Skin pH: a Bit About Skin’s Milieu
Key Insights
- Skin Structure.
- Skin Function.
- What is pH?
- Importance of Skin pH.
- Factors affecting the Skin pH.
- Helping Your Skin do its Best.
Our skin acts as a barrier, both chemical, and mechanical to protect internal organs. How does it do this so efficiently? We will discuss it today. You may read more about the skin, facts, and myths in our previous blog post here.
The skin consists of layers of cells in various stages of life, the youngest ones residing in the deepest layer. The outermost layer of the skin contains older or dead skin cells that shed in a continuously. The chemical structure of the skin helps protect our body from harmful external factors. The skin achieves it by creating acidic pH.
What is pH?
pH stands for potential Hydrogen, literally! pH is expressed on a scale from 1 to 14 and refers to the acidity of the substance. The pH of 7 is “neutral”. Any number lower than 7 is considered “acidic”, and any number above 7 is considered “alkaline.”
Importance of Skin pH.
Our body adjusts the pH of individual organs to suit various needs. For example, our blood is generally alkaline for multiple purposes. The pH of the skin ranges from 4.7 to 5.7. The pH of the scalp, face, and rest of the body differ in an individual. The skin uses its acidic pH to fight various microbes and free radicals.
Factors Affecting the Skin pH.
Various bodily and external/environmental factors can affect skin pH. They may include:
- Lack of adequate sleep.
- Inadequate hydration.
- Chronic medical conditions.
- Illness.
- Air pollution.
- Excessive sun exposure.
- Sweat.
- Change in skin moisture levels (excessive heat, cold, or humidity).
- Acne and other skin conditions.
- Use of chemicals in cosmetics/soap.
- Frequent washing of the skin.
- Sebum secretion.
Helping Your Skin Do its Best.
You can help your skin do its best with avoiding or modifying factors discussed above. Besides, several simple adjustments can help big in taking proper care of your skin.
Choice of Skin Cleanser.
Cleanse your skin using a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. There are acidic and alkaline cleansers in the market, but pH is commonly adjusted using acids and alkaline. Selecting a pH neutral cleanser formulated from natural substances to achieve its pH is ideal to avoid irritation.
Cleansing with Gentle Rolling Motion.
You are tempted to splash some water, soap, rinse and wipe the skin. However, cleansing with gentle, rolling motion can help the cleanser remove most of the dirt and other unwanted debris from your skin. A thorough rinse with lukewarm water will ensure the removal of the particles and cleanser. Use a dry pat method with soft towel for skin drying instead of a harsh rub. Now, you are ready to tone and moisturize your skin.
Correct Toning.
Applying a skin serum or toner helps you deliver nutrients (vitamins, minerals) in high concentrations directly onto the skin. Skin toning after cleansing allows the serum to be absorbed effectively.
Effective Moisturizing.
A moisturizer can be a lotion, cream, mask or similar product used to provide hydration. A natural moisturizer for your face, like Stem Cell Cream or for your body like Daytime Kindle Lotion, helps achieve proper hydration and protection.
Summary
The skin is a complex but delicate organ. The skin pH is slightly acidic (about 4.5 to 5.5), and can differ in various parts. The skin uses its acidic pH to fight various microbes and free radicals. Multiple factors, bodily and external, can affect the skin’s health and pH. Simple measures can help your skin do its job.
How do you feel after reading through this brief discussion? Let us know. We hope that you found this post informative and useful.
Disclaimer
This website and any content, comment, writing, or authors/contributors/writers do not provide or suggest medical, legal, or professional advice, opinion, or service. The information shared on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.