Help maintain your skin pH balance during winter months

By Davina C.

As cold winter months arrive, it's easy to forget the stresses that the harsh temperature change has on our skin.  Between environmental pollutants and internal stressors, there's also an almost invisible factor in poor skin complexion - your skin's pH level.

pH meaning 'potential hydrogen' refers to a substance's acidity level - the scale range is 1-14 with high numbers considered alkaline. So whilst a pH of 7 is classified as neutral, the skin's natural clock is always 5.5, meaning our skin is naturally acidic.

According to leading US dermatologist, Dr Dendy Engelman, if your pH balance is too alkaline, your skin will appear tight and dry, which can lead to irritation and even acne bacteria. However if the pH balance is too acidic, meaning there is a loss of natural oils to help maintain hydration, and the lipid barrier becomes compromised, which may result in transepidermal water loss - which in turn means more dry skin, irritation and redness, since the skin is being overworked to prevent dehydration.

Winter season, where skin has to continuously adjust from exposure to harsh outside temperatures with amped up indoor central heating exaggerates skin pH imbalances, alongside environmental factors, air pollution, certain cosmetics and even washing your face too frequently.  Diet also plays a huge part in pH balance; foods with a high glycemic index (like white bread, white rice and roasted sweet potatoes) largely affect it.

Our inhouse nutrition expert; Ella Owen, recommends:

‘To keep your skin soft and moisturised during the winter months eat plenty of good omega 3 fats found in wild oily fish such as mackerel, as well as foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E including fresh berries, broccoli and dark green leafy vegetables.’

A few tips to ensure you maintain your pH balance during winter season

1. Stop using soap and switch to washing with a foamy shower gel or face cleansing milk.
2. Amp up your skin moisturising: search for deep moisturisers including overnight treatments for all body parts (including feet, elbows, knees etc.) and even try an oil based moisturiser.
3. Don't forget to use sunscreen or SPF - just because it's cold doesn't mean the skin doesn't need protection from UV.
4. Increase your water intake - yes even in the cold!

JASON has been creating wholesome, free from harmful ingredients based products for all the family, all the way back to 1959. We recommend these eco-friendly, skin-loving products to keep moisture and hydration up and help your pH balance over the winter months.

JASON Pampering Himalayan Pink Salt 2-in-1 Foaming Bath Soak & Body Wash

Full of soothing magnesium, hydrating potassium and pH balanced Calcium, add this natural skin lather to your evening bath or shower to relax all your tensions away, whilst moisturising and nourishing your skin.

Shop: Pampering Himalayan Pink Salt 2-in-1 Foaming Bath Soak & Body Wash

JASON Soothing Aloe Vera Moisturizing Crème

A botanically rich creme that can be used daily to offer deep, long lasting skin moisture and calm skin irritation. Ingredients including highly concentrated aloe vera gel, natural sweet almond oil, and Vitamin E, which will instantly soothe, dry and irritated skin and restore it to balance.

Shop: Soothing Aloe Vera Moisturizing Creme

JASON Vitamin E 14,000 IU Oil - Lipid Treatment

Rich in Vitamin E and Avocado Oils to nourish and protect skin: in particular dry areas including damaged cuticles and rough patches on knees, heels and elbows.

Shop: Vitamin E 14,000 IU Oil - Lipid Treatment