The term ‘pH’ often comes up when it comes to skincare but have we given enough attention to it? What does it mean, and why is it so important?
Did you know that the skin pH plays a major role in its health and texture? Apart from offering strong protection from outside, alkaline-based aggressors and pathological bacteria, it also creates a natural environment for good bacteria to thrive. It also plays an important role in the transportation of oxygen to tissues and several other biochemical reactions. A proper skin routine is mandatory to regulate the pH level of the skin as it differs in each area. This will promise you healthier skin and functioning.
Today’s blog is going to address your queries related to skin pH and we will be discussing how understanding skin pH and balancing it is crucial for healthy, glowing skin. Let’s take a look at the importance of skin pH, how to maintain it, and the role it plays in overall skin health.
What is Skin pH?
pH is the Potential Hydrogen present in substances that indicate their level of acidity. It is measured using a pH scale where the pH level ranges from 0 to 14 where 7 is considered neutral, values below 7 are considered acidic and above 7, alkaline. The normal pH of the skin lies between 4.5 and 5.5, slightly acidic which makes the acidic mantle or protective barrier of the skin. Regarding skin health, the more acidic the skin is, the more its capability to fight harmful microbes and free radicals.
Factors Affecting Skin pH
Different areas of the body have a different pH. The areas of the skin that are less exposed to external aggressors have a high acidity compared to the exposed skin such as the face and hands which are alkaline. Several factors can disrupt the skin pH balance, including:
- Sebum
- Moisture content
- Sweat
- Genetics
- Age
- Skin type and skin conditions
- Cosmetics
- Anti-bacterial products
- Environmental factors
- Diet and lifestyle
The signs that your skin has an unbalanced pH are as follows:
- Dryness: If the skin pH is unbalanced, i.e. if it is too acidic or alkaline, it will remove the natural oil from the skin resulting in flakiness and dryness.
- Breakouts: The pH imbalance leads to excess sebum production that accumulates in the skin's pores causing acne. It also adds to bacterial and fungal growth.
- Irritation: Redness, itching, inflammation, etc are common issues followed by off-balance pH levels.
- High sensitivity: A disruption in the natural pH levels of the skin leads to heightened skin sensitivity and factors like wind, sun exposure, dust etc may irritate the skin.
- Skin conditions: Skin conditions can arise due to a change in the skin’s pH balance also. These include eczema, psoriasis, rosacea etc.
The Importance of Maintaining The Skin pH
Maintaining the pH balance of the skin is crucial for several reasons. A balanced pH helps to:
- Protect Against Infections: The acidic mantle of the skin shields it from pathogens and infections. By absorbing essential oils and antioxidants that further protect the skin, the acidic mantle may function more effectively and even retain moisture on the skin if the pH balance is kept between 4.5 and 5.5, the healthy, natural range.
- Healthy skin barrier function: Responsible for retaining moisture and protection against harmful aggressors, an optimal barrier function can be promised by balanced skin pH.
- Promote Healthy Skin Microbiome: As the pathogens are repelled, a healthy pH also promotes a safe space for beneficial bacteria to thrive on the skin which offers protection and overall skin health.
- Better Skincare Efficacy: The skincare products formulated specially for your skin type work well under a balanced pH which enhances the levels of absorption and effectiveness. A pH-balanced moisture may help you restore the lost pH of the skin.
Maintaining Skin pH Balance
Maintaining skin pH balance involves choosing the right skincare products and adopting healthy habits. If your skin’s pH balance is disrupted in any case and you notice signs, necessary steps should be taken to restore it to a healthy level so that your skin and its elements can function properly. Here are a few tips on how to restore your lost skin pH:
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Gentle cleansers: Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, checking if your cleanser is gentle on the skin should be considered mandatory. A gentle, acidic cleanser with a pH of 4 is safe, combats acne and balances the pH of the skin easily. These are less irritant and safe for skin conditions as well.
FCL "C" Scape Cleanser is formulated to be as effective, but gentler, causing less disruption to the skin barrier and minimal change to skin pH. The mild face wash removes dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and other types of pollutants from the skin -
Add a good toner to your skincare regimen: The pH of toners ranges from 5 to 7 which neutralizes the alkaline content on the skin, balancing the pH. For people with skin conditions like rosacea, even water-based toners are not advised as they may have a harsh effect on the skin.
FCL Face Toner is formulated to be effective for many skin concerns such as enlarged pores, dryness, dull skin, clogged pores, and excessive oil production. This face toner has a pH of 5 which is ideal for all skin types. - Moisturizer: Available in various formulations such as creams, lotions, oils, gels, etc, make sure that the moisturizer you choose is pH-balanced and non-comedogenic.
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Exfoliation: The need for exfoliation majorly depends on your skin type and conditions. Always choose a gentle exfoliator and keep a close look at the ingredients of your chemical peels.
Formulated with five different types of acids, FCL Penta peel pads gently remove dead cells and promotes healthy cellular turnover to smoothen texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. - No hot water: If necessary, use lukewarm water instead of hot water that is harsh on the skin and strips it of natural oils.
- Check for Use pH-Balanced Skincare Products: Opt for skincare ingredients, products and moisturizers specifically formulated to match the skin’s natural pH. Look for ‘pH-balanced’ or ‘pH-friendly labels on your skincare products.
- Incorporate Ingredients like AHA and BHA carefully: AHA and BHA are chemical exfoliants that have a great effect on the skin but they may also make the skin dry and sensitive, disrupting the pH of the skin.
- Ease your skincare routine: Stick strictly to the AM-PM skin routine and use only the ingredients that are needed by your skin.
- Healthy balanced diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals should be adapted to ensure that your skin stays healthy.
- Use a water filter: Hard water may irritate your skin and make it dry and sensitive. Hence, using a water filter on taps and showers is necessary.
The Key to Healthy Skin: Monitoring and Maintaining Optimal pH Balance
Understanding and maintaining the pH balance of the skin is essential for the overall health of the skin. Keeping a close check on your skin and signs of off-balance pH will help you identify the needs of your skin better and choose the right products that work for your skin. If optimal skin pH must be maintained, you must avoid any harsh ingredients and prioritize pH-friendly skincare products. In case of any irritation, visit a dermatologist who will be able to guide you well through this topic and help you adopt the best product for your skin.
