What is skin’s pH level and how to maintain it?
Simo k.
Dermatologist
Overview
The skin is a complex organ, with many influences and means of function. To care for it, you have to consider it all. One very important part of the function is the pH, which should be around 5, making it slightly acidic. There are many things that can influence your pH—and several unfavorable outcomes when it's out of balance.
Maintaining optimal skin pH allows the skin to strengthen the much-needed skin barrier (the acidic lining of the skin) by producing only enough sebum, without exaggeration or underestimation. A balanced skin pH helps our skin form a healthy skin barrier, also known as an acid mantle.
What is “pH” and what is its ideal “balance”?
pH stands for the ‘potential of hydrogens’, and it describes our skin’s level of acidity or alkalinity. The pH of our skin is essentially its water-to-oil balance.
The ideal skin pH for women is between 4.5 and 5.5, which is considered acidic, "but you don't need to measure it for healthy skin," the doctor notes. Ounce. The pH level of your skin is constantly changing depending on your diet, sleep, the products you use, and the environment in which you live. If your skin's pH is too alkaline - think nine or higher - the lipid layer of your skin can be compromised, leading to dryness and irritation.
Why should you care about your skin’s pH?
One of the most important keys to maintaining healthy, smooth and vibrant skin is to properly balance the pH balance of the skin. The ideal pH balance of our skin is on the more acidic end, with a pH of about 5.5. When the pH balance gets out of control and becomes more acidic or alkaline, our skin is more vulnerable to damage.
What are factors affecting your skin pH levels?
hormone levels have a profound effect on the pH balance of the skin. There are several factors (and even habits) that can alter the pH level of your skin.
Skin type also affects pH, and oily skin tends to be more acidic (sebum itself is acidic). It is generally believed that the skin is slightly acidic, with a pH between 5-6. Some recent studies have shown that the optimal skin pH can be lowered to just below 5.
Your diet has a direct impact on your skin’s pH level. Your diet should not be very acidic. Having too much acid in your system will affect your skin. Too much caffeine, sugar, yeast (found in bread and baked goods), processed grains, and alcohol increases the level of acid in your system.
As we age, our skin becomes more acidic in accordance with our lifestyle and environment. As you age and decrease hormone levels, your skin becomes more alkaline.
How to keep your skin’s pH level balanced?
A selection of mild cleansers and mildly acidic toners (about 5) will benefit all skin types in terms of maintaining the acid mantle properly. Also, remember to be gentle on your skin (don't wash too much, scrub, or use random products), this will help prevent the delicate acid mantle from breaking down and help protect your skin so it can protect you. Regular use of sunscreen is essential to maintain the pH of the skin and protect it from further damage.
It is recommended to add moisturizing facial oil, moisturizing hyaluronic acid essence or brightening moisturizer to your daily skin care routine to support the skin's barrier function and make the skin youthful, protected and balanced. If you are looking for a natural way to restore the pH balance of your skin, be sure to "provide the skin with the nutrients and minerals needed by adding fruits and vegetables (especially green leafy vegetables and berries) to your diet to increase the level of antioxidants." . Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to replenish hydration," Dr. Oz suggested. There are many natural remedies to restore pH balance, but the easiest way to make the skin more acidic depends on personal care and water quality.
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May be used daily or nightly as a moisturizer or as a post treatment on irritated or inflamed skin.
Takeaway
Recognition of the factors that alter the pH of the skin and the selection of products that preserve the acid mantle are of paramount importance in the treatment of dermatological patients.
Skin surface pH values can differ for each test site within the same individual and between individuals due to a number of factors. Normalizing the pH by acidifying with topical treatments helps establish physiological microbiota, rebuild the skin barrier, induce epidermal differentiation and reduce inflammation.
DISCLAIMER Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
