The acid mantle is an extremely critical part of our skin that is essential for healthy skin.

The acid mantle is an acidic oily layer that sits on the top of our skin protecting it from bacteria.  It also helps the skin maintain a healthy moisture level and prevent dehydration. 

The skins acid mantle can be temporarily removed by using harsh soaps or over exfoliating allowing the skin to be susceptible to acne, rashes, infection, sun damage and infections.

While having a build up of too many dead skin cells can give the skin a dull and sluggish appearance over exfoliating can remove the few layers of dead skin cells we need for protection.  Over exfoliating can also accelerate the skin's aging process by allowing more sun damage  and exposure to free radicals that break down collagen and elastin fibers.

If the acid mantle is destroyed it can usually repair itself over time but can take 2-3 weeks.  Healthy skin should have a slightly acidic pH of around 4.5.  The pH scale is measured from 1-14.  Water is neutral or 7. 

Often time people who suffer from acne often are contributing to their breakouts by using a highly alkaline cleanser which leaves the skin's pH too high.  When the skin's pH is no longer acidic bacteria can constantly cause pimples. 

Acne treatments that focus on restoring the skin’s pH to acidic levels can help alleviate breakouts.  If acne isn't a concern maybe your suffering from red or irritated skin, dry or tight skin which makes the skin look more aged!  Contact me about what kind of facial treatments I can offer you!  Remember all skin consultations are complementary! 

 

Our skin is a delicate, living and breathing organ. Our face gets the most exposure from the elements and therefore is more vulnerable than any other place on our bodies. Washing the face with commercial soaps strips the natural oils (also known as the acid mantle) from skin. These oils are building blocks that maintain a healthy PH balance. The skin may be able to rebound and replace natural oils that were lost. Unfortunately, for most it causes the sebaceous glands to panic and over compensate with super oily skin. This causing an ever so common vicious cycle.  For others it causes the skin to get flaky dry and have unwanted redness, itchiness and irritation.

Washing your face with a bar of commercial soap causes the skin to work overtime repairing itself, trying to rebound from this unhealthy assault. It now must reproduce more of the natural protective barrier that is lost. If the acid mantle were left unharmed it would allow the skin to do its work, resulting in a hydrated and youthful appearance, while fighting free radicals. Wild Prairie's facial soaps are formulated to create balance and strengthen the integrity of skin to fight environmental assaults that cause premature aging.

Remember, squeaky clean is great for dishes, but when it comes to your skin, the harsh chemicals in most commercial soaps are harmful.

Next week.....What the Heck is an Acid Mantle!