Mixing and Matching Skin Care Products Can Lead to Long-Term Damage

Hundreds of skin-care products.

So many choices.

Which products work best?

Well, today's skin-care consumer is justifiably confused, especially those confronting difficult skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, adult acne, skin rashes, excessively oily, flaky and itchy skin, a combination of dry and oily skin areas, rosacea, and even a combination of conditions.

More and more people are developing sensitivities to artificial ingredients and harsh chemicals. Many factors cause the skin to rebel: the environment, diet, medications, hormones, stress, and chemotherapy.

Another factor contributing to unhealthy sensitivities results from the mixing and matching of products from various manufacturers - applying a hodge-podge of products not formulated to work together.

Just as it is dangerous to combine home cleaning products, it can be damaging to combine skin care products from a variety of manufacturers.

Due to the extensive number of skin care products on the market, consumers tend to purchase a mix of products and brands that synergistically don't work together. A typical vanity is stocked with a wide-range of brand names and products. "Brand B" moisturizer is applied after "Brand A" cleanser and "Brand C" anti-aging serum is used in conjunction with "Brand D" Facial masque.

One may ask: "Is such combining of products a problem?"

The answer is a resounding, "Yes!"

Mixing brands and products may lead to a form of chemical warfare with the skin is the victim. A skin-care manufacturer will formulate products within a specific pH balance range, blending ingredients that complement one another for best results.

For example, the cleanser has a certain pH level and so does the freshener and moisturizer. The term pH refers to the measurement of the acids and alkali in the skin. The amount of acid in the skin determines the skin's resistance to bacteria.

However, one company's pH balance range may be quite different from the pH balance range of another manufacturer. One brand may not work in harmony with another brand. Mix and match brands and the result can be very damaging. Skin that becomes "off-balance" and "confused" may develop acne, allergies, rashes, and any number of other skin conditions.

Using products that contain proven healing ingredients such as Aloe can be extremely beneficial to "confused" skin. Aloe, known as "nature's pharmacy," provides 75 nutrients, 200 active compounds, 20 essential minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins. For those undergoing radiation therapy, Aloe can help ease painful treatment. Be sure to find and use products where Aloe is listed first on the list of ingredients.

Clear, smooth, healthy skin is the beginning of a beautiful, youthful look. The basis of healthy, beautiful skin is a regular program of intelligent skin care.

1. Cleansing
2. Exfoliation
3. Moisturizing
4. Protection (against sun and elements).

Tips for a Life Time of Healthy-Looking Skin

• Avoid mixing skin care products. Use a skin care system intended to work together to maintain the skin's natural pH balance.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water.
  
  
• Don't use products containing drying alcohol.
  
  
• Avoid cleansers that suds.
  
  
• Avoid products containing artificial coloring agents, synthetic fragrances, parabens, propylene glycol, waxes, mineral oil, or sodium laurel sulfates.
  
  
• Don't go to bed wearing make-up.
  
  
• Increase fiber intake.
  
  
• Don't smoke. Smoking constricts blood vessels, causing premature wrinkling.
  
  
• Use natural based products.
  
  
• Don't use soap as a skin cleanser. All skin types, by nature, are on the low pH side, or slightly acidic, measuring about 6 on the pH scale. One of the greatest enemies to the skin's pH balance is soap because soap leaves the skin in an alkaline state that is receptive to bacteria.
  
  
• Get your beauty sleep. Eight hours is best.
  
  
• Think positive, healing thoughts.

The skin is a marvelous organ and responds quickly to kindness and care. Care for your complexion and it will do everything naturally possible to be soft, clear, healthy, and youthful in appearance.

Note from Chet: Since June of 2001 we've used and recommended L'Bri Pure 'n Natural line of skin care products. Click here to learn how the L'Bri products can soften your skin and reduce age lines.