Knowing More About Ph-balance and the required amount Needed by your skin..all of it from A-Z ...part2.

Acids

At the opposite side of the spectrum, skin treated with products that are overly acidic also can be problematic. They too can over-strip natural oils, which can temporarily disrupt the lipid barrier of the skin. Ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, retinoic acid, beta hydroxy acids and amino fruit acids, if not used properly, can weaken the skin's natural defenses to bacterial infection and environmental damage. Most over-the-counter products are buffered, making them suitable for everyday use. However, it is still important to pay careful attention to your skin when using any acidic product. If your skin starts to look dry or red, if it becomes more sensitive, or if you notice an increase in breakouts, you may be using a product too strong for your skin, or you may be applying it too often.

Choosing Good-for-Your-Skin Oils & Moisturizers

As we age, the amount of oil or sebum naturally produced by our skin decreases, influencing the acid mantle and its ability to protect the skin. Using effective moisturizers helps rebuild this important barrier. Oils that work particularly well with the skin's natural oil secretions include jojoba, coconut, argan and olive oils.

Antioxidants & Sunscreens

Topical antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E, and green tea) are important in maintaining the acid mantle in two ways. First, they fortify the cells so they can function optimally and second, they protect the cells from environmental stresses and oxidation. Vitamin C in the form of l-ascorbic acid is acidic by nature and has a low pH, so while not considered a pH-balancing antioxidant, vitamin C formulations can be used safely and beneficially on the skin as long as they are not used at the same time as other acidic products. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a serum based vitamin C that brightens the skin while preventing future damage. The daily use of sunscreen defends the acid mantle by shielding the skin cells from sun damage and increasing the skin's ability to protect itself. There is a large variety of sunscreens available for all skin types but it's important to remember that it should be applied daily, without fail, even if you're not outdoors.