Over the years, we have researched what helps to balance and maintain the pH of the skin so that it is conducive to promoting a healthy skin barrier. At Garden of Wisdom, we have the opinion that using an alkaline ingredient on the skin will help balance the pH level of the skin, calming the skin down. The pH of the surface of the skin should not be too high in alkalinity (pH 10 or above) because keeping the skin with a slight acidic pH is necessary for keeping bacteria and yeasts in balance. The pH of the skin should not be too acidic, either. Acne Bacteria and other yeasts and bacteria's thrive on the skin when it is too acidic (the bacteria and yeast multiply aggressively to try and save themselves. This is what causes the bacteria's and yeasts to mutate and become stronger. This is why a product can work on acne for a while, and then later not work at all). The alkaline nature of the product will also help to loosen blackheads and possibly help them from forming again.
Method of Application Apply several drops to targeted areas two times per day after cleansing and toning. Let dry and continue with layering your serums or adding oil and/or cream if deemed necessary to seal these important actives into the skin.
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Products and Ingredients
Finished Products generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should always be refrigerated to extend their shelf life.
Sample Sizes do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months) and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (except our Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please keep your products out of high humidity, heat, and direct light, and keep them in a dark cabinet when possible.
Exfoliating Acid products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or the Salicylic Acid Serums as those can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items Requiring Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it into a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier Oils - generally you can refrigerate all carrier oils although some of the very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take it out, warm it up at room temperature and it should liquefy. If not, setting the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shaking the bottle will hopefully turn into a liquid. ^There are some oils that have a super long shelf life like Coconut Cream and Jojoba Oil. Refrigeration is not necessary, but it surely won't hurt. Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should always be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare' butters. You can take out what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs - all herbs (whole or ground) should be kept in a dark, cool and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts - these are created using alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents from each herb. Root, Trunk, Leaves, and Flowers. Extracts have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be kept in the refrigerator (or a dark DRY place) Other Various Raw Ingredients - i.e. Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc. will all have a different shelf life.
