause irritation.

7. Pat face dry with a clean towel: Cotton towels work best because they have less of an abrasive nature. Also, wash towels after each use as bacteria clings to washcloths and towels.

AHA Kojic Acid Peel 101

Kojic Acid is a powerful skin-brightening agent that is naturally derived mostly from the fermentation of sake. Yes, I am talking about the Japanese wine we shoot back with sushi, from time to time. Kojic Acid is also known as the healthier alternative to harsh bleaching agents such as Hydroquinone.

In the AHA Kojic Acid Peel there are a wide range of exfoliating, highly water-soluble ingredients such as Glycolic and Lactic Acid (AHA's) that help get rid of that annoying acne.

The AHA Kojic Peel inhibits melanin production while simultaneously reducing disorders such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.

This peel is ideal for multiple skin types:

-Normal

-Sensitive

-Dry

-Hyper-pigmented

-Sun-damaged

-Dull

-Uneven

It is also suitable for those of you who are new to chemical peels. While there are some side effects such as a slight stinging sensation, a heightened skin sensitivity, flaking, minor redness, and a downtime of 7-10 days, the benefits far outway the negative.

The benefits that result from the AHA Kojic Peel is improved skin tone, texture and clarity, reductions of acne, clogged pores, shallow wrinkles, fine lines, melasma, and hyper-pigmentation. It also increases collagen and elastin production.

So next time your skin needs a re-vamp and some brightening use an AHA Kojic Peel!

Salicylic Peels for Acne-Prone Skin

                      

                                   Salicylic Acid Peel

 

Salicylic acid is a powerful tool to fight acne and wrinkles. Despite its dramatic results, the salicylic acid chemical peel retains a mild and extraordinarily non-irritating approach to skin restoration. The well-rounded composition of salicylic acid eliminates skin abnormalities including an excess of dead skin cells, sebum and bacteria.

         

  For Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is a multi-staged and progressive skin condition involving three critical factors: clogged pores, bacteria and inflammation. The salicylic acid peel counteracts all three by targeting each individually:

•  Clogged Pores: Clogged pores don’t stand a chance against beta hydroxy acid, which exfoliates excess dead skin in and around the pore lining. 
• Bacteria: The antimicrobial properties of salicylic acid render it highly effective against the acne bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne. In addition, eliminating bacteria will substantially minimize any existing inflammation.
• Inflammation: Due to its close relation to the popular anti-inflammatory aspirin, salicylic acid also functions as a potent anti-inflammatory.

From both a preventative and curative standpoint, the salicylic acid peel is clearly a triple threat against acne. By and large, salicylic acid peels are considered a “textbook option” for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions related to a surplus of bacteria, dead skin and/or sebum. It is no wonder the FDA approved the use of salicylic acid as an OTC acne medication!

Chemical Peels 101

 

A Chemical peel or skin peel involves:

The application of a specific solution to the surface of the skin to peel away the outermost layers, revealing the fresh skin beneath.  This skin peeling method is used to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne, rosacea, fine wrinkling, blotchy pigmentation, ingrown hairs, yellow complexion and dry skin. Chemical peels are most often performed on the face but may also be beneficial on the neck, chest, back, hands, arms and legs.

 Why Use A Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels, also known as chemical resurfacing, are chemical treatments to produce an improved appearance of the face. Chemical peels are used for the treatment of photoaging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, pre-cancerous lesions, and discoloration (dyschromia) or uneven skin tone. Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin to promote the growth of new skin with an improved appearance.

Many different chemicals are used including glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, “Jessners“ solution, and phenol. The different chemicals produce different degrees of injury to the skin.

The Many Layers Of Skin 

 

There are two layers of the skin. The outer layer is called the epidermis and the inner layer, the dermis.
Superficial peels (e.g. glycolic acid) produce very superficial injury, confined to the epidermis. Superficial peels can help improve conditions, such as acne and dyschromia. Deeper peels, (e.g. phenol peels) produce injury within the dermis and can reverse moderate-to-severe photoaging and wrinkles. In general, the deeper peels offer the most dramatic results but require longer recovery periods and carry a higher risk of complications. 

 

The depth of chemical peeling 

....depends on the type of chemical used. It's best not to assume that a low % of acid is less abrasive than a higher percentage. For example: Salicylic Acid 20% is almost as strong as Glycolic 50%. TCA 30% is a completely different peeling agent and can penetrate into the upper layers of the dermis, causing burns if not used properly.

If you want to learn more about chemical skin peels please leave a comment with your questions. If you have specific questions and would like to speak with a skincare professional we are happy to help just call toll free 1-866-468-4771