SKIN pH . WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO SUPPORT IT?

What is the ideal pH level for the skin? How to know your skin pH level? How to Maintain Your Skin pH Level

INNA CODRU , NOVEMBER 24, 2018

Sometimes you spend so much energy to find the golden mean in your life. Whether it's finding a balance between work and personal life, between the convenience of some and the comfort of others, between being too strict with yourself and complete freedom of action, all life seems to be striving for balance. But have you ever thought for a moment that your skin's pH level also needs to be balanced? Are you wondering what it is? Read on to find out why it's important to take care of your skin's pH levels.

WHAT IS SKIN pH?

It turns out that your skin is very happy and performs well when its pH is right in that sweet, almost average place. You've probably heard the term "pH balance" in most skin care brands and thought it was just another marketing gimmick. But it turns out that this is what you should (!) pay attention to.

The term "pH" means "pH". In other words, it is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in any substance, which determines the degree of its alkalinity or acidity. This scale, "pH", was developed in the early 1900s by the Danish chemist C.P. Sorensen to measure acidity and alkalinity. It ranges from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline).

Our skin just has an acid mantle, which is the skin's natural barrier. This acid mantle is formed when the skin secretes sebum and breaks it down into fatty acids. It is responsible for keeping our skin healthy and hydrated by blocking the harmful effects of any microbes and toxins. Moreover, the skin itself is slightly more acidic (range, as shown in the picture, "4.5 - 6.2") than the internal environment of the body, which is close to the neutral acid-base indicator "7".

Your skin is at its best when there is a balance between its acidity and alkalinity. As soon as this balance deviates to the right or to the left, the skin will begin to go crazy. So let's take a look at why you should be especially careful about this very delicate pH balance.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN'S pH?

When your skin's acid mantle is out of balance and more alkaline, your skin becomes sensitive and dry. You may even experience inflammation in some areas and the first signs of aging due to such changes, which in turn can reduce collagen levels in skin cells. This usually happens when you change your skin care products too often.

If you use high pH (alkaline) products, it will affect the permeability of your skin. Your skin protection becomes worse, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria, viruses and microorganisms. In particular, elevated skin pH can cause the following skin problems:

Ichthyosis vulgaris

Atopic dermatitis (or eczema)

Candida intertrigo (a skin infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans)

Shingles "pedis" (or Athlete's foot)

Acne (Acne begins to appear on the skin when its pH level is between 6 and 6.5) (1), (2)

High pH levels can also speed up the skin aging process (3).

So, what is the ideal pH level for your skin? And how do you know if it is balanced or not? Here's how to understand it.

WHAT IS THE IDEAL pH OF THE SKIN? HOW CAN YOU KNOW THE PH OF YOUR SKIN?

Ideally, our skin should be slightly acidic. Thus, ideally, its pH level should be 5.5. However, it is normal if it is somewhere between 4.5 and 6.2. This ensures that your skin's barrier function is active and protects you from most toxins, bacteria, and other external factors.

Measuring the pH level of the skin is not always easy. However, a dermatologist can help you identify it. They use a pH meter, or ph test strips, to carefully examine the surface of your skin to detect any changes in pH levels and assess the condition of the skin.

However, there are still ways to find out if your pH levels are too high. Usually your skin itself will give you signals when something is wrong. Just watch out for these signals:

Excessive oiliness

Dry spots

Redness and rash

Eczema

Psoriasis

acne

Signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin)

These are all signs that your skin's acid mantle is damaged. But why did this happen? There are several factors (and habits) that can upset your skin's pH levels. Keep reading to find out more about them.

FACTORS AFFECTING SKIN pH

1. Age

As you get older, your skin becomes more alkaline. This is what causes wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation disorders and other problems.

2. Overexposure to the sun

Harmful UV rays from the sun weaken the acidic lining of your skin, making it more alkaline and prone to problems like pigmentation, fading and acne. Prolonged exposure to the sun, even during adolescence, can start this process quite early in your life.

3. Using the wrong detergent

Soap is the main culprit in upsetting your skin's pH balance. The pH level of plain soap is usually around 9, which is much higher than your skin's pH level. The use of ordinary soap leaves an alkaline residue on the skin of the face, which makes the skin vulnerable and prone to various damages.

4. Your eating habits

Your diet has a direct impact on your skin's pH level. The diet should not be very acidic. Too much acid in your system will affect your skin too. Too much caffeine, sugar, yeast (found in bread and baked goods), processed grains, and alcohol will increase your body's acid levels.

5. Mistakes in skin care

Some bad skincare habits can also upset your skin's pH levels. It could be:

Using hot water to wash your face (or body skin)

Too much use of scrubs (scrubs and washcloths are on the face almost every day)

Using harsh detergents

Long shower

All these habits wash away the protective acid layer of your skin. Well, there must be some way to prevent all this and get the acid-base balance back on track, right? Of course there are ways. Look further!

HOW TO MAINTAIN A NORMAL SKIN pH

Restoring your skin's pH level will require restoring its barrier function. This helps keep your skin hydrated and keeps it looking radiant and healthy. Here's what you can do:

1. Avoid Soaps and Harsh Cleansers

This is the first thing you need to do if you love your skin. Don't use the first soap you find on your face and avoid any cleanser that contains harsh chemicals. Choose products that are pH balanced. Avoid any store-bought product that doesn't list all of the ingredients on the packaging. Always use warm or room temperature water to wash your face.

2. Use apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is great for regulating your skin's pH levels. However, dilute it with water before applying it to your face. Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water. Mix well and store in a spray bottle. Use it like a toner.

3. Use good oils and moisturizers

As you age, your skin's ability to produce natural oils and sebum decreases. As a result, the acid mantle gets damaged, affecting your skin's pH balance. Using gentle moisturizers and oils will keep your skin well hydrated and help it rebuild its moisture barrier. You can use ORGANIC OILS of jojoba, argan, coconut and olive oil to hydrate your skin.

4. Actively use acids

Ingredients such as retinoic acid (RETINOIDS) , alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and amino fruit acid are good for your skin and can help maintain its acid balance. However, when not used properly, these acids can damage your skin's natural defenses. Most OTC products containing these acids are buffered and safe enough to use on the skin. However, if your skin starts to feel dry and looks reddish and sensitive, this means that the product is not suitable for your skin. Stop using it immediately.

5. Don't Forget to Wear Sun Protection

Using SUN CREAM regularly is critical to maintaining your skin's pH levels and protecting it from further damage. Use a sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF and remember to apply it daily before going outside.

6. Use Antioxidants

Antioxidants strengthen your skin cells so that they function properly. They protect the skin from environmental influences and oxidative stress. You can use vitamin C (which is available as L-ascorbic acid) as it is known to balance the skin's pH well. Although vitamin C itself is slightly acidic, it can be safely used on the skin (provided you are not using another acidic product at the same time).

7. Change your diet

Your daily diet should contain plenty of antioxidant-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables (spinach is especially good for your health and your skin) and fruits (choose low-sugar fruits like banana, wild berries and watermelon). Avoid processed foods, as these foods will increase the acidity of your body, which will affect the pH level of your skin as well. Make room for salads and cut back on sugar.

Luckily, balancing your skin's pH level is a lot easier than balancing your life! Joking aside, maintaining your skin's pH balance starts with a good skincare routine. It shouldn't be too hard. Just remember the advice you've received and know the limits of what's possible for your skin - what it likes and doesn't like. This way your skin will stay happy for the rest of your life.

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SOURCES and MATERIALS used in the article:

“Skin Surface pH in Acne Vulgaris: Insights from an Observational Study and Review of the Literature“. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, USA. 2017 Jun.

“Skin pH: from basic science to basic skin care“. Acta dermatovenereologica, Sweden, Stockholm. May 2013

“Characterizing Facial Skin Aging in Humans: Disentangling Extrinsic from Intrinsic Biological Phenomena“. BioMed research international, USA, New-York. 2015