Just like all things in life, balance is key and your skin’s pH level is no exception. pH Levels play a significant role in the outcome of a spray tan, so it’s vital we understand them.
What is pH?
pH, Potential Hydrogen, is a measure of acidity or alkalinity in an element. By definition, Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions while Alkaline (buffers) function by hydrogen or hydroxide ions.
The pH scale ranges from 1-strongly acidic to 14-highly alkaline, with seven being neutral. This scale helps us to determine and manage the pH of the body or a solution. A maintained pH balance of acidity and alkalinity protects us from germs, elements, and toxic substances while keeping us hydrated and able to store nutrients and minerals.
pH Levels of the Skin
Ideally, we want our skin’s pH between 4.5-5.5 on the pH scale. This range is considered “skin goals,” as an acidic pH level is ideal for proper cell turnover, hydration, and skin barrier function.
The acid mantle, considered our skin’s first line of defense, acts as a barricade from bacteria and preserves the skin’s microbiome and structural integrity. If your skin’s pH level increases, making it more alkaline than acidic, your acid mantle weakens; therefore, your skin is susceptible to inflammation, dehydration, and accelerated aging. An acidic pH helps keep your skin healthy, balanced, and radiant.
As mentioned earlier, our ideal range on the pH scale is between 4.5 – 5.5, so what can we expect if our skin levels are too acidic or too alkaline? Clients with a higher pH (more alkaline) tend to have overly dehydrated skin because of a compromised lipid layer. In comparison, clients with a lower pH (more acidic) will experience excessive oiliness. Sjolie considered both factors when it came to the ingredient choices included in our pH Spray. These ingredients target all concerns to cater to all possible pH levels.
Factors that can alter the skin’s pH and that could affect the outcome of a spray tan:
- Wearing Deodorant, Perfume, or Lotions to the spray tan
- Perspiration, Stress, and products over the day
- Exercising before the spray tan
- Using harsh Body Wash & Cleansers
- Menstrual Cycle / Hormone Imbalances / Pregnancy
- Medications & Treatments
Skin Barrier Function: The Skin Barrier is within the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of the skin. Its function is to protect the body from excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and prevent penetration of compounds into the body via the epidermis.
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Acid Mantle: A thin film on the skin’s surface, composed of lipids from the oil glands and mixed with amino acids from sweat.
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Astringent: water-based skincare products used to remove excess oil from the skin, tighten pores, and remove leftover makeup. A product very similar to astringents used nowadays is “toner.” Astringents are more effective for oily and acne-prone skin and toners for dry skin.
Sjolie’s pH Balancer
As professionals, our job is to provide our clients with the necessary tools and information to ensure their tan develops flawlessly. But, let’s face it – our clients are busy, life gets in the way, and sometimes our list of tanning instructions is forgotten. We have clients from all walks of life stepping into our tents, and we have no way of knowing their at-home skincare regimens will suffice when it comes to guaranteeing a great tan. The Sjolie pH Balancer Spray is every technician’s spray tan insurance!
The Sjolie pH Balancer should be used in every spray tan appointment! Why? Our pH Balancing Spray is an astringent compatible with all skin types and packed with ingredients like Citric Acid to promote a balanced pH level, optimal for DHA absorption, and supplemented with Aloe Vera for added hydration. Costing only pennies per service, this is an ideal product to assure the client’s skin is ready and perfectly prepped for a spray tan. We recommend building the cost of this product into your service price when building your menu. By charging an additional fee outside of your spray tan cost, clients are more likely to decline the addon, and we want all clients to be pH Balanced before their tan!
Ingredients: Ultra-Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, SDA 40B, Glycerin, Arnica Extract, Rosemary Extract, Butylene Glycol, Capryl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
HYDRATING
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract has been found to reverse degenerative skin changes by stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis. Acts as a biological vehicle to aid penetration and absorption of other bioactive ingredients into the skin.
Glycerin, derived from vegetable oil, is a humectant, attracting water to the skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated
SOOTHING
Arnica Extract is excellent for all skin types. Arnica Extract is an astringent, meaning it removes oil from the skin to treat skin disorders. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties when in small doses.
Rosemary Extract is beneficial to anyone with acne, eczema, or generally interested in anti-aging skincare, Rosemary Extract is a powerful antioxidant with calming properties.
BALANCING
Citric Acid, an antioxidant great for anti-aging, works by exfoliating the upper layer of dead skin cells to help clean pores, even skin tone, and soften and smooth the skin.
Witch Hazel Extract is derived from the leaves of the witch hazel plant. It is used in most products as an astringent and anti-inflammatory to help cleanse, soothe, and heal.
How to Manage your pH Levels
Your pH levels are ever-changing and most often affected by diet, sleep, topical products, and the environment. A healthy and balanced lifestyle is essential to a level pH.
To maintain a level pH through diet, boost your antioxidant levels by eating fruits and vegetables, like dark leafy greens and berries. And hydrate with plenty of water. According to the U.S National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, “about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluid a day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.”
Your skincare regimen plays a prominent role in your functioning pH levels as well. Your skin is the easiest and quickest way to determine if you have a balanced pH. After cleansing, your skin should not feel tight, itchy, and dry but rather plump, hydrated, and comfortable. Other signs of an imbalanced pH can include acne, dryness, and conditions like Psoriasis. If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to change your skincare routine. To start, determine your skin type, oily, combination, dry, or normal, and focus on products that help to work with your skin type. Investing in an entirely new product line isn’t necessary and often not within budget, so first incorporate a cleanser and moisturizer best suited for your skin and work into other products like toners, masks, and serums. *Toners, similar to our pH Balancer, bring your skin to a balanced level (5.5 pH) & enhance your product penetration. Toners are applied following your cleanser and are not to be mistaken as a second cleansing step in your skincare routine. Avoid products with Parabens & harsh chemicals like sulfates and Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acids.
Did you Know?
At Sjolie, we believe choosing to use a pH Balancing Spray is a no-brainer! It requires minimal product to be effective, has little cost, and will surely benefit a spray tan! Shop pre-tan products HERE.