Did you know that…

The surrounding environment and the products you use can affect your skin’s pH level?

The pH of your skin is inherently acidic, varying based on the parts of your body.

Well, it turns out that the general health of your skin depends on your ability to recognize and regulate the pH of your skin.

In this article, I will look into why the skin pH is so important and tips to maintain a balance.

How Skin pH Works?

The initials pH represents the ‘potential of hydrogen’ and are used to indicate how acidic the skin is, ranging from 7 being neutral to 14 being the highest.

The hydrolipidic layer that covers our skin is protective and has an average pH of 4.7.

The layer’s ability to get rid of harmful microorganisms that could irritate or infect the skin is made possible by its inherent acidity.

Your skin type and environment, along with your age, all affect your skin’s pH.

Like many other things, our skin is always changing due to hormonal fluctuations, aging, and changes in the epidermal layer.

Your legs’ skin is different from your face’s or armpits’ skin.

The skin’s acidity must not change in order to provide the perfect habitat for the natural microbiota—all the microorganisms that support and defend our bodies.

Even using somewhat alkaline tap water, though, will change its chemical composition.

Too-acidic pH kills beneficial microorganisms and dries up the skin, causing irritation and dryness.

While excessively alkaline pH results in greasy skin that is less able to fight against diseases.

 

Why Does a pH Imbalance Occur?

Your lifestyle—including your food, personal hygiene products, and amount of sleep—affects the pH of your skin.

Although the pH of our blood, saliva, or muscle tissue can all be evaluated, direct evidence of a pH imbalance comes from our skin.

For instance, your pH will change if you consume excessive amounts of overly acidic foods and beverages, such as dairy, smoke, alcohol, soft drinks, and deli meats.

Your skin will react by becoming more alkaline in order to counteract the acidity, which will make it oilier and more prone to blemishes.

The same outcomes will occur if you use grooming products that are excessively greasy or intense.

The Rationale Behind Using Grooming Products With a Neutral pH

Skin protection is provided by a hydrolipidic layer, which is not perfect.

The initial external aggressors that alter its pH are pollution and UV radiation.

This ultimately results in flaws and reddening, irritating, or diseased skin.

Products for grooming that have a pH that is neutral, will allow the hydrolipidic layer to keep its equilibrium.

This prevents the already-strained skin barrier from getting weaker.

Skin pH Scale

On the pH scale, 1 is considered “neutral,” and 14 is the range of values.

If the number is less than 7, it is acidic; if it is greater than 7, it is alkaline or non-acidic.

It may surprise you to hear that the pH of healthy skin is more acidic than alkaline.

Your skin can fight off dangerous bacteria and free radicals that could hasten the aging process if it has a higher acidity level.

Recall that a pH of 7 is neutral; anything below that is acidic, and anything above that is alkaline.

On the other hand, the pH range of the skin is often wide, with acidity levels falling between 4 and 7.

The optimal pH level is less than 5, according to a previous study from 2006 that was published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.

The pH of a newborn’s skin is generally quite high. Babies’ pH levels quickly drop as they get older.

The pH of a newborn’s skin is typically around 7. In contrast, the pH of adult skin is typically 5.7.

The pH of your skin fluctuates based on where on your body it is.

Less exposed regions, like the vaginal area, armpits, and buttocks, typically have greater acidity levels.

Your hands, chest, and face are typically more alkaline than this.

Acid-barrier differences are frequently the cause of these variations.

Other variables might also affect the pH of the skin; they include:

• Sweat
• Sebum and skin moisture
• Age and heredity, detergents, cosmetics, and cleansers.
• Certain skin disorders
• Antimicrobial products such as soaps and gels.

PH imbalances in the skin can result from several sources.

An excessively high pH level in your skin can increase your risk of developing acne.

How to Measure Your Skin’s pH

Here are a few methods for measuring the pH of your skin:

Test strips for use at home

It could be possible to assess the pH of your skin on your own with the use of at-home pH kits.

These are measured using paper strips that are placed to your skin.

Purchase pH kits designed for your skin type for the best outcomes.

Tests on your saliva and urine can determine the general pH levels in your body.

But they are not very useful in determining the pH of the skin’s surface.

The accuracy of home kits might not match that of professional skin care testing.

By means of a dermatologist

PH testing may also be provided by a dermatologist.

They can also assist you with cosmetic procedures and other skin-related needs that you may have.

Observe and examine

With close examination, you can determine the general pH level of your skin.

Balanced skin could be described as having a healthy appearance without any dry patches.

Dry patches, redness, irritation, and acne can all be indicators of high skin pH that is trending toward an alkaline profile.

How to Maintain pH Balance in The Skin

I have here some tips for keeping your skin in good condition and pH balanced:

Use mild cleansers

Remember that water has an impact on your skin as well, even if it’s just momentarily.

Being gentle for you could mean using a carefully formulated face wash from a store or washing your skin with homemade natural or plant-based products.

Using highly alkaline face cleansers could irritate your skin more.

When your pH falls below 6, your acne may start to clear up. Use more acidic cleansers to help fight acne.

In ailments like psoriasis and eczema, more acidic-based skin care ingredients may also support the maintenance of healthy skin.

For items that will help you keep your skin barrier intact, look for a pH of 4 or lower.

Not every product has a pH listing, however, some products do.

Apply a toner to your skin

Skin toner, which typically has a pH of 5 to 7, will help balance out any residual alkalinity that may be negatively affecting your skin’s ideal pH levels.

Toners should be avoided by those who have certain skin problems, such as rosacea.

If you have a skin condition, see your skin care specialist before using toner.

Hydrate

Apply a moisturizer next. Thick creams, lotions, oils, and gels are your options for moisturizing products.

It might be a good idea to modify your moisturizer according to the season.

According to a 2018 study, some emollients with a petrolatum basis may help preserve and sustain the optimal pH of the skin.

Exfoliate

Some people find that using mild exfoliants to scrub their skin once a week is beneficial for their overall skin care regimen.

Depending on your skin type and demands, there are differences in the type and frequency of exfoliation.

Chemical peels and microdermabrasion, which use acids, can also help maintain healthy skin.

Discuss these choices with a skin care specialist to find out whether they can help tone.

Or even out your skin and what kind of exfoliation is best for your skin type, if any.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to restore the pH balance of the skin naturally?

If you’re looking for natural ways to bring your skin’s pH balance back into balance, include fruits and vegetables (especially berries and dark leafy greens) in your diet.

This will boost antioxidant levels, and drink at least eight glasses of water a day to hydrate your skin.

How do I know the Ph of the skincare product I use?

Examine the packing. Although many skincare products may state ‘pH balanced,’ they rarely list pH values.

Unless the product is designed to treat a particular medical condition, like psoriasis, where the pH products target an alkaline pH level, the majority have an acidic pH.

See a dermatologist to determine whether a product is suitable for your skin type if you are unclear about its pH and cannot locate the information on the label or the company’s website.

Which pH is ideal for taking care of skin?

The following typical pH ranges apply to the main product categories we offer for skin care:

Cleaners: pH 4.5–7

Toners: pH 5-7

Sunscreens: pH range of 5-7

BHA and AHA pH 3.2–3.9 is the range for exfoliants; a reading between 3 and 4 is thought to be the most productive

Moisturizing agents: pH 5-7

Serums: pH 4–6

Products containing vitamin C (ascorbic acid): pH 2.6–3.2

What is radiant skin’s pH?

The pH of healthy skin ranges from 4 to 6, which indicates that it is somewhat acidic.

Maintaining the pH balance of your skin can be achieved by using skincare products designed specifically for your skin type.

To keep its natural protective barrier intact and shield the skin from microorganisms, the skin needs to have a modest acidity.

What is the pH of dark skin?

Skin with deeper pigmentation tends to be slightly more acidic.

In fact, the pH of skin with dark pigmentation is really half a unit lower than that of lighter skin, ranging from approximately 5.0–5.5 to approximately 4.5–5.0.

This is significant in the context of your pH gradient.

Are pimples basic or acidic?

Research has shown that individuals with acne

tend to have a pH that is higher or more alkaline.

Skin pH is normally and optimally 5.5, meaning it is somewhat acidic.

What is the soap’s pH?

Most of the soaps have a pH between 9 and 10.

The pH of the majority of shampoos is within the range of 6-7.

Which acid eradicates acne?

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide both help to clean up acne and prevent breakouts.

Although they shouldn’t be used on the same area of skin at the same time, they might work best on specific kinds of acne.

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two of the most well-known chemicals used to treat acne.

How can the PH balance be corrected?

Examine the ingredients and pH levels of your skincare products more closely.

Apply natural products high in vitamins and minerals to achieve the ideal pH of your skin.

Rinse your face with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry up your skin and remove oil.

Consume a balanced diet; in particular, stay away from too much sugar.

Check the pH of the water in your shower and wash your face with filtered, pH-balanced water.

 

Disclaimer

 This information is not meant to replace medical care from a licensed healthcare or beauty expert; rather, it is meant for educational and self-awareness purposes.