Using Too Many Skin Care Products

July 30, 2020

Using too many skin care products : Why your skin care products may not be working…is based on an actual client I did an online consultation with.

He gave us his permission to use his name, information, photos and specific skin care concerns he is struggling with.

Meet Mahmoud

Skin Consultation Concerns:

-Break outs

-Oily Skin

-Acne scars-post inflammatory hyperpigmentation/ ice pick and pock marks

-Blackheads

He lives in Kuwait and he is in his late 20s. He is a civil engineer that spends at least a few hours a day outside in the sun.

His main concern regarding his skin is acne scars (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and acne scars that left his skin texture with what is known as pock marks or ice pick marks. He also was concerned about balancing out oil production, and occasional break outs.

He was using too many skin care products, thanks to all of youtube content creators.

When I asked him specifically why he was using X product or Y product, he would reply, I saw it on youtube.

He was using everything from Drunk Elephant products to random skin care products from Amazon.

I asked him, “How is all this working for you?”

He replied,”that’s why I wanted an online consultation with you.”

Too many skin Care Products: Skin Care Products Not Working-

One of the many reasons, most people do not see any visible changes in their skin could be they are using too many skin care products which then can neutralize the pH of the products.

The pH of products are very important, yet most people don’t even think about that.

An analysis was made between 2002-2008, 425 formulations were analyzed.

This included cleansers, scrubs, lotions, creams, and other miscellaneous products (excluding hair care and sunscreen products).

Out of the 425 formulations:

-25% (106 products) mentioned anything about pH being adjusted

-only 2 had a pH range of 3.5-4-both contained organic acids such as lactic acid and where aha products

-ONLY 8 of entire 425 products were in the ideal preferred pH range of 4.5

Although it is widely known that the skins pH is around 4.5-5.5, it is still quite confusing why most formulations hover around a pH of 6 which is slightly alkaline….opposite of what the skins pH needs to be.

SO WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

This is important because not only is the natural skins pH slightly acidic, by lowering the pH, it can increase skin absorption and efficacy of the product,

A lower pH can also inhibit bacteria growth on the skin which is even more important for compromised skin such as acne, and rosacea.

Preservative such as sorbic acid (4.8) and benzoic acid (4.2) can also work more actively at a lower pH. Therefore, the products don’t need higher levels of preservatives to keep the product stable and prevent spoilage.

Ascorbic acid also prefers a lower pH.

The Ideal pH for the skin

Both premature babies and full term babies will have a pH that is around 6.5 but will quickly become more acidic .

From childhood to adulthood, the pH remains pretty constant.

From 70 years of age and older, the pH notably rises (not as acidic)

Mens ph of the skin and women’s pH of the skin only vary slightly with mean for men is about 5.80 and women at 5.54.

Although there are quite a few studies suggesting that the well established pH for the skin is generally 5.5, there are significant amount of findings that the skins pH is around 4.7

Formulations that are around 4.7 help support the natural skin flora and helps maintain the skin barrier, while having a lower pH enables the product to be more shelf stable.

***The pH of the water can also affect the pH of the product.

Typically, the harder the water, the more alkaline it is, so make note of that when using acidic products.

For example, if the product is 5.5, using hard water can make the pH slightly alkaline.

Solution for Mahmoud using too many skin care products:

Narrowed down the sheer number of skin care products to simplify his regimen AND to balance out pH of his skin to control the oily areas of his skin.
Introduced products that could BOTH exfoliate his skin and manage his hyperpigmentation.
Advised him to go see a professional about getting a deep cleansing facial with extra time for extractions.
Recommended for him to get a series of microdermabrasion treatments to smooth out his uneven texture to address his concern for the pock marks and ice pick scars. (He had them done before and saw improvements on his skin)
Because his occupation included him being outside for several hours a day almost everyday, I included a sunscreen that also helped inhibit tyrosinase production since his occupation required him to be outside on a daily basis.
Brought in more skin care products that will bring moisture to his skin to work with the dry climate to balance out oil production and increase water retention on his skin.

Using too many skin care products? Here are some PRO TIPS to start with:

Narrow down products-use products that can be used in several different ways.

Use a slightly acidic cleanser that adjusts pH -***dependent on your skin condition.

Take into consideration the climate that you live in and your lifestyle when choosing skin care products.

Your skin care regimen should work WITH your lifestyle NOT against it. Otherwise you will not follow it.

Here are some other PRO TIPS:

Best Exfoliator for Mature Skin

WORST SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Worst Sunscreens to Use

Anti Aging Tip: Anti Aging Ingredients you should NEVER mix

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