Skin and Anti-Aging

By Caroline Hoeffgen, COO, BCHC, JD | Reviewed by Dr. Isabel Sharkar, NMD | May 2026

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="3.22" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.14.2" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]

Antioxidants: The Secret To Anti-Aging

Free radical damage is responsible for up to 80% of aging. Antioxidants such as vitamins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids play the main role in fighting against free radical species that are the main cause of numerous negative skin changes and boost anti-aging. Although individual plant compounds are effective in protecting the skin, whole botanical extracts have shown better antioxidant potential due to their complex composition.

Mild Acidity 101

The outer layer of skin is known as the acid mantle, and as its name suggests, is acidic in nature. The acidity of this layer is roughly the same as a bowl of crushed fresh tomatoes (pH 4.6 to 5) and the skin functions best in this mildly acidic state.This mildly acidic state...

  • Allows the skin to absorb nutrients in skincare
  • Optimizes resident flora
  • Alleviates skin sensitivity
  • Constricts follicles and reduces pore size
  • Tightens and firms the skin
  • Keeps skin clear of debris
  • Encourages new skin cell turnover

What happens if the skin is too acidic? Sensitivity, including the sun, and irritation due to lack of sebum. Dehydration, as skin becomes unable to retain water. Skin becomes rough and struggles to absorb nutrients.What happens if skin is too alkaline? Sensitivities and compromised immunity from lack of keratin to keep skin thick. Dryness, itchiness and flaking due to hypersecretion of the sebaceous glands, caused by continued removal or protective sebum. Lack of elasticity and sensitivity from skin being "soaked" in sebum.

Factors That Affect Skin pH

  • Medications like cholesterol-lowering drugs
  • Weather. Too much heat, cold and humidity
  • Water. Especially chlorinated, pH 7 is too alkaline for optimal skin function
  • Diet. One high in acid-forming foods (meat, dairy, sugar, refined carbs)
  • Cosmetics containing acids like Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), retinoids and harsh foaming agents
  • Emotional Imbalances. Anxiety, depresseion, fear and worries can interfere with the secretions of glands by suppressing or overstimulating them, altering the quality of the acid mantle. Skin looks dull, due to lack of circulating oxygen induced by stress.
  • Environment. All pollutants. UV rays are alkaline in nature.

Looking for ways to boost anti-aging? Check out our IV cocktails on the Menu at the Indigo IV Lounge. Skin Perfect, Radiant Skin, and Anti-Aging IVs are great places to start regenerating and rejuvenating your beauty from the inside out.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Medical Disclaimer

This content is provided by Indigo Integrative Health Clinic for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Individual health conditions vary — information presented here may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare provider before making decisions about your health, medications, supplements, or treatment plan.

Featured in
Related articles

Continue reading

View all articles

Babesia is a malaria-like parasite carried by the same tick that carries Lyme. Because it is a parasite and not a bacterium, the antibiotics typically used for Lyme have no effect on it. It is seldom tested for, so people can finish Lyme treatment, still feel sick, and not understand why.

The CDC classifies Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia as high-incidence areas for Lyme. Standard two-tier blood testing catches only 22 to 36 percent of early infections, so a negative result does not rule Lyme out when symptoms are present. Free state and county programs identify a tick's species but do not test it for disease, and broader co-infection testing is not routinely ordered.

Hashimoto's is diagnosed by combining findings, not one test: thyroid antibodies (TPO, sometimes thyroglobulin), thyroid function (TSH and free T4), symptoms, and often an ultrasound. A normal TSH does not rule it out, and a low-positive antibody is not always disease. Found early, before the gland is damaged, there is the best chance to protect it and feel better.