Balance is simply the state of equilibrium, something many of us seek in our day-to-day lives as well as in our skin. When seeking balance in our complexion, we refer to the pH balance of the skin, summarised as the point of neutrality on the scale of acid and alkaline.
WHAT IS pH?
The term pH denotes “potential of hydrogen’ which in layman’s terms speaks to the amount of oxygen in your blood. On the acidic end of the scale, fewer hydrogen ions are shown which means less oxygen is available. On the other end of the spectrum, more hydrogen ions become available, meaning that more oxygen is present, resulting in a more alkaline equation.
The pH scale ranges from 0.0 – 14.0, with the middle ground of around 7.0 considered a neutral pH balance. When we talk about skincare though, we need to be aware that skin is naturally more acidic than alkaline, therefore the ideal levels for well-balanced skin are between 4.5 and 5.5.
Our aim with KORA Organics is to encourage the skin to find its neutral point on the pH scale so it can function as it is naturally designed to do.
THE ACID MANTLE
The skin has a natural barrier system known as the acid mantle. It’s the outmost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, and is the skin’s defence system against external factors such as pollution and bacteria.
Our mantle is made up of natural skin oils and secretions, known as lipids. This is a naturally occurring function of the skin. When the pH levels of the skin are out of balance, the innate rhythm of oil and sebum production can either overproduce fluids, seen in oily skin or result in the opposite reaction where the production of natural skin lipids slowdown and present as dry skin.
When the balance is disturbed or compromised, the defence system is lowered and pollution and bacteria can find their way deep into the skin, creating inflammation or irritation.
THE pH SCALE: ACID
Although many wouldn’t think it, the qualities of naturally forming acids found in botanical oils and extracts are highly beneficial for this skin when in correct proportion as it helps to stop bacteria from multiplying on the skins’ surface. We feature naturally found acid in our entire range to balance out all skin types.
THE pH SCALE: ALKALINE
Interestingly enough, an overabundance of alkaline (while favored in a diet regime), can wreak havoc on the acid mantle. Skincare routines or mismatched products with imbalanced pH levels can increase the rate of inflammation, leading to a number of skin conditions with symptoms presenting as red, inflamed and irritated skin.
PROTECTING THE ACID MANTLE
Certified organic essential oils are a naturally powerful way to introduce pH harmony within the skin, and why we specifically added them to our range of mists.
BALANCING ROSE MIST
pH Level: 5.1 – 5.2
Rosa Damascena flower water is added for its ability to balance skin tone for a clearer complexion. Geranium oil is added for its innate properties to balance sebum to control excess oil, and the duo works together to harmonize the naturally occurring lipids within the skin.
CALMING LAVENDER MIST
pH Level: 5.08 – 5.18
The pair of floral essences of Lavender flower water and Bergamot water help skin to gain its natural momentum and balance with its calming, de-stressing and restorative qualities.
ENERGIZING CITRUS MIST
pH Level: 5.1 – 5.2
The uplifting quality of Lemongrass essential oil can introduce harmony in the way skin functions, and when coupled with Mandarin essential oil the infused essence uplifts the skin. The two work synergistically to relieve stress with pure and aromatic floral essences, encouraging the skin to find it’s natural flow.
Our range of KORA Organics products has been created to introduce harmony to the skin with well-adjusted pH levels for optimal skin balance.