We’ve all been frustrated by the state of our skin at some point in our lives. Dry, peeling, sensitive, oily, and prone to acne or pimples. Is this anything you’ve heard before? The pH scale measures the balance between acidity and alkalinity, which is important to know because your skin’s health is directly related to it.
The pH level of your skin is affected by all soaps, cleansers, lotions and other skin care products.
What is the function of pH?
A substance’s pH level is measured on a range of 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 14 being the most alkaline, and 7 being neutral (the pH of pure water).
A mix of sebaceous (natural skin oil) and sweating covers the usual surface of adult skin. The acid mantle is a protective layer that seals in moisture and protects the skin. Healthy human skin is slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.4 and 5.9.
When the pH of your skin is excessively alkaline, there is a delicate balance. The skin becomes extremely dry and sensitive, that can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as other indicators of skin ageing.
What is my skin’s pH balance?
Usually, you can figure out what your skin’s pH is by looking at how it behaves. If your skin is oily and acne-prone, for example, it can be quite acidic. It could be too alkaline if it’s dry, sensitive, or peeling. Consultation with a dermatologist is the most precise approach to determine this.
So why use a cleanser instead of soap?
So, instead of soap, why use a cleanser? Soap has a pH of 9 to 10, which can make your skin feel incredibly clean but is also overly harsh. It strips your skin of its natural oils, making the pH level overly alkaline. This can lead to other issues, such as the skin becoming dry, scaly, and prone to irritation. To compensate for the dryness, the sebaceous glands may overproduce oil, resulting in clogged pores and acne breakouts. Fine lines and wrinkles can also be caused by dry, flaky skin.
Cleansers have a lower pH than soaps and are therefore gentler on the skin.
Different cleaners have been developed for different skin types
Oily skin may benefit from an “active” cleanser. Such cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and clear away dead skin cells, leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed. It also includes menthol which is soothing to help irritated skin.
This Cleanser works chemically and mechanically to help unclog pores that can cause dull-looking skin and uneven tones. Deeply cleanses skin to reveal a smooth, even and radiant complexion.
Dry and sensitive skin will benefit from a cleanser that does it gently. Skin that is beginning to show signs of ageing may benefit from a cleanser that contains vitamin C, which is designed to clarify the skin and prepare it for other products, while simultaneously removing makeup and oils.
Remember that a good cleanser will work with your skin, without stripping it of its natural oils and without leaving it dry.
Conclusion
Consider not using soaps with an alkalinity level of 9 to 10 on your skin, such as bar soap. Use facial cleansers with a lower pH level that are intended exclusively to clean the face.
And, on a different (but equally important) topic, eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet to keep your body’s pH in check. Avoid processed meals and consume enough of fruits and veggies to keep your skin looking young and healthy!
