Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

pH in Skin Care: Why Is It Vital?

In the vast field of skincare, while many products promise a radiant, flawless complexion, one factor that is often overlooked is pH. The pH level of your skincare products plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of your skin’s health. In this blog post, we will unravel the importance of pH in skincare and explain why it is crucial to pay attention to it.

Understanding pH

pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance and runs on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while values ​​below 7 are considered acidic and values ​​above 7 are considered alkaline. The skin's natural pH ranges from about 4.7 to 5.75, which is slightly acidic. This acidity is vital to the skin's protective barrier and its ability to maintain resistance to harmful microorganisms.

Protection of the Acid Mantle

The skin has a thin protective layer made up of sebum (natural oils) and sweat. This acid mantle acts as a barrier to protect the skin from bacteria, environmental pollutants, and moisture loss. The slightly acidic pH of the skin is important to maintain the integrity of this protective layer.

Effect of Changed pH

Using skin care products with an improper pH can disrupt the skin’s natural balance. Alkaline products like soap can strip away natural oils, causing dryness, sensitivity and potentially triggering skin conditions like eczema. Overly acidic products, on the other hand, can cause irritation, thinning of the skin and inflammation.

Cleansers and pH

Cleansers are an essential part of any skincare routine, but the pH of your cleanser is vitally important. Cleansers with a pH close to the skin’s natural pH help maintain the acid mantle, effectively cleansing. Harsh, alkaline cleansers can disrupt this delicate balance, leaving skin vulnerable.

Effect on Active Ingredient

The pH of your skin care products can affect the bioavailability of active ingredients. For example, vitamin C products in the form of L-Ascorbic acid work best at a lower pH. Combining these products with formulations that have a drastically different pH can inhibit their absorption and ability to work in the skin.

Choosing “pH Balanced” Products

Choosing pH-balanced skin care products is essential to improving your symptoms, especially if your skin barrier is compromised. Many trusted skin care brands formulate their products with the skin’s natural pH in mind. Look for key phrases like “pH-balanced” or products that respect the skin’s acidity.

The pH Journey in Your Routine

Understanding the pH of your skincare products is just the beginning. It’s equally important to include products in an order that complements your skin’s natural pH progression. Start with lower pH products, such as cleansers and toners, and gradually move to higher pH acidic products, such as serums and moisturizers.

pH and Skin Types

Different skin types may have different pH requirements. For example, individuals with acne-prone skin may benefit from slightly acidic products to help regulate oil production, while those with sensitive skin may prefer more neutral pH formulations.

Conclusion: pH, Your Skin's Silent Guardian

In the busy world of skincare innovations, the impact of pH often goes unnoticed. But pH is the silent guardian that maintains your skin’s delicate balance. As you navigate the world of skincare products, take a moment to check your pH levels and eliminate alkaline products that don’t work with your skin’s natural acidity. A pH-conscious skincare routine isn’t just a trend—it’s a commitment to your skin’s health so it stays supple and radiant.