YES!   The skin’s acid mantle is a film that sits on top of the outermost protective barrier of tightly knit cells of the epidermis. This film is made up of sebum, sweat and beneficial bacteria that protects and moisturizes the face. Sebum is the skin's natural, oily secretion that pushes dirt, toxins and dead skin cells out of the pores. When not properly cleansed, pores will clog up with impurities. If the pH of the acid mantle (ideal pH of skin and scalp ranges from 4.5 – 5.5, slightly acidic) is altered by inappropriate cleansing habits, bad diet, sun damage and pH-altering skin and hair products, this protective film can be stripped away, allowing invading bacteria (which flourish in an alkaline environment) and environmental pollutants easy access to the epidermis. The results are chronic skin problems, infections, rashes, flaking, redness, roughness and dehydration…..to name a few.

HOW DOES THE "OIL CLEANSING" METHOD WORK? 

Oils have no pH so will not disrupt the delicate pH balance of the acid mantle. In fact, oil dissolves oil, so cleansing with the correct oil formula for your skin type will gently unclog pores without affecting the acid mantle. Following a daily "OIL CLEANSING" routine will allow the skin’s sebum flow to function properly and the acid mantle to maintain a proper pH balance - thereby strengthening this protective film and allowing it to keep out harmful bacteria and impurities… the result is a happy, healthy, radiant complexion! For more detailed information see our BALANCING FACE OIL page - click here.

 It is the toner's job to re-balance the pH of the skin, especially after washing with an alkaline cleanser like soap. It also deep cleans and tightens pores, keeps pores from getting clogged (which makes pores appear smaller), helps eliminate the oily shine from too much sebum production, helps prevent breakouts, evens out skin tone, and even rejuvenates the look of tired skin! For more detailed information see our BALANCING FACE TONER page - click here.

ARTLISS TIP:

When showering, it is best to shampoo and condition the hair first so that the hair products can be completely rinsed off the face as well as the body. Failure to completely rinse off these alkaline products can contribute to chronic dry skin which can in turn make the skin susceptible to infections and exacerbate conditions like eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Don’t forget to moisturize the body also - just because it's covered by clothing doesn't mean it should be ignored. Maybe now’s the time to indulge in a natural body butter!