Maintaining the pH of your skin is indispensable to its health. For those unaware, the pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. On a scale of 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral, values above 7 are alkaline and those below it are acidic.  

Contrary to the common misconception, your skin boasts a slightly acidic pH.  And to help double down on efforts for balanced skin, one must seek products that don’t meddle with the lipid barrier’s 4.5 to 5.5 original pH range. Intrigued? Keep reading, 

In this blog, we delve deeper into pH, its importance in skincare, and the best products that will help you maintain it. 

Why pH Matters For Your Skin 

Skin’s outermost layer a.k.a. the acid mantle is your body’s first line of defence. It helps keep harmful pathogens, pollutants, and environmental aggressors at bay for a balanced microbiome. Moreover, it prevents infections, inflammation and other flareups while keeping hydration intact in the skin. 

Due to this wall’s composition (largely dead cells, lipids, sweat and sebum), it has an acidic pH lying anywhere between 4.5 to 5.5 -- justifying the need for slightly acidic skincare products. 

Impact Of pH On Your Skin? 

It's natural to ponder the consequences when your skin’s pH level goes berserk. On that note, here’s how using alkaline products in your AM/PM regimen impacts the skin.

1. Dryness and flakiness: The lipid barrier original acidity facilitates better water retention into your skin. When your skin’s pH is disrupted, the barrier becomes weak and negatively impacts hydration. Results? Dry, flaky skin that impacts your appearance and well-being.

2. Inflammation and redness: Using extremely alkaline products strip the skin of its natural oils, resulting in redness, inflammation, and other flareups.

3. Acne: The disruption in your skin’s pH can lead to acne formation. That’s right. Too high or too low pH can support the growth of acne-causing bacteria on your skin.\ 

How To Identify pH-Balanced Skincare Products   

Here’s how you can identify pH-balanced skincare products in a swarm of offerings 

1. Check the pH valuemarker on the label: For most skincare products, the pH level is mentioned right on the label. 

2. Use a pH strip: Alternatively, use a pH strip to determine if the product is right for you. Dampen the strip, press it against the formula, and compare the results to the universal color chart.  

Common Myths About pH In Skincare   

To make the most of your skincare products, here are some common pH-related myths you need to abandon 

1. Higher pH means better cleansing: High pH or more alkalinity doesn’t guarantee better cleansing.

2. Oily skin needs more alkaline-based products: Contrary to popular belief, acne-prone or oily skin doesn’t respond better to highly alkaline products. In fact, extremely alkaline products strip the skin of its moisture and lead to more sebum production. 

3. pH-balanced products are always gentle: All pH-balanced products are not necessarily gentle on the skin. If your skin is prone to flare-ups, look for formulas devoid of SLS, fragrances, color, artificial preservatives, and more on top of the pH value marker.  

4. pH is only valid for cleansers: Every skincare product (re: face wash, moisturizer, and serum) has a specific pH level. Therefore, we recommend sifting through all the labels and making an informed decision. 

Practical Tips For Maintaining Your Skin's pH  

Additionally, use these everyday tips to maintain your skin’s pH levels  

1. Over washing can strip the natural oils from your skin, leading to a pH imbalance. Avoid it at all costs. 

2. Use cold or lukewarm water to cleanse your face. For those unaware, hot water removes your skin’s natural oils and disrupts the microbiome.  

Conclusion 

Skin’s pH is slightly acidic – lying anywhere between 4.5 to 5.5. To maintain this range, seek pH-balanced products for your daily rituals. Additionally, avoid overwashing, using hot water for your face, and staying out in the sun without SPF. 

FAQs 

 1. What does pH mean in skincare?  

The dermis is slightly acidic with pH levels between 4.5 to 5.5. Disruption of this pH balance of the skin leads to dryness, inflammation, acne, and many more concerns. 

2. Why is pH balance important for my skin?  

Your skin’s outermost layer or acid mantle shields the skin from aggressors, pollutants, and pathogens. It also helps maintain moisture levels in the skin. The perfect pH balance of skin ensures a healthy barrier and its optimal functionality. Therefore, we recommend products with a pH between 4.5 to 5.5 since the barrier is acidic in nature. 

3. How can I tell if a product is pH-balanced?  

You can check the product’s label or use a pH strip to reach the conclusion. 

4. Can using the wrong pH affect my skin?  

Yes. Using the wrong pH product can damage the barrier, lead to dryness, cause acne, and/or result in breakouts. 

 5. What are some examples of pH balanced products? 

Some examples of pH-balanced products include the Hydrating Face Wash, Acne Control Face Wash, Exfoliating Toner, Hydrating Moisturizer, Oil Free Moisturizer, Nourishing Moisturizer, and Skin Repair Cream