This particular barrier is very important to our skin as it is able to act as a secret barrier that keeps all the good elements tightly sealed in our skin and all the bad elements locked out, the good elements include the likes of moisture and lipids, whilst the bad elements consist of bacteria and pollution products.

Skin that is more alkaline tends to be more susceptible to unwanted ailments such as acne; this is mainly due to the fact that the skin does need some acidity in order to inhibit bacterial growth on the skin

Alkalinity has also been proven to play a role in aging, those with more alkaline in their skin are more likely to develop the likes of crows feet and fine lines as appose to those that have more acidity in their complexion, this is mainly due to an alkaline epidermis being drier and more brittle than an acidic one.  This also means that alkaline skin types are more sensitive to sunshine and should therefore take extra protection when in the sunlight.  Using a wide range of high factor sun blocks is a good way to do this or alternatively wearing a tinted moisturiser with an SPF factor included in the formula

When it comes down to the nitty gritty facts, balance is the key to perfect skin, why else would a variety of skin care brands use the slogan ‘pH Balanced’ on an assortment of their skin care formulas?

The term pH in fact stands for potential of hydrogen, which evaluates the measures of hydrogen ion concentration in a substance.  The scale for this begins a t 0, which claims to be the most acidic.  The scale finishes at 14, which is the most alkaline number in the scale.  A Danish chemist determined all of the above in the early 1900’s.  Seven is the mid point on the scale and this is the most neutral number, for example water is pH 7.

The body keeps an extremely specific balance between both acidity and alkalinity, however I it sways one way more than the other, this is most likely due to a whole host of unhealthy traits, which in turn produce a variety of unwanted results.  Such results include dry skin, rapidly ageing skin, inflammation of the complexion, fatigue, disease, weight gain and acne.

There are an assortment of diets and health food supplements on the market that promise to help combat such ailments and in turn provide you with a healthy and glowing complexion with a perfect pH balance.

Try to avoid washing your skin with soap as such a formula is extremely alkaline, instead invest in a pH balanced facial wash, scrub or cleanser.  Traditional formulas have a pH balance of up to 9, meaning they will leave the complexion both dry and extremely venerable to damage!  You will also experience a tight feeling on the skin after washing with soap, especially a soap that is of pH 9.

An overly alkaline complexion can be combated however, simply swap the soap for a cleanser.  A foaming cleanser is mostly recommended for skins that are vulnerable to acne.  There are also a variety of treatments on the market that claim to boost the acidic levels of the skin, such as glycolic peels, which have an exfoliating effect and work to regulate the pH balance

Specialists have been creating Aqua Balance for over a time of two years. The team at Boots initially began by researching the French beauty industry as they saw that skincare regimes in this part of the world were in fact in place from a very young age as this in turn prevents skincare complaints later in life.

In the UK a less preventative approach to skincare seems to be in place as we tend to deal with problems in our skin when and as they appear. This is why Boots have launched the Aqua Balance range as they wish to update and change this approach to skincare.

Brands such as Vichy, La Roche Posay and Avene all use one particular element which comes in the shape of Thermal Spring Water, but Boots have decided to take a different approach by introducing Oligo sea salt minerals. They are therefore following in the footsteps of infamous brands such as Elemis and La Prairie who have been using marine elements such as algae for an extemely long time.

Every day environmental issues such as air conditioning, pollution and unhealthy diets are all relevent in causing outbreaks, dry patches and sensitivity. The skin friendly ingredient Aqua Balance works to prevent and repair such problems.

The Oligo sea salt minerals found in these products are all naturally occurring and work with any skin type in order to aid in balancing the complexion so skin wil feel and look happy and healthy, the minerals also help to soothe and calm the complexion.

The Aqua Balance range will be available online and instore from Monday 5 July and prices range from £10 to £15.