pH balance of the skin: how to keep it at a normal level

Every practicing dermatocosmetologist knows the importance of a balanced state of skin pH. A normal level of acid-base balance is largely responsible for the health of human skin. Beneficial bacteria that live on the surface of the skin produce acids that protect it from the penetration of harmful bacteria, allergens and other aggressive environmental factors.

But under certain conditions, the pH balance of the skin can be disturbed, resulting in favorable conditions for the development of pathological processes. Read today's article on estet-portal.com to learn how to keep skin pH balanced.

How does the pH balance of the skin depend on the pH of cosmetics

The pH balance of the skin is an indication of the ratio between acidic and alkaline environments. Normal skin pH is acidic – in sections 4.7 – 5.7, which is necessary to maintain the protective properties of the skin.

One of the most important factors influencing the pH imbalance is cosmetic products that come into daily contact with the skin.

For the treatment of dermatological diseases, it is very important, first of all, to normalize the pH balance, and therefore the dermatocosmetologist must always understand the pH of certain cosmetic products, and what recommendations should be given to a patient with a disturbed pH balance.

pH balance of skin care products with which the skin comes into contact every day

Human skin is daily exposed to many cosmetic products, which, of course, everyone  the patient finds useful. Soaps, shampoos, tonics, peels and other cosmetic products do benefit the skin, but under certain conditions can upset its pH balance. It is important to understand what pH values ​​cosmetics have, since those whose pH balance is in the range of 3-9 are harmless to our skin.

1. Soap

Few people know, but an ordinary bar of solid soap has a pH of 9 to 11. This hygiene product is too alkaline for the skin, its use changes its environment and creates favorable conditions for the development of infection and inflammation, therefore it is strictly forbidden to wash with soap. It is important to recommend shower gels and liquid soaps that do not exceed pH 6.5 to the patient.

2. Peelings

The pH balance of chemical peels is very dependent on the concentration of acids, but usually ranges from 1.5 to 3. With a normal skin pH of 3, chemical peels can be quite dangerous cosmetic products. It is very important to apply them to the skin only for a short, limited period of time, and to use a special neutralizer containing alkali.

3. Skin creams

The pH value of various skin creams varies between 5-7. On jars of creams, you can often see the inscription "balanced pH", which means that the pH of the cream – 5.5 and it really is optimal for normal healthy skin. At the same time, with the help of a cream, the pH of the skin can be evened out. With dry skin type, it is worth recommending creams with a pH balance of 5-6 to the patient; for oily skin, a cream with a more acidic pH is needed – 3-5.

4. Tonics

It is this remedy that must be applied daily in order to restore the normal pH balance of the skin after contact with water. The pH of any tonic is in the range of 3-5 and it is very important for patients with any skin type to use it.

5. Shampoos and hair conditioners

Scalp and hair have a pH of about 5, and shampoos, conditioners and other cosmetics with a pH of 4 to 6 are considered optimal care products for them. Shampoos with sulfates and a very alkaline pH dry and irritate the scalp to a large extent. Alkaline products also tend to open the hair cuticles, causing them to lose moisture, become dry and easily damaged.  Acidic products close the cuticles and retain moisture in the hair, and this is the main task for the conditioner, so its pH should be shifted towards an acidic environment – 4-6.

Using the right skin care products helps to maintain the pH balance of the skin within the normal range, and if the protective properties of the skin are in order – she is not threatened by the development of pathological processes.

Therefore, one of the main tasks of dermatocosmetologists is to select the right cosmetic products that are individually suitable for the patient's skin, and it is the pH balance that plays an important role in maintaining its health and beauty.