skin pH

skin pH

From a scientific point of view, pH is the measure of acidity. On the other hand, the skin is the protective barrier between our bodies and the outside environment. Therefore, skin pH is the scalability of the acidic levels on the skin. The PH od human beings’ skin is affected by several external aggressors such as a change in temperatures, pollution, and harsh chemicals, to mention a few. To combat these challenges, specialists in the dermatological department have designed skincare products. Skincare products make the skin less sensitive and more resilient.

What is the optimum skin pH?

The pH of the skin lies between 4.7 and 5.75. The neutral pH level is 7. Therefore, anything below seven is considered acidic, while that above 7 is considered alkaline. Thus, human skin is mildly acidic. The acidic skin pH is attributed to the skin’s acid mantle. The mantle is the watery part of the hydrolipid film that shields the external layer of the skin.

Skins acid mantle

The mantle is the watery part of the hydrolipid film that shields the external layer of the skin. The coat plays a crucial role in conjunction with natural skin ingredients such as cholesterol, enzymes, ceramides, skin oil, and sweat to protect the skin’s surface.

Why keep skin in the pH range

Skin’s PH plays a vital role in skin condition. The acid mantle is paramount to the skin shielding barrier. It works by neutralising alkaline-based aggressors to prevent the growth of bacteria. The mantle also maintains the optimal acid environment, which is conducive for the skin’s natural flora.

If the skin’s pH ascends to the alkaline range, its natural balance is interrupted. When this happens, the epidermal lipids are not synthesised; thus, the skin loses water and remains dry. This weakens the outer layer of the skin as it can no longer offer protection.

When the skin barrier is disturbed, it is more sensitive and less resilient to external factors. Therefore, the skin becomes dry, hypersensitive, and is vulnerable to infections and diseases.

What disturbs the skin pH?

The skin pH is prone to both internal and external factors. The external factors that inhibit the performance of the skin are:

• Change in humidity and temperature
• Harsh chemicals
• Frequently washing the skin
• Alkaline cosmetics

Chemicals that have an alkaline pH are harmful to the skin. They inhibit the skin’s natural neutralising ability, disturb the skin shielding barrier, and damage the cell structure of the skin. Certain prescribed medicines and medical procedures such as diuretics, chemotherapy, and antibiotics damage the skin protective capability by altering its pH.

Internal factors

The skin pH can also be altered by internal factors such as hormones, genetics, and biological age, among others. Surprisingly, the skin pH of males to females is not uniform. The pH in males is a bit lower due to the production of sebum.

However, the pH balance of the skin can be done through lifestyle change. This includes adapting a regular skincare routine by using products that strengthen the protective barrier. Besides, it is prudent to note that pH varies with different body parts. Areas such as armpits, intimate areas, and hands are more sensitive; thus, you should embrace products that respect their natural pH.

Maintaining the optimal skin pH

The acid mantle does not work well if your pH level is too acidic or too alkaline. When the mantle is affected, some diseases such as rosacea, eczema, and dermatitis find their way into the skin. Most skincare products claim that they are pH balanced. To avoid falling victim to unscrupulous traders, you need to carry out a PH test at home. All you need is to purchase a home pH testing kit that is locally available in drug stores.

Cleansers

Most cleansers are too alkaline to the skin. This includes detergent and bar soaps. Too much alkaline affects the skin by causing irritation and dryness. In addition, skin that has a high alkaline level is prone to acne. This is because an optimum level of acidity inhibits the growth of bacteria on the skin. In the recent past, many cleansers and shampoos have been avoiding the use of sodium Laureth sulphate, which has an alkaline level of 10. The new trend in skincare in choosing toners and cleansers that are slightly Acidic. Slightly acidic means the pH of the product is close to 5. Mildly acidic products work well on all skins, therefore, maintain the acid mantle.

Acids

On the other hand, skin products that are too acidic can pose a couple of risks to your skin. Over acidic products temporarily disturbs the lipid barrier of the skin. This makes the skin weaker to bacterial infections and other environmental aggressors that damage the skin. Therefore, it is prudent to be keen when choosing skincare products. If your skins become more sensitive, looks red and dry, this are signs that a product is not working on you. In most cases, the product is usually too strong for your skin.

How to restore skin pH balance naturally

If you have a dry, itchy, or flaky skin, there are higher chances that your skin is more alkaline. On the other side, oily or acne skin are signs of too acidic skin. Before embarking on restoring your skin pH level, you need to determine the nature of your skin. This will help you approach lifestyle change that will impact your skin appearance positively.

Don’t wash your skin frequently

One the best and most affordable way to keep your skin pH balanced is to was it less regularly. Washing your skin in the evening to cleanse away the grime of long hours is enough. According to a professor of dermatology, the skin pH rises with 1.1 points once washed with water alone, 1. 2 when washed with water and an alkaline soap and 0.9 points when washed with water and a synthetic detergent bar.

Cleaning the skin disrupts the skin mantle. After every skin wash, the skin takes more than 15 minutes to repair the disrupted acidic mantle.

Take a balanced diet

A diet consisting of veggies, fruits, and other natural foods is a natural skin pH balancer. Besides, the easiest way to balance skin pH is by balancing the optimum pH level in your body. The body requires a mildly alkaline pH of 7.365 to 7.45 to run efficiently. In contrast to what people think, plants that are considered acidic, such as lemon, are alkaline-forming in the body.

On the other hand, animal products such as poultry, dairy, and meat form acid in the body. A balanced diet improves metabolism in the body. This creates an enabling environment for cells to maintain healthy blood pH at ease. You should be inclined to alkaline foods since enabling blood to absorb more oxygen to help digestion. Increased oxygen in the blood means clearer soft skin.

Use products made of natural ingredients

As said earlier, you need to take into account your natural body pH before selecting a product. Then you can choose the pH of skin products that fit your skin. To avoid developing a sond skin, we recommend the use of natural homemade products.

Also, you can try topical natural antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E. The vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining the acidic mantle. They do these by fortifying the cells, thus enabling them to function optimally. As a result, the cells gain more strength to withstand oxidation and environmental stresses. For example, you can use a strawberry, I tablespoon of sunflower oil and 1 spoon of yoghurt to make a natural skincare product rich in vitamin C and E.

You need to be patient when restoring your skin pH. Even if you have the best skincare products, it is prudent to know that skin won’t change overnight. It will take time for bacteria and natural oils in the body to adjust.