Everything You Need to Know About Your Skin's pH
Take a trip down memory lane for this skincare science class.
We already know that pH can affect your gynecological and gut health, but did you know that there's an optimal pH for your skin as well? PH-focused skincare products have flooded the market in recent years, claiming to restore pH balance to improve both the appearance and overall health of your skin.
With the dizzying array of skincare ingredients saturating the beauty world, it can be difficult to decipher what exactly each product does. Keep reading to learn more about how and why a pH-centered approach works to maintain healthy, balanced skin.
What exactly is pH?
In case you need a refresher from ninth grade biology, pH (or Potential Hydrogen) is a scale that is used to determine how acidic or basic a substance is. Seven is considered neutral, while one is the most acidic and 14 is the most basic, or alkaline. For example, lemon juice is acidic with a pH of two, water is neutral with a pH of seven, and bleach is alkaline with a pH of 11.
What pH should my skin be?
The normal pH of skin is around five. This slightly acidic composition helps your skin keep out unwanted bacteria and contaminants. Skin is protected by the acid mantle, a barrier film on the skin's surface formed of lipids and amino acids that keeps skin moisturized and healthy.
What can affect my skin's pH?
A healthy acidic skin pH can be altered by a variety of factors, such as pollution, acne, cosmetic products, sun exposure, sweat, changes in season, detergents, and more. These factors can damage your acid mantle and lead to skin troubles.
What happens when my skin's pH is off balance?
If your skin becomes too alkaline, dryness and wrinkles can occur. This can exacerbate symptoms of aging skin. It's also important to make sure your skin does not become overly acidic, otherwise it might become red and irritated.
What can I do to restore my skin's pH?
To avoid throwing your skin's pH off balance, opt for a less-is-more approach: avoiding harsh skincare products, washing your face no more than twice a day, and wearing plenty of sunscreen. Using a gentle cleanser can help you avoid the worst of pH imbalance. Restore acidity to your skin by adding a pH-balanced toner to your daily routine. The sweet spot is looking for skincare close to the skin's natural pH of 5.5—anywhere in the 4.6 to 5.5 range should be a safe bet.
