I’m Marissa, the Wellness Manager at kaia naturals. Today I’m sharing with you my experience with co-washing and how I was able to train my hair to need less shampooing. I used to wash my hair every single day, but now I only wash it twice a week. Find out how I did it below.
Two summers ago, I bleached my hair using a box dye just before heading to Florida. I got distracted, left the bleach on a little too long, and my hair looked and felt like someone had put it the deep fryer – crispy and crunchy. Although I wouldn’t call this a blessing in disguise, frying my hair that summer would change how I would shower and wash my hair forever.
My hairdresser (who was appalled by the mess I made) told me the first step I had to do was stop shampooing every day, as that was stripping my hair even more. Motivated to nourish my hair back to a healthy state, I started researching how I could possibly go a day without washing my hair and not have greasy roots. I then discovered the “co-washing and dry shampoo method“.
Getting the right pH cleanser for your skin is key
Most beauty companies do not disclose the pH levels of their product. Whether it is a foam cleanser with a lot of lather or a makeup remover that leaves a squeaky-clean feeling, they focus on creating instant gratification. Think about that sense of satisfaction you feel when you see the physical traces of makeup transferred from your face to the wipe or cotton pad! Although this may feel clean there are actually many long-term dehydrating and inflammatory effects on your skin, and this has everything to do with pH levels especially in your cleansers.
Understanding pH
pH measures acidity in liquids on a scale that ranges from 0 to 14. It is often measured by an electronic device called the pH meter or with litmus paper. Your skin pH level is determined by the hydro-lipid layer, which helps control the ecosystem in which the bacteria and oils thrive on your skin. When the pH level is too high or too low, it disrupts your skin’s natural composition, which can lead to breakouts and redness. In fact, it can even increase the production of fine lines and age your skin.
The ideal pH level for skin is 5.5, but it can vary depending on your skin type. For oily skin, the pH is between 4 and 5.2, while it ranges from 5.2 to 5.7 for normal skin, and 5.7 to 7 for dry skin. Therefore, cosmetic products are produced with a specific pH level in mind to resolve or control specific concerns.
This scale will give you a better visual understanding of pH:
This should give you a basic education on skin pH and help you understand the scale. In the next DECODED blog post, I will help you determine what pH level is best for your cleanser and why.
Stay tuned for DECODED every Thursday, where Mary decodes your skin products.
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