Why DIY Skin Care Can Be A Problem

I am sure this blog post will not be very popular with many of you, but I feel it has to be said.  With blogging becoming more and more prevalent, so many bloggers think they are experts.   Just because you read somewhere that some treatment, ingredient or DIY product is fabulous, does not make it so.  Even if it works great for you, it does not mean it will for everyone else.  Skin care is NOT "one size fits all."

While I am doing research for new formulas for my skin care line or reading a post on one of my facebook groups I seem to constantly come across some article recommending this or that to help your skin look better.   Some suggestions are fairly benign but some are downright wrong and in some cases even harmful.

There is science behind developing skin care products and skin care treatments.  Even natural and organic products.  It involves understanding chemistry, biology and anatomy.  It involves research and development.  Most importantly it involves knowing about the skin and how ingredients effect the skin and every skin conditions.   So while an oil like avocado oil or, even using an avocado, may be wonderful for dry skin it is not something to be used on an oily skin. 

The latest craze that has me in a spin is the recommendation for using baking soda as an exfoliant and then following with vinegar thinking the vinegar will bring the pH back to balance.  If you  remember your high school chemistry, then you will recall that on the  pH scale works  1 is acidic, and 14 is alkaline. Things are either acidic or alkaline based on where they fall  on that scale, except  7 which is neutral. Skin  has a pH of 5- 5.7.  An alpha hydroxy acid most commonly used as an exfoliant  is generally around 3.5-4 .  Baking soda is a 9, and the average Vinegar  is 2.5-3.  So what does this mean?  If an ingredient is too alkaline (baking soda) the skin barrier is disrupted or damaged, too acidic (vinegar) and you risk burns. Doing this you have disrupted the natural acid mantle (affecting the skin barrier) This weakens the skin’s immune system,  can cause inflammatory skin diseases and conditions such as acne and dehydrated skin. It most commonly leads to the dry/acne or dry/oily combo that is so frustrating. The longer you use it, the more damage it does to your skin.  

Vinegar and baking soda are household chemicals and they are not safer just because they are not in a bottle in the skincare aisle. Baking soda can be remove stains on enamel (like your bathtub and toilet)  and vinegar is used to remove lime deposits in your coffee maker or use as a all purpose household cleaner.

Some things are better left to the experts.  There is a reason Estheticians go to school and are licensed by the state to care for skin.  So I suggest sticking with the professional products.  While I love to find my own recipes to cook and tips for gardening or house cleaning, it is too easy to become misinformed or misuse a product when it come to your health and after all your skin is your largest organ.

Taking Care Of Your Skin in the Summer

Summer is usually a busy time for us. Many people take their vacations during this time and we also tend to be out and about more.  Because of our crazy, hectic, having fun schedules we are more prone to neglect our skin. Yes, more and more people are remembering to use sunscreen but summer skin care is more than just applying sun protection.

The first thing to consider is your home care regime.  Are you using the same products you do in the winter?  For some of us that is fine, our skin doesn't really change much seasonally.  However,  many people need to switch their skin care products for lighter weight cleansers and moisturizers.  That creamy cleanser that was perfect in January may not be what you need in July. If you are feeling a bit more oily you may need a gel or foaming cleanser.  Renew Botanicals has a cleanser that is a little of both.  Our Herbal Cleanser has some of the ingredients and properties of a gel cleanser but with additional oils so that your skin does not feel dry.  The addition of activated charcoal helps to detoxify the skin.  Same idea holds true for your  moisturizer.  Your current moisturizer may still be perfect but just as with your cleanser you may need a moisturizer that is a little lighter.  You still need to use your moisturizer twice a day.  If you are feeling too oily do not stop using a moisturizer, this is a mistake many make.  Your skin can still become dehydrated in the summer.  Just lighten it up.

Speaking of dehydration.  It is so important to drink lots of water during the summer.  Remember iced tea (unless it is herbal) and iced coffee will further dehydrate, you as will any alcoholic beverages.

Don't forget to take your skin care products with you on vacation.  It is also a great idea when you get back from vacation to see your Esthetician for a facial.  It is a great way to replenish your skin.  And don't forget keep applying your sunscreen.

Enjoy!