The truth behind skin ph
Here are our reasoning’s as to why we have chosen not to offer this pre-treatment product for you to up-sell.
Firstly, a basic understanding of skin pH is useful.
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The pH level of the skin refers to how acidic or alkaline it is. On a scale of 1-14, with 1 being the most acidic to 14 being the most alkaline, 7 is considered a neutral reading for your skin’s pH. Our skin is naturally designed to fight infection and environmental stresses and its ability to do so is affected by its pH level. The skin’s barrier, known as the acid mantle, is responsible for keeping in lipids (fats) and moisture while blocking out germs, pollution, toxins, and bacteria.
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The acid mantle is a thin layer made up of sebum (free fatty acids) excreted from the skin’s sebaceous glands, which mixes with the lactic and amino acids from your sweat. Ideally, for your skin to be in its best shape to do its job the acid mantle should be slightly acidic, at a 5.5 pH balance. When it’s too alkaline, skin becomes dry and sensitive.
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There are many factors that can interfere with the delicate balance of the skin’s acid mantle, both externally and internally. As we age, our skin becomes more acidic in response to our lifestyle and our environment. Everything that comes in contact with our skin (products, smoking, air, water, sun, pollution) can contribute to the breaking down of the acid mantle, disrupting the skin’s ability to protect itself.
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Therefore, correcting a too acid or too alkaline skin isn’t as simple as a quick spray of a product (often laced with alcohols and artificial colors and fragrances ) 2 minutes prior to receiving a Spray Tan. Correcting a pH issue will involve any number of steps from diet, hydration, correct cleansers, regular moisturizing with the correct product, reduce exposure to UV, smoking and other known skin pollutants. This of course takes time- its not a quick fix.
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What SunFX can do to support a client in achieving the correct pH is by providing Solutions and products that are FREE from all alcohols and unnecessary additives. These agents have a negative effect on the skins acid mantle which ultimately will effect the skins reaction to DHA . Our skin conditioning additives such as organic green tea, organic aloe and coconut will also help to replenish and hydrate the skin at the time of treatment. Products such as our Daily Foaming Cleanser & Hydrating Lotion are also designed to provide the necessary elements to ensure that the skins pH remains balanced.
For those of you who have worked with us for the past 20 years, you know that we aren’t in the business of up-selling unless we honestly believe it is in the best interest of you and your client.