What is Skin pH and How Do You Take Care of It?

What is pH?

The abbreviation “pH” refers to the hydrogen potential, i.e. the level of acidity or alkalinity. We use a scale which extends from 0 to 14. From 0 to 6, the solution is considered to be acidic, from 8 to 14 it is basic or alkaline. If the value approaches 7, we say that the solution is neutral.

Did you know that skin also has a pH level? Normal, balanced skin has a slightly acidic pH, located around 5.5. Babies' skin tends to be around 7. The skin going through puberty has an alkaline pH, located above 7, since the skin is generally oilier during this transitional period.

As you will have understood, the pH level of the skin changes depending on different factors: gender, age, area of ​​the body for example.

What is its role and why does it play such an important role?

The skin is adorned with an acid mantle, a very important element which constitutes its protective barrier and helps it to protect itself from external aggressions. The pH therefore plays an essential role, since it helps to create a balanced skin flora, protected from infections.

When the skin has a pH above 7, which is more alkaline, it can become dry and sensitive. It is then more reactive in the presence of surfactants, bacteria and other elements that are aggressive to the skin.

The pH also plays a role in the proper recovery of epidermal lipids, which prevents the skin from losing too much water and drying out. It is particularly vital to pay attention to the acidity of the skin if you are prone to certain dermatological pathologies such as atopic dermatitis and rosacea for example.

What are the factors that influence the pH of our skin?

Different factors can affect the pH level of the skin, both internally and externally.

Internal factors

As we saw previously, the genetic factor is significant when we talk about the skin and its innate structure as well as its pH. We talk about the genetic code, most of the time, but it also involves age, sex, hormonal cycles, lifestyle and the environment around us, etc.

Male skin tends to produce more sebum, so its pH is generally more alkaline.

External factors

Certain external factors have an impact on the acidity of the skin. And it’s interesting, because it’s precisely these factors that we can control! Here is a non-exhaustive list:

• temperature variations;
• the humidity level of the ambient air;
• Pollution ;
• cleaning that is too aggressive;
• cosmetics that have a strong alkaline value;
• chemicals or abrasives;
• contact with water that is too hot.

You can prepare for the changing seasons and modify a few steps in your beauty routine to see the condition of your skin improve sustainably. By choosing a natural product adapted to your skin type, a product designed from quality ingredients selected for their effective cosmetic virtues, you can quickly obtain healthier, luminous and radiant skin.

What happens when the skin's pH is altered?

Different phenomena occur when the pH of the skin is altered. The acidity of the skin helps to preserve an intact corneal surface, ready to protect the skin from microbial infections.

When the pH increases, the production of ceramides decreases or stops and the structure of the stratum corneum is then modified. The enzymes responsible for lipid absorption are reduced, which creates an imbalance and makes the skin more oily.

As you see, pH therefore plays an important role in regulating the level of sebum, but also in protecting the skin from infections likely to create pimples or significant loss of hydration.

Several signs can indicate an alteration in pH depending on skin types:

• itching or pruritus;
• red, irritated spots, acne that is difficult to control;
• dermatoses;
• more sensitive skin;
• skin dryness;
• etc.

How to choose your treatments to balance the pH of your skin?

Two basic rules must be respected to preserve your pH and create a protective routine for the epidermis: avoid overly aggressive or alkaline cleansers or soaps, and use pH-balanced treatments.

For your facial cleanser, choose a cleanser adapted to this area subject to many daily attacks. A well-designed facial cleanser necessarily takes into account the pH of the skin and helps readjust the acidity or alkalinity of the face. You can also try double cleansing: this skincare routine involves using a cleansing and make-up removing oil before using a cleansing treatment. This oil intake can rebalance lipid intake and helps dissolve makeup easily.

To rinse or clean your face, don’t hesitate to opt for a toning lotion. This water-based treatment hydrates while avoiding altering the pH, which can easily be modified by tap water.

Choose appropriate care:

• If your skin tends to redden and feel tight, and it tends to be dry, opt for rather oily creams with a slightly alkaline pH to rebalance the acid balance.
• If you have oily skin that often shines, turn to products with a rather low pH (4.5 or 5). These slightly acidic creams will allow your skin to rebuild an effective protective barrier with the hydrolipidic film thanks to the pH balance.