Why should we pay attention not only to the ingredients but also to the composition of our skincare products, such as the pH value? Quite simply, our skin has a natural protective layer and the term says it all – it’s about protecting the skin and supporting it optimally. We explain what this has to do with the pH value in the following guide article.
The pH value of the skin
The skin’s natural protective barrier is based on a hydrolipid film that the skin forms via sweat and sebaceous glands. This protects the skin from drying out and from environmental influences or the penetration of bacteria, viruses or other germs. This so-called protective layer consists of water, uric acid, fatty acids and electrolytes, among other things, resulting in a certain pH value. The natural pH value of the skin is 4.7 – 5.5, which means it is in the acidic range. This value is crucial for the skin’s functions and resistance. Every time you cleanse with neutral or alkaline care products, this natural pH value is influenced or disturbed. Healthy skin manages to regulate this. But why expose the skin unnecessarily to these challenges, which consequently also trigger complex processes in the skin.
Acids and bases, what is the right pH value for skin care
The pH value generally provides information about the balance of bases and acids. If the slightly acidic environment of the skin is changed, this also alters the natural balance. Many manufacturers offer products on the market that are more alkaline. Complementary products such as a tonic are then offered in addition to an alkaline facial cleanser. These are intended to bring the skin back to its natural pH value after alkaline cleansing. A strain on the skin. However, cleansing with pure water is not necessarily positive either. Normal skin can easily regulate this, but sensitive skin or dry skin has more problems maintaining or regulating the skin’s natural pH value. The pH value of water is generally in the neutral range; this may vary depending on the location, but a pH value of 7 is generally used. Of course, water is a main component of our body, and there is also moisture between our skin cells, which nourishes and maintains the cells. If this moisture can escape due to a change in the skin barrier, for example, the first fine dryness lines or openings in the otherwise closed protective layer of skin can appear. Bacteria or other germs can then enter the skin and trigger inflammatory processes. Prolonged dehydration can also lead to the formation of unwanted deeper wrinkles. Of course, dehydration alone is not responsible for this, but it is a cause of skin ageing and changes to the skin’s appearance and natural pH range. It is therefore important to pay close attention to which products are used in skin care. Skin care that optimally supports the natural pH value of 4.7 – 5.5 and the skin’s natural functions is always recommended. This is because our skin has to regulate its acidic environment on a daily basis due to a variety of external influences. Additional stress from make-up and care products is not necessarily beneficial. Especially for sensitive and irritated skin. If this natural function does not occur in problem skin, this not only results in fine lines, but also sensitivity and possible susceptibility to other external influences. Optimally coordinated care is therefore also a good anti-ageing and pampering program for the skin. Do you have any questions about health or other skin-related topics? Then feel free to ask our experts by e-mail: info@ocean-pharma.de