What is the pH of the skin? How to maintain the ideal pH level for the skin?

Written by Mr.Robin 

Published on September 20, 2024

Surely beauty enthusiasts have seen many times on the packaging of popular multi-functional cleansers or toners: "Balance your skin's pH level". So what is the skin's pH, and why is pH balance so important? Let's explore with Just Skin to help your skin stay healthy and radiant!

What is the pH of the skin?

In chemistry, pH is a scale from 0 to 14, which helps determine the acidity (0-7) or alkalinity (7-14) of a substance. Our skin is protected by a thin acid mantle, which is made up of amino acids and lactic acids. They are responsible for keeping the fats and moisture necessary for the skin. This acid mantle maintains an ideal pH of 5.5, a mildly acidic environment.

At this pH level, they allow our skin to maintain a good skin barrier, along with the amount of sebum and natural moisturizers, they create a solid "shield" to protect the skin called the acid mantle. This layer is responsible for preventing the penetration and development of bacteria, as well as protecting the skin from harmful agents from the environment.

Why is pH balance important?

Nothing is correct, and the same goes for pH. When the pH is too high or too low, it will disrupt the "natural ecosystem" on the skin, making it easy for the skin to become inflamed and irritated. At this time, the amount of oil as well as the amount of natural good bacteria on the skin is accidentally eliminated, causing the skin's resistance to weaken, making the skin more sensitive to the outside environment. This is also one of the reasons why oily and dry skin is at risk of acne outbreaks at any time if the skin's pH is not balanced.

What are the signs that your skin is out of pH balance?

When the pH of your skin becomes too acidic or too basic, it can lead to skin issues:

Dryness: If the skin pH is unbalanced, i.e. if it is too acidic or alkaline, it will remove the natural oil from the skin resulting in flakiness and dryness.

Breakouts: The pH imbalance leads to excess sebum production that accumulates in the skin's pores causing acne. It also adds to bacterial and fungal growth.

Irritation: Redness, itching, inflammation, etc are common issues followed by off-balance pH levels. 

High sensitivity: A disruption in the natural pH levels of the skin leads to heightened skin sensitivity and factors like wind, sun exposure, dust etc may irritate the skin.

Skin conditions: Skin conditions can arise due to a change in the skin’s pH balance also. These include eczema, psoriasis, rosacea etc.

The Importance of Maintaining The Skin pH

Maintaining the pH balance of the skin is crucial for several reasons. A balanced pH helps to:

Protect Against Infections: The acidic mantle of the skin shields it from pathogens and infections. By absorbing essential oils and antioxidants that further protect the skin, the acidic mantle may function more effectively and even retain moisture on the skin if the pH balance is kept between 4.5 and 5.5, the healthy, natural range.

Healthy skin barrier function: Responsible for retaining moisture and protection against harmful aggressors, an optimal barrier function can be promised by balanced skin pH.

Promote Healthy Skin Microbiome: As the pathogens are repelled, a healthy pH also promotes a safe space for beneficial bacteria to thrive on the skin which offers protection and overall skin health.

Better Skincare Efficacy: The skincare products formulated specially for your skin type work well under a balanced pH which enhances the levels of absorption and effectiveness. A pH-balanced moisture may help you restore the lost pH of the skin.

How to rebalance the skin's pH?

When you’re choosing skin care products, it can be tough to know what they’ll do for your pH level. But there are some helpful clues and rules of thumb:

Proper skin care

Dermatologists all have a common point of view when it comes to the skin's pH balance, which is proper skin care. Experts also mention that one of the steps that causes the skin to lose its pH balance the most is the cleansing step. If you have a habit or preference for washing your face with hot water, stop immediately and replace it with warm water, because hot water will remove and destroy the skin's protective layer. Check the cleanser you are using to make sure it is gentle and has the right pH instead of containing high detergents.

Suggestions from Just Skin:

Powder Face Wash: Gentle, does not dry the skin, suitable for all skin types.

Choose products with the right pH

This is one of the ways to help protect the pH balance and not affect the skin's protective acid mantle. Prioritize choosing and using products with a pH ranging from 4-6. If you choose products with a pH that is too high, from 7 or higher, they will have more alkaline properties, so they can easily make your skin tight, dry, and lose its natural moisture. Although products with a high pH will give you a feeling of deep cleansing, and no longer greasy, in the long run, your skin will often show signs of being thin, weak, and easily irritated by external factors.

Suggestions from Just Skin:

Toner Pad 5% AHA: Exfoliates dead skin cells, balances pH and prevents acne.

In addition, you can also maintain a natural pH balance by checking the active ingredients in your daily skincare products. Active ingredients including vitamins or natural antioxidants will help promote cell renewal and help the skin maintain a balanced pH after cleansing, which will be the top checklists to help you choose products.

Conclusion

Balancing pH is a basic but very important step to maintain healthy skin. Choose gentle products with the right pH and take care of your skin properly to protect the natural acid mantle. Don't forget to visit Just Skin to find the most suitable products for your skin.

Wishing you always radiant and confident with healthy, beautiful skin! 🌟

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