FAQ

What is skin pH and why is it important?
A : pH is a term that stands for potential of hydrogen. It refers to how acid or alkaline something is—in this case, the skin. The internal portion of the body has an ideal pH as does the skin. pH is scaled from 0-14 with zero being the most acidic and 14 being very alkaline -- while 7 is neutral, neither acidic or alkaline. Since the skin's job is to shield our internal organs from harm, it is ideal for the skin's pH be slightly acidic. This helps ward off bacteria, fungi, and other unwanted pathogens. When our skin's pH is alkaline, bacteria can breed more easily, causing conditions such as acne. Products with a high pH wash off our skin's natural "acidic shield," called the acid mantel. This is very common in liquid soaps, cleansers, and shampoos. On the other hand, products that are too acidic are also not good for the skin because they can strip away natural oils causing the skin to become sensitive and/or dry. To maintain our body's delicate balance, it is best to use facial products that are neither too acidic nor alkaline. The ideal pH balance for skin is 5.5 and it is best to look for products that do not stray too far from this number.


Help! I have an embarrassing pimple and I really want to squeeze it. How can I get rid of it fast and is it really that harmful if I do squeeze it?
A : The problem with squeezing pimples is that it can increase inflammation around the pimple and can damage the healthy tissue surrounding it. This is what causes scarring and -- in some cases -- can lead to pock marks. My recommendation is to apply a spot treatment to the affected area -- such as the Dermarepair Acneclear Lotion -- and let dry for about five minutes. Then apply a masque -- such as the Dermarepair Acneclear Masque or the Hydra Mar‚Ñ¢ Magic Mud Masque -- which will dry up or draw out impurities, causing the swollen area to shrink. Make sure to follow up with a good moisturizer that is pH balanced.


Sometimes facial scrubs make my skin feel dry. How often should I use them?
A : The scrub removes the outer layer of dead skin cells that sometimes won't fully shed on their own. However, when done too often, it also removes the skin's natural oils and disrupts the skin's pH. Do not exfoliate more than twice weekly and use a scrub with small granules that do not tear the skin. Try Organic Face Scrub, which will not cause irritation.


What's the purpose of using a mud masque and which skin types should use it?
A : Mud carries mineral components that are not naturally produced by the body. It is effective topically by drawing out impurities from the skin and providing a fresh source of nutrient-rich minerals. Mud masques can be used once or twice a week and should always be followed with a rich moisturizer. Check out Hydra Mar‚Ñ¢ Magic Mud Masque.


What is the purpose of a toner and how should I use it?
A : Toner completes the cleansing process by removing whatever is left behind on the skin that cleanser didn't get. To keep the skin from becoming dry, use a toner that does not contain any alcohol.


What is the difference between a day cream and night cream?
A : A day cream is essentially just a shield. It keeps the skin moist by locking in the skin's natural moisture. It shields your skin from the harsh effects of the environment. A night cream is usually a treatment. Our bodies regenerate and repair at night when we are sleeping. So when we use a night cream, it should "treat" something. Therefore, nighttime would be the ideal time to apply it -- when our bodies are not active. Night creams can have many functions depending on which one you use. Some help repair cells. Some assist with exfoliation. The list goes on. . .


What is the difference between "natural and "organic"?
A : “Natural” refers to ingredients that are not synthetically derived. They come from sources found in nature and have not been created in a lab. Organic refers to the way the ingredients are cultivated—the way the soil is prepared and how ingredients are grown—without the use of any chemicals.

I have oily skin and acne but many acne products dry out my skin, making it feel tight and uncomfortable. Any suggestions?
A : Most acne products heal acne by drying the skin. The skin has an over-production of oil due to overactive sebaceous glands. While you may want to "dry out" the affected areas, it is important to keep the unaffected skin healthy and not dry it out. This can be done by using a nutrient-rich moisturizer on the skin that is not affected and using discretion when applying topical treatments. Do not put drying creams on unaffected skin and do not use too many products at one time. Also check your hormone levels, as unbalanced hormones are the No. 1 cause of acne. This can be done at your doctor's office or by finding a specialist. It may seem expensive, but will probably save you money in the long run because you are treating the root cause.

Why do I need a serum and a moisturizer?
A : Moisturizer helps maintain moisture within the skin and can help protect skin from environmental stress such as free-radicals. A serum is more concentrated and -- due to its quickly absorbing nature -- designed to perform a specific task. Serums assist the body with cellular repair, add extra hydration, plump the skin, and help with deeper penetration of certain key ingredients, among other functions.


Do I need a make-up remover or can I just use my cleanser?
A : You should use make-up remover. If you wear eye makeup or multiple layers of make-up on the skin, it should be removed with make-up remover. Cleansers usually have ingredients that are not suitable for the eyes. Ensuring your make-up is fully removed helps you get better mileage out of your cleanser as well as cleaner skin.


Recently I started getting deeper brown spots on my hands. What can I do about this?
A : Hands are subject to daily abuse from the environment. They are the part of our bodies that get the most exposure to sun and are usually the least protected. Use a spot brightener at night -- such as our natural Hand Spot Brightener -- that lightens spots. And during the day, use either Hand Guard Protector or SPF to protect your hands from further damage.

What's the difference between natural sun screen and SPF?
A : Most commonly, "sunscreens" are achieved by using an SPF that provides UV protection by employing chemicals. SPF does not protect from any other environmental factors and may irritate the skin or dry it out. While we can't speak for other products, our natural sun protection uses natural elements to shield the skin from UV damage without harsh chemicals. This product also protects the skin from environmental stress and helps lock-in moisture. It is not SPF. Our natural UV protection is based on the amount of sun exposure, ranging from light exposure all the way though heavy. Our recommendation for everyday use or short-term direct sun exposure is to use natural protection. For longer-term direct sun exposure, use an SPF. And always wear light, protective clothing to avoid additional damage.


What makes olive oil or olive extract a good solution for moisturizing and conditioning the skin to keep it healthy
A : Olive oil works wonderfully with the body's natural oils. Due to its small molecular structure, it absorbs quickly and provides maximum penetration into the skin, allowing the skin to stay moist and protecting it from future damage. Olive oil is a natural source of anti-oxidants and amino acids that protect the skin from free-radicals. Amino acids are essential for healthy skin and can help rebuild collagen, thereby allowing the skin to remain supple. Both olive oil and extract are also anti-inflammatory and protect against bacteria as well as assist with the body's ability to heal itself.