The pH level on the skin is an extremely important factor. Not only can it affect your skin health, but it is also a protective film that helps you fight inflammatory acne bacteria.

If you have been regularly taking care of your skin but have not paid much attention to pH levels, then this is the time to pay attention and learn about it.

What is the pH level on the skin?

pH is a measure between 0 and 14, indicating whether a substance is acidic or basic. A pH less than 7 is an acidic medium, a pH greater than 7 is an alkaline basic medium.

The pH level on normal healthy skin will range from 5.4 – 5.9, which is slightly acidic skin thanks to the "acid coating", also known as the stratum corneum on the surface of the skin.

Effects of pH levels on skin health

According to scientific research, pH levels on the skin greatly affect the effective treatment of acne.

• Effects of low pH levels on the skin

If the pH level is low at 4 – 4.5, acidic, the stratum corneum on the skin will be perfected, becoming a barrier to protect the skin against acne-causing bacteria, helping to treat acne effectively.

Skin with a low pH level also has the ability to reduce the formation of wrinkles. According to a 2018 study, when using a product that lowers the pH to 4 within 4 weeks, the skin of older people has reduced its roughness.

In addition, the stratum corneum on the skin also functions to help skin cell bonds quickly recover, help the skin resist the effects of dust from the outside, remove dead cells, remove wrinkles and age spots.

• Effects of high pH levels on the skin

Conversely, high alkaline pH levels will weaken the stratum corneum, lose the ability to protect the skin, make it easy for bacteria to attack, increasing the risk of acne recurrence.

A high pH level exceeding 5.5 will reduce the ability of the natural anti-bacterial agent dermcidin to act on the skin, causing acne-causing bacteria to increase, preventing effective acne treatment.

In addition, according to studies, patients with eczema also often have higher pH levels in the affected skin than people without the disease.

The weakened protective stratum corneum is also responsible for dermatitis, which worsens psoriasis in 7.5 million people in the United States.

Treatments that help balance pH levels

A recent scientific study shows that simply by washing your face regularly with water, you will be able to increase the pH levels on your skin, providing the extra moisture you need.

Consider using low-pH skin care products that contain acidic ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (lactic acid, glycolic acid), retinol, ascorbic acid in the form of vitamin C or kojic acid.

For acne-prone skin, PubMed Health recommends using a cleanser with a pH of 5.5. If you choose to use a cleanser with a high pH, use it with a toner that is a liquid to help you rebalance the pH after cleansing.

Besides, using Micellar Water makeup remover is also one of the ways to both help you wipe away dirt and mucus, and help the skin balance the pH level on the skin.

In addition, you can also use all-natural products that help lower pH levels on the skin such as a mixture of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice diluted with water. But be aware, these blends are not suitable for sensitive skin.

You see, balanced pH levels on the skin play an extremely important role. Therefore, when you choose to buy cosmetics, carefully consider the pH level and make the right choice.

Source: https://linhdanspa.com/tam-quan-trong-cua-ph-tren-da/