Why is it important to maintain the pH balance of the skin?

Unfortunately, in school chemistry lessons they don’t talk about the pH of the skin. But this information would be much more interested in students than dry and out of touch formulas. Let’s try to fill the gaps in knowledge.

What should be the pH of the skin

This very pH is also widely known under another name – acid-base balance. The word “balance” sounds harmony, calmness and order, which is what we strive for in everything, including skin care.

The surface of the skin is covered with a hydrolipidic mantle, which is a mixture of sweat and sebum with the addition of organic acids. Moreover, in European languages, the hydrolipid mantle is called acidic. Indeed, its acid-base balance is slightly shifted to the “sour” side. It averages 5,5. In the process of evolution, it became clear that just such a pH is necessary for effective protection against microorganisms and external chemical influences.

  • Neutral pH is 7.

  • Anything less than 7 is acidic, and the lower the pH, the higher the acidity.

  • Anything over 7 is alkaline.

The pH scale is like a rainbow! Normally, our skin indicator is in the warm green zone.

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What causes skin pH to change

The list of culprits of violation of skin harmony is quite large:

  • tap water;

  • chlorinated pool water;

  • aggressive cleansers (alkaline);

  • ultraviolet;

  • contaminated air;

  • improperly selected cosmetics (not according to skin type);

  • unbalanced diet (trans fats and an excess of sugar in the diet are manifested by skin rashes).

Even such a useful activity as swimming disturbs the pH of the skin. Therefore, pool lovers require careful additional skin care.

A cosmetic product with a high pH (alkaline) also increases the pH of the skin, “alkalinizes” it. A product with a low pH (acid), in contact with the skin, lowers its pH.

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What happens when the pH is out of balance

As for human skin, with a dry type and dryness in principle, its pH can drop to 3,5, and with oily skin it can reach a neutral value of 7. The more “acidic” the hydrolipidic mantle of the skin, the drier it is. It is no coincidence that almost every product for oily, problematic skin contains salicylic acid.

Conversely, dry, acidic skin lacks lipids. Her pH is low and she needs extra nourishment and hydration.

It can be argued that any skin problem has to do with pH imbalance. Violations are indicated by the following signs:

  • feeling of tightness of the skin;

  • irritation;

  • inflammation, acne;

  • excessive dryness and flaking.

An unbalanced pH of the skin means that our protective mantle cannot cope with the onslaught of external negative factors, cannot resist infections and other adverse factors.

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How to restore skin pH

  • After washing with tap water, and even with soap, neutralize the alkaline effect (pH of tap water is 8) with a tonic or lotion. They usually have a more acidic pH (for example, 3), which helps the skin to rebalance. That is why they say that after tonic creams work more effectively.

  • Apply Vichy thermal water, which has not only a neutral pH (7), but also a proven ability to normalize the pH of the skin, even increase its resistance to external aggressive influences. This is due to a certain set of minerals.

  • Use products with a neutral pH or a pH that matches your skin type.

  • Follow a reasonable diet: vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy products are famous for restoring the pH of the skin.

A balanced diet helps maintain the pH of the skin.

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Review of cosmetics with pH optimal for the skin

There are products for sensitive skin with a pH far from neutral.

Face cream-gel with rose water for dry and sensitive skin, Garnier

The peculiarity of the product is that its washing and foaming base is cocobetaine, a derivative of coconut oil. Therefore, the cream-gel gently cleanses the skin and has a physiological pH. More about the product

Gentle Care Soothing 2-in-1 Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin, Garnier

Purifies the skin with oils without overdrying. Even stubborn makeup is removed immediately. Soothes with vitamin B5 and lily extract. More about the product

Cleansing gel “Absolute tenderness” for dry and sensitive skin, L’Oréal Paris

Based on derivatives of coconut oil and shea butter. Rose and jasmine extracts give the gel soothing properties. More about the product

Biosource Self-Foaming Cleansing Water, Biotherm

The foam not only cleanses, but also cares for sensitive skin, as it contains an extract of thermal plankton. More about the product

Cleansing tonic “Clean skin” against blackheads and oily sheen, Garnier

Like all tonics, its main task is to normalize the pH of the skin. The product contains salicylic acid and zinc, but does not dry out oily skin. More about the product

Tonic “Luxury food”, L’Oréal Paris

The toner is suitable for all skin types. It contains nourishing rose and camellia (tea) oils, as well as vitamin E. More about the product

Daily gel-serum for skin exposed to aggressive external influences, Mineral 89, Vichy

89% of the serum is Vichy thermal water, which has the ability to restore the pH of the skin and enhance its protection against adverse environmental factors. Hyaluronic acid improves tissue tone, strengthens them. More about the product

Moisturizing lotion for dry and very dry skin of the face and body, CeraVe

The light texture formula absorbs quickly and moisturizes the skin for 24 hours. Thanks to ceramides, which are an integral part of skin lipids, the hydrolipid mantle is strengthened. More about the product

Concentrate-activator of youth double action Advanced Génifique Sensitive, Lancôme

As you know, pH is closely related to the microflora of the skin. So the probiotics in the concentrate also contribute to the correct pH balance. More about the product

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