Beauty & Fashion

Tips To Maintain The Skin’s pH Level

Tips To Maintain Skin’s pH Level

You devote a lot of energy to finding the middle ground in your life. Whether it’s finding a balance between work and personal life, trying to be present at meetings and family functions, or taking time out for someone special and not saying ‘no’ to your bosses at the same time, life seems to be a pursuit of balance. Yet have you ever spared a moment to think about the pH of the skin, which has to be regulated too? Wondering what is that? Read on to know the tips to maintain the skin’s pH level.

What Is Skin’s pH Level?

Your skin, it turns out, is extremely happy and works best when it is right at the perfect middle spot. You’ve undoubtedly used the word ‘pH balanced’ in most skincare brands’ ads and brushed it off as a marketing ploy. Yet this is something you should keep an eye on.

The term ‘pH’ means ‘‘potential of hydrogen.’ In other words, it is the calculation of hydrogen ion concentration within any material. In the early 1900s, Danish chemist S.P.L Sorensen invented this pH scale to measure acidity and alkalinity. The range is between 0 (most acidic) and 14 (most alkaline).

Often, the skin has an acid mantle, which is the barrier to the skin. The acid mantle is produced when sebum is secreted by your skin and the fatty acids break down. By blocking both germs and contaminants from damaging it, it is responsible for keeping the skin clean and moisturized.

The skin is at its best when its acidity and alkalinity are balanced. Take it off course and your skin’s going to get wild. So, let’s discuss why you need to be extra vigilant about this oh-so-delicate skin pH balance.

What Is The Ideal Skin pH? 

Our skin should preferably be slightly acidic. And the pH level will be 5.5. It is good though if it’s between 4.8 and 6 somewhere. It means the barrier feature of your skin is functioning and it protects you from all toxins, bacteria, and other external factors.

The pH of the skin and hair specifically is difficult to calculate. A dermatologist can however help you decide it. You use a pH meter to closely examine the surface of your skin, detect any changes in your pH level, and determine your skin condition or the state of skin problems.

There are always ways to find out if the pH rates are off-balance though. Your skin will usually send you signs that something is wrong.

  • Excess oiliness
  • Dry patches
  • Redness and skin rashes
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Acne
  • Aging signs (fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin)
    These are all symptoms of damage to the acid mantle of your skin. How’d it got so bad, however? Many factors (including habits) can distort the pH level of your skin.

Factors Influencing pH levels In The Skin

1. Age

The skin becomes more alkaline as you get older. Fine lines, pigmentation, and other problems arise.

2. Using Soap On Your Face

Soaps are the major culprits of the pH balance in your skin. The pH of bar soaps is typically about 9, which is significantly higher than the skin’s normal pH. Bar soap leaves an alkaline residue behind your face which makes your skin susceptible to damage and skin problems.

3. Eating Habits

The pH level of your skin is directly affected by your diet. It shouldn’t be very acidic to your food. Too much acid affects your skin with your body. An elevated acid level in your bloodstream contains too much caffeine, sugar, yeasts (find in bread, baked goods), dried grains, and alcohol.

4. Excessive Sun Exposure

The sun’s harmful UV rays disrupt the mantle of your skin, rendering it alkaline and more vulnerable to problems including pigmentation, dullness, and acne. Also in your teens, prolonged sun exposure will initiate this cycle at an early age.

Tips To Maintain Skin’s pH Level Balanced

To restore the pH levels of your skin, its barrier function must be restored. It keeps the skin hydrated and makes the skin healthy and light. Here are a few things you can do:

1. Remove Soaps And Harsh Cleansers

If you love your skin, this is the first thing you need to do. Do not use any bar soap on your face and do not use any cleaners containing harsh chemicals. Choose your pH-balanced skincare products. Avoid any product that does not contain all the ingredients in the package. Always use warm or room temperature water to wash your face.

Tips To Maintain Skin’s pH Level

2. Use Good Oils And Moisturizers

When you grow old, the skin loses its capacity to develop natural oils and sebum. This damages the acid mantle, which affects the skin’s pH balance. Through the use of gentle moisturizers and oils, the skin stays hydrated and helps rebuild its barrier. You should moisturize the skin with jojoba, argan, coconut, and olive oil.

Tips To Maintain Skin’s pH Level

3. Use Sun Protection

Daily use of sunscreen is necessary to maintain the pH level of your skin and avoid further damage. Choose a large-spectrum sunscreen SPF and don’t lose it until you get out to the sun every day.

4. Change Your Diet

A lot of anti-oxidant foods, for example, leafy vegetables (spinach good for your heart, skin) and fruits, (e.g. bananas, berries, should be in your daily diet) should also be included in your diet. Evite consuming processed food because it increases the acidity of your body, which can influence the pH level of your skin. Make way for salads and high your consumption of sugar.

And of course, don’t forget to look after your skin. If you want to keep it happy, you have to give it some affection and care.

Tips To Maintain Skin’s pH Level

These are some tips to maintain the skin’s pH level.

Fortunately, it’s far easier to balance the pH level of your skin than to balance your life! Jokes aside, preserving the skin’s normal pH begins with a healthy skincare routine. It does not need to be too complex. Bear in mind only a few things and know the boundaries of your skin-what it likes and dislikes. That’s how it will keep your skin happy for the rest of your life.

Also Read: Korean Skincare Regime To Get Glass-Like Skin

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