What you need to know about facial skin pH. The pH level of the skin affects its aging pH of oily skin

22.05.2024

You've probably heard more than once that this or that product normalizes the acid-base balance. Its level is decisive for the health and beauty of our skin. Is it necessary to maintain it and how to do it with the help of cosmetics, experts at Passion.ru tell us.

What is pH

“The secret secreted by the sebaceous and sweat glands of our skin, mixing with exfoliated cells of the epidermis, forms a protective film on the surface - a lipid layer. Its pH is considered to be an indicator of the acid-base balance of the skin,” says Elena Monakhova, cosmetologist at TORI beauty salon.

Essentially, pH balance is a number that reflects the condition and type of our skin. Normal healthy skin is characterized by a pH balance of 5.5 (the border line between acidic and alkaline environments), dry skin - from 3 to 5.5, which indicates a dominant acidic environment. Numbers from 5.7 to 6 are typical for oily skin, in which an alkaline environment prevails.

A sharp shift in pH balance in one direction or another is fraught with consequences for the health of the dermis. The prevalence of an alkaline environment in the skin and a pH balance above 5.7 (which is typical for oily skin) lead to the proliferation of bacteria that can cause acne and dermatitis. Sebum begins to be secreted more actively, pores expand, complexion becomes dull, skin tone worsens.

“When the balance decreases towards an acidic environment (at a level below 5.2), the skin becomes not just dry, but very dry. Such dermis does not retain fluid well, suffers from dehydration, becomes very vulnerable, susceptible to peeling and microtraumas (a kind of “cracks”). Through these open “gates” bacteria penetrate the skin, which can cause irritation and skin diseases, such as psoriasis,” explains Elena Monakhova.

The ideal environment for our skin is slightly acidic, which exactly corresponds to the pH level of 5.5. This “microclimate” is detrimental to bacteria and maintains a healthy balance.

Reasons for changes in the acid-base balance of the skin

Skin pH: what it is and how to maintain it

The health of our skin depends on several factors that also affect the pH balance.

Nutrition. Excessive consumption of sweet foods increases acidity, while spicy and canned foods shift the pH balance to the alkaline side. If you eat these foods regularly and have skin problems, reconsider your diet.
Environmental influence. Dedicated to those who like to sunbathe without SPF protection. The sun's rays oxidize the skin, make it dry, draw out moisture, destroy collagen, stimulating premature aging.
Age. During menopause, rapid aging of the skin occurs - it becomes alkalized. Pores expand, the dermis becomes more comedogenic, dull, and loses elasticity.
Care. Improper care affects the health and acid-base balance of the skin. For example, washing with hot and very warm water changes pH values. Also, the skin balance is affected by the illiterate use of products containing active substances. These are, for example, lines with acids (salicylic, fruit), recommended for oily, problem skin. “Daily fanatical use of such products destroys the protective lipid mantle and dries out the skin, turning the dermis into a combination (oily with dry), sensitive, prone to inflammation and premature wrinkles,” warns Mitrofanova Elena, cosmetologist at the Territory SPA salon. Therefore, a competent complex for home use, especially for problem skin, should be selected by a doctor.

Human skin contains water molecules, and therefore has its own acid-base balance (pH), which can change depending on the condition of the person’s skin. In other words, skin pH is the content of acid and alkali. “The pH of the skin is a kind of protection against harmful factors, which prevents the local immune system from being overloaded,” explains Maria Sokolova, cosmetologist at the Essence Beauty and Health Center.

“The most important function of the acid-base environment is protection against pathogenic flora: acidity ensures the coordinated functioning of skin cells, control of microflora on the surface of the skin, and prevents the proliferation of pathogenic flora. In addition, the pH level affects the rate of renewal of the stratum corneum,” adds Taisiya Petrova, cosmetologist-esthetician at the Aging Control aesthetic medicine clinic.

How to Determine pH Level

In order for the skin to maintain the necessary moisture balance and have high resistance to infections and other external irritants, the pH level must be 5.5. As soon as a shift occurs in one direction or another, skin problems begin. That is, dry skin is characterized by a balance from 3 to 5.5, which indicates a dominant acidic environment. Numbers from 5.7 to 6 are typical for oily skin, where an alkaline environment prevails. “It is quite simple to determine that the acid-base balance is changed: if the pH is low, this will be indicated by factors such as flaking of the skin, severe dryness and tightness, itching, redness, and there will also be an unpleasant or even painful reaction when applying decorative cosmetics. An elevated pH level is caused by oily shine, rashes and enlarged pores,” says Maria Sokolova.

There are many methods for determining skin pH, and the most common is the use of indicators. “Indicators are litmus papers of various colors, which change color depending on the acidity. The advantage of this method is that it is cheap, but you cannot count on accuracy. To more accurately determine the acidity of the skin, a pH meter is used - special equipment,” explains Victoria Zhovtun, cosmetologist and dermatologist at the Open Clinic.

“In beauty salons, to determine pH, portable non-invasive electronic testing devices with an indicator or glass electrode are used to determine the level of acidity in numerical terms - pH meters,” explains Natalia Frolova, dermatocosmetologist at the Golden Mandarin health and beauty center.

Why pH imbalance is bad and how to choose products

Deviations from normal acidity levels can be the cause or consequence of many serious disorders of barrier function. “For example, a violation of the synthesis of lipids, which take part in the regulation of the aqueous environment and acidity, leads to irritation of the skin, its dryness, and redness. And to the development of pathogenic microorganisms in them. These changes occur with psoriasis (here there is a deviation from the norm in the acidic direction), dermatitis and acne (here there is a deviation in the alkaline direction). For example, with acne, the pH of the skin is about 6 units,” says Christina Komissarova, cosmetologist at the Italian beauty salon Domenico Castello.

The prevalence of an alkaline environment in the skin leads to the proliferation of bacteria that can cause acne. When the balance decreases towards an acidic environment, the skin becomes not just dry, but very dry. Such dermis does not retain fluid well, suffers from dehydration, and becomes susceptible to microtrauma. Through these open “gates” bacteria enter the skin, which can cause irritation and skin diseases.

To avoid skin irritation, you should use cosmetics with the same pH level as the pH of your skin. However, in practice this is not always possible to apply. “Most often, home care creams have a pH of 5–9 and can be used without much concern. There are many peels and creams with a pH from 1 to 5, which can harm the skin if used incorrectly, so such products must be used under the supervision of a specialist. - Victoria Zhovtun warns. - When using toilet soap with an acidity level of 9–11, magnesium and calcium salts remain on the skin of the face. This provokes peeling and allergic reactions on the skin. The properties of the cosmetics used depend not only on the pH amount, but also on the content of beneficial components, the characteristics of the water and microbiological purity.”

“In people with thin sensitive skin, the synthesis of epidermal lipids is impaired and the skin has a very thin stratum corneum that cannot perform its protective functions, so if a cosmetic product has a pH below 4.5, it will cause irritation and redness. In this case, you need to use products with a pH of 5.5. But for those who have oily and problem skin, in order to normalize the acid-base balance, they need to take medications with a pH of 4.0-4.5, and not 5.5, explains Natalia Frolova. - When choosing cosmetic products, it is not necessary to pay attention to the “pH balanced” label. It may not exist, but if the drug is certified, this goes without saying. Certified cosmetic preparations go on sale that do not change the pH, otherwise they will cause significant harm.”

About the need to use tonics

The statement that cream cannot be applied without tonic, since it is a conductor for cosmetics, is quite controversial. “The only obstacle that cosmetics encounter on its way is the stratum corneum (this can be solved by exfoliation) and the small distance between the skin cells themselves, which does not allow large molecules into it

“There are people who do well without toning and are absolutely satisfied with the condition of their skin, then you need to use serum with vitamin C - it has an acidic environment and will even out the pH level after washing,” adds Taisiya Petrova.

You can do without tonic. Initially, tonics were used to restore the pH of the skin after washing, since many cleansers contained surfactants, which are alkaline. Today, fairly gentle cleansers are produced, and many of them do not contain soap at all. Therefore, they practically do not disturb the acidity of the skin, and if they do, it is much softer and it is restored on its own quite quickly.

Recently, in the cosmetics market, manufacturers have increasingly begun to indicate the pH level on the packaging of foams or washing gels. We invite you to figure out right now what this abbreviation means, why this indicator is needed and how to choose cosmetics with an optimal pH level for yourself. At the end of the article, you will find a selection of specific cleansing products, created specifically by the team’s professionalswebsite

What is the pH level of the skin?

Human skin contains water molecules, and therefore has its own acid-base balance (pH), which can change depending on the condition of the skin. In other words, skin pH shows the ratio of acid and alkaline on its surface.

The pH value can vary from 0 to 14. Each number characterizes a specific environment. This can be clearly seen in the image below:

Scientific studies of wide groups of people have shown that the pH parameters of the surface of the dermis can vary in the range from 4 to 7. At the same time, a direct dependence of the pH level on the type of our skin has been established. Dry skin is characterized by a balance of 5.7 to 7, which indicates a dominant acidic environment. Numbers from 4 to 5.2 are typical for oily skin, where an alkaline environment prevails.

The optimal pH balance of the skin on the face is 5.5. And it is precisely this indicator that ensures high skin resistance to bacteria, infections and other external irritants. As soon as a shift occurs in one direction or another, skin problems begin.

How to Determine pH Level

In beauty salons, to determine pH, portable electronic testers with an indicator or glass electrode are used to determine the acidity level in numerical terms - pH meters. But you can do this yourself, paying attention to the type of imperfections that bother you.

If the pH is low, this will be indicated by factors such as flaking of the skin, severe dryness and tightness, itching, redness, and there will also be an unpleasant or even painful reaction when applying decorative cosmetics. An elevated pH level results in oily shine, rashes and enlarged pores.

Which cosmetic products to choose?

By using too harsh cleansing products in our care, for example, regular soap, we disrupt the acid-base balance, causing inflammation, acne, dryness or flaking. That is why when choosing a foam for washing you need to pay attention to this indicator.

In this article, we have made for you a selection of products that will work effectively, but at the same time gently and carefully.

Ideal for morning cleansing of the skin. Excellently removes excess sebum and dead cells, giving a feeling of cleanliness, hydration and comfort throughout the day. Does not overdry, does not cause peeling, irritation or a feeling of tightness.

Designed to cleanse the skin of makeup. The product penetrates deep into the pores and copes well with any impurities. The special formula of the product allows it to be used for all skin types.

Gently and carefully removes any dirt. The special composition of the product ensures that the skin maintains an optimal pH balance and improves its condition. The product perfectly nourishes, moisturizes, soothes the skin, promotes regeneration, makes the skin smooth and silky.

It has a low acid-base balance and therefore does not disturb the natural pH of the skin. The foam does not overdry and does not provoke a feeling of tightness, while the product perfectly cleanses the skin of impurities, moisturizes and softens, has an anti-inflammatory effect, tones and improves complexion.

Designed specifically for sensitive and dry skin. Its main advantage is low acidity, which neutralizes the harmful effects of hard running water and restores the acid-base balance of the skin. The foam cleanses well, does not dry out and prevents inflammation.

In conclusion, we would like to note that any facial cleansing, even just with running water, without using cosmetic foam, disrupts the natural pH balance of the skin and destroys its protective barrier. For this reason, after washing, be sure to use a refreshing toner and moisturizer. Do not neglect this rule and choose soft cleansers.

Almost a century ago, Schade and Marchionini first coined the term Säuremantel or “acid mantle” to describe the inherent acidic environment of the stratum corneum. In the last decade, skin pH has been shown to greatly influence barrier homeostasis, the integrity and strength of the stratum corneum (SC), and the skin's antimicrobial defense mechanisms.

Despite compelling evidence that skin pH plays an important role in MS function, the application of the concept of clinical acid mantle care has lagged. The importance of maintaining an acidic pH of the skin, especially as it affects certain skin diseases, remains a recognized topic among practicing dermatologists in the United States. It is becoming apparent that there is a shortage of low pH soaps, cleaners and moisturizers available in the US market.

The purpose of this article is to reintroduce the concept of the “acid mantle” and provide the reader with objective evidence that skin pH is closely related to vital MS function. It is impossible to ignore the latest compelling basic scientific research on the role of pH as a major factor in MS function. Abnormal pH is observed in a number of skin diseases, which will be discussed below. Finally, practical recommendations will be discussed regarding the use of soaps, cleansers, and moisturizers that help maintain the acid mantle.

Physiological skin pH

The pH of the skin is generally acidic, in the range of pH 4-6, while the internal environment of the body is maintained close to neutral (pH 7-9). This creates a sharp pH gradient of 2-3 units between the pH of the PC and the pH of the epidermis and dermis. The physiological role of the acidic surface of the skin is to provide defense mechanisms against invading microorganisms. More recently, several key enzymes involved in the synthesis and maintenance of a competent skin barrier have been shown to significantly influence skin pH. Consequently, there is a greater understanding of the importance of pH in relation to skin function and integrity.

Factors affecting skin pH

A number of factors, incl. both endogenous and exogenous, affect skin pH. (see Table No. 1).

Table I. Factors affecting skin pH (adopted from Yosipovitch et al. 1996)

Age

Immediately after birth, the pH of the skin surface of both full-term and premature newborns is higher than that of adults and older children. The average pH value is from 6 to 7.08 in various parts of the body on the first day of life in full-term newborns, which is significantly higher than in adults (pH 5.7). The pH decreases sharply in the first days of the postpartum period. The pH value later in infancy is similar to that of adults.

The decrease in pH occurs from day 3 to day 30 of the neonatal period and is most noticeable in the forearms compared to the forehead, cheeks and buttocks. There is no difference in pH values between different parts of the body in a newborn 1-2 days after birth. During the day, the pH is higher on the cheeks and buttocks and lower on the forehead and forearms. This apparent discrepancy can be attributed to external factors, namely occlusion of the buttock area by diapers and exposure to climatic factors on the exposed cheek skin. Eczema tends to cause a decrease in pH on the extensor surfaces of the extremities, as well as on the cheeks of newborns, compared to normal adult skin. Increased desquamation observed in the first few days after birth is largely due to increased pH levels. Elevated pH is known to increase the activity of the serine proteases kallikrein 5 and 7, which are involved in desquamation and degradation of corneodesmosomes. Increased activity of these enzymes at higher pH levels likely explains the increased desquamation observed in the first few days postpartum, when the skin surface is more alkaline. In addition, key enzymes involved in barrier permeability, β-glucocerebrosidase and acid sphingomyelinase, which require an acidic pH, are not fully activated during the neonatal period, resulting in decreased skin hydration.

An increase in skin pH and a decrease in buffering capacity have also been documented in the skin of older people. The deficiency of ceramides in the skin, observed in old age, also contributes to alkalization of the skin. Alkaline external stimuli, which have a pH optimum of 9, contribute to the degradation of the lipid barrier and are more active in old age.

pH and skin area

There are “physiological gaps” in the acid barrier of the skin, which depend on the specific area of the skin, especially in the interdigital spaces and in large folds - axillary, inguinal, inframammary, where the pH is higher compared to other areas of the skin. Higher pH values in the axillary folds lead to colonization by propionbacteria and staphylococci, which contribute to the formation of odor. Deodorants containing citrates lower pH and inhibit bacterial activity. Candidal intertrigo of large folds also predominantly develops in an alkaline environment.

Pigmented skin

Gunathilake et al. note a significantly more acidic skin surface in dark-skinned individuals (Fitzpatrick IV-V), compared with weakly pigmented types (Fitzpatrick I-II) (pH 4.6 ± 0.03 versus 5.0 ± 0.04). Additionally, higher integrity and barrier function were observed in darker skinned individuals. These qualities have been attributed to increased epidermal lipids, increased lamellar body density, and decreased pH in dark-skinned individuals. Serine protease activity was reduced in more acidic environments in dark-skinned individuals and increased at higher pH in lightly pigmented individuals. In addition, acidification of the skin in individuals with skin types I-II with topical polyhydroxy acids to the pH observed in individuals with skin types IV-V improved barrier functions to levels comparable to those in the dark-skinned group.

Skin pH and barrier functions

The permeability of the stratum corneum depends on its hydrophobic nature, the distribution of lipids, and the organization of lipids into lamellar bilayers. Several pH-dependent enzymes are involved in the formation of the stratum corneum barrier, in particular its lipophilic components. Two key enzymes involved in lipid processing, β-glucocerebrosidase and acid sphingomyelinase, function at optimal pH levels of 5.6 and 4.5, respectively. Both are involved in the synthesis of ceramides, critical components of barrier permeability. The activity of β-glucocerebrosidase is 10 times less at pH 7.4 than at pH 5.5. The processing of lipids secreted by lamellar organs and the formation of a layered structure require an acidic environment. Studies in mice and humans support the claim that pH affects skin barrier function. In hairless mice exposed to acetone, barrier function recovered more quickly in the presence of an acidic buffer solution compared to a neutral buffer solution. Likewise, blockade or inhibition of secretory phospholipase A2 or the sodium-proton exchanger, both of which are involved in stratum corneum acidification, resulted in impaired stratum corneum permeability and integrity. Finally, studies have shown that at pH levels above normal skin pH, the skin barrier is compromised, associated with increased activity of serine proteinases and decreased activity of ceramide-generating enzymes.

Recently, Hatano et al. showed that maintaining an acidic environment in the stratum corneum using polyhydroxy acids prevents the development of hapten-induced atopic dermatitis in mice. Lowering pH in mice prevented epidermal tissue hyperplasia, reduced eosinophilia, and normalized epidermal structures. Their conclusions are that topical acid preparations can alter the course of inflammatory dermatoses.

Skin pH and stratum corneum integrity

pH not only affects barrier homeostasis, but also affects the integrity and desquamation of the stratum corneum. The serine proteases kallikrein 5 and kallikrein 7 function optimally in a neutral environment and are closely associated with desquamation by acting on desmoglein 1. When the pH increases, serine proteases are activated, while the enzymes responsible for the creation of ceramides, for which an acidic environment is optimal, are inactivated with damage for the structure and function of the stratum corneum.

Skin pH and antimicrobial properties

Growth of normal skin flora occurs at acidic pH values, while pathogenic bacteria such as S. aureus grow at neutral pH. Dermicidin, an antimicrobial peptide found in sweat, exhibits antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogenic microorganisms. When S. aureus was incubated in the seventh fraction of sweat containing dermicidin, a bactericidal effect exceeding 90% was observed in a buffer with pH 5.5, while in a buffer with pH 6.5 this effect decreased to 60%. Chikakane & Takashashi also noted a decrease in the antibacterial activity of cationic substances, for example, some basic proteins, due to a decrease in acidity. Nitrates, which are produced in the sweat glands, are converted by bacteria into nitrites. Nitrites serve as a nonspecific antibacterial defense mechanism. This occurs in an acidic environment.

Skin pH in diseases

The skin permeability barrier, when functioning properly, gives the skin the ability to resist external agents and retain hydration. Stratum corneum, pH and permeability are codependent. Several dermatoses discussed below are characterized by disruption of the permeability barrier and changes in skin pH.

Atopic dermatitis (AD)

In a study of 100 children with AD, it was observed that their pH was significantly higher in lesions and apparently unchanged skin compared to the skin of 21 healthy children. In addition, higher pH values were detected in areas of the skin corresponding to more intense itching and dry skin in patients with AD.

Why is pH altered in atopic skin? Several factors have been proposed. Levels of free amino acids and urocanic acid, which are believed to be involved in creating an acidic environment in the stratum corneum, are markedly reduced in atopic skin. The prerequisite for this is a deficiency of the protein filaggrin. Sweat secretions rich in lactic acid are also believed to contribute to the formation of an acid mantle, which reduces symptoms of blood pressure. Finally, in AD there is an abnormal secretion of lamellar bodies that can influence pH, just as exocytosis of lamellar bodies is a source of protons for acidification of the stratum corneum.

Impaired barrier function in AD can be explained in particular by the impaired process of synthesis, secretion and maturation of lipids in the stratum corneum, which depends on enzymes functioning in an acidic environment. Abnormal lipid organization, namely the predominance of a gel phase relative to the crystalline phase of lamellar structures, has been described in patients with AD. The formation of the lamellar liquid crystalline phase occurs at pH values of 4.5-6. Serine proteases, in particular the stratum corneum enzyme chymotrypsin, which has a pH optimum of 8, may also play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Transgenic mice with increased serine protease activity develop AD-like dermatosis. Expression of the enzyme chymotrypsin in the stratum corneum increases significantly in chronic eczema. In addition, serine proteases cause itching by activating PAR-2 receptors on keratinocytes and nerve cells in atopic skin.

Ichthyosis

Öhman & Vahlquist found that skin pH was significantly higher in patients with ichthyosis vulgaris (5.3 ± 0.7) than in patients with x-linked ichthyosis (4.6 ± 0.4) and healthy subjects (4.5 ± 0.2). Fillagrin is known to be decreased in ichthyosis vulgaris and is also believed to play a role in acidification of the stratum corneum. Conversely, in X-linked ichthyosis, steroid sulfatase leads to the accumulation of cholesterol sulfate and equalization of the pH gradient. The enzymes involved in desquamation are pH dependent and changes in pH interfere with normal desquamation. The use of acidic preparations with lactic acid promotes keratolysis and is effective for ichthyosis.

Candidal intertrigo

Candida albicans, a dimorphic yeast, is pH dependent. An acidic pH promotes the formation of blastospores of the fungus, and an increase in pH promotes the formation of the pathogenic mycelial form of the fungus. In one study, a C. albicans solution was applied as an occlusive dressing to the left and right forearms with buffers of different pH levels (6.0 and 4.5). Skin reactions at 24 hours were more severe on the hand with the higher pH in 14 of 15 people. Acidified nitrite cream is reported to have antifungal activity. Diabetics are especially prone to developing candidal intertrigo. In a study of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, skin pH was significantly higher in the skinfolds of diabetics compared to those of healthy controls. Interestingly, there is no difference in the pH of the forearms between the two groups. High pH in diabetic skin folds has been interpreted as a possible factor contributing to the susceptibility of diabetic patients to candidal infection.

Diaper dermatitis (ND)

A number of factors play a role in the development of PD, incl. prolonged exposure to urine and feces, increased hydration, changes in skin microbial flora, changes in skin pH. A significant correlation was demonstrated between the severity of PD and increased skin pH in the area of contact with diapers. Exposure to urine and feces generates ammonia, creating an alkaline environment. Alkaline pH activates fecal proteases and lipases, which compromise the skin barrier. Elevated pH levels also influence susceptibility to C. albicans. C. albicans is the microorganism most commonly associated with PD. Recently, Bégen et al tested diapers treated with acid cellulose to maintain a pH of 4.5-5.5. Resolution of existing irritating skin lesions was noted in 8 of 12 patients after switching to acidified diapers. In addition, tampons have been developed and are available for purchase to reduce the typically elevated vaginal pH during menstruation. Vaginal pH in healthy premenopausal women ranges from 3.5-4.5. Blood pH is 7.4 and vaginal pH increases during menstruation. RepHresh has created effective pH swabs containing citric acid and L-lactide that are currently available and used to lower pH.

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)

Individuals prone to RCD have been shown to have higher pH values compared to healthy individuals.

Mycosis of the feet

The pH of the skin of the feet in patients with foot mycoses was significantly higher compared to controls (healthy individuals).

Acne

In vitro, P. acnes grows well at pH values between 6 and 6.5 and growth is markedly reduced at pH values less than 6. In the study, the number of inflammatory lesions increased in the group using alkaline soaps and decreased in the group using acidic skin cleansers .

Uremia

Skin surface pH has been shown to be significantly higher in dialysis patients compared to healthy controls, despite the fact that dialysis patients had chronic acidemia. Skin infections, primarily fungal infections, are common in hemodialysis patients. High pH may predispose patients in this population to increased mycotic infection and suggests a possible role in uremic pruritus.

Practical use

It has been suggested that altered pH is observed in the various dermatoses described above. Exposure to exogenous agents such as cleansers, creams, deodorants, and topical antibacterial agents affect skin pH and may further aggravate the underlying disease in these patients. The choice of topical agents that preserve the acidic environment appears to be important in these patients.

Detergents

Surfactant-based detergents are known as “syndets” (synthetic liquid-based detergent). Syndets tend to be neutral to acidic (≤ pH = 7) compared to soaps, which are generally alkaline (pH 10). Detergent-based soaps are known to have a higher potential to irritate the skin than syndets. Washing hands with alkaline soap increases the pH in the palms by an average of 3 units and remains changed for 90 minutes after washing.

Acidification of the stratum corneum

Topical alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are characteristic of drugs used in the treatment of keratinization disorders. AHAs such as lactic acid have been shown to increase ceramide production by 300% in vitro. In one study, twice daily supplementation with 4% l-lactic acid (pH 3.7-4.0) for 4 weeks resulted in significant improvement in barrier function. In vivo, the total proportion of ceramides increased significantly. The ability of AHA to increase ceramide levels is beneficial in individuals with reduced barrier function, incl. with blood pressure, in which ceramides are reduced. Studies have shown the beneficial effects of topical acid electrolyte (pH 2.0-2.7) on severe dermatitis and S. aureus skin colonization in children and adults. The use of AHA is also effective for irritant dermatitis.

To treat skin diseases such as acne, blood pressure, diaper rash and allergic contact dermatitis, the doctor has a number of topical and oral medications in his arsenal. Using the right soaps and creams that do not compromise the acidic pH of the skin should be part of the treatment for these patients. It is recommended to choose the right detergents, which should have a pH between 4.5-6.5, i.e. close to the pH of normal skin. Syndets are less irritating and preferable. Commonly used alkaline detergents containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur or resorcinol-antibacterial agents (such as triclocarban or triclosan), although effective in eradicating staphylococci and gram-negative bacteria, have a pH of 9-10 and can cause skin irritation, so their daily use Not recommended. Often, patients with diaper rash or acne, believing that their skin diseases are associated with poor hygiene, overuse alkaline soap, which often makes the situation worse. Proper education and appropriate recommendations for topical treatment are critical in such situations.

conclusions

In the last decade, the role of skin pH as a factor providing the barrier function of the stratum corneum has been studied. There is likely still much to be learned in this area. We know that many skin diseases are characterized by damaged barrier function with abnormal pH values. This should guide the physician to maintain or restore the acidic environment by choosing the optimal topical agent that can effectively support the acid mantle of the skin.

Many dermatological problems are associated with disturbances and changes in the chemical composition of the skin. The most important indicator is the Ph of the skin, which must be taken into account when choosing medications, as well as when purchasing effective care products. This indicator reflects the level of acidity, which can vary from 0 to 14. A value below 7 represents an acidic environment, and above 7 an alkaline environment.

When choosing skin products, it is worth knowing about the optimal value of this indicator. Also, to ensure quality skin care, it is worth exploring methods that will help restore acidity.

Features and properties of leather

The balance of alkali and acid in a certain environment is characterized by a certain pH value. When determining this value for the surface of the skin, we mean the epidermis, on which the secretions of the sebaceous glands appear. Ph parameters of human skin can vary from 3 to 7.

High acidity is recorded in the scalp area - 4.5-5.5. On the soles and palms the PH level varies from 6.5. Normal skin has a value of 5.5. For oily skin, the acidity is within 6.

To exclude adverse reactions, you should select cosmetic preparations whose acidity level coincides with the individual indicator.

As we age, the skin becomes more alkaline. Since dry skin type is more alkaline than oily skin.

What should the PH be?

The neutral indicator is 7.

Human skin may have the following indicators:

Normal skin coverage is 5.4-5.7.
For oily surfaces – 6.
Dry skin – 3-5.

An acidic environment is considered normal for the epidermis. This is due to sweat secreted, the amount of acetic and lactic acid, amino acids and the influence of the bacterial environment.

The acid-base balance can fluctuate under the influence of the following factors:

Endogenous: presence of diseases, gender and age categories, psychological state.
Exogenous include the influence of seasonal changes or time of day, the use of medications and dietary habits.

Acidity is more important in women than in men. It differs in different areas of the face. On eyelids, this indicator is closer to the neutral value. On the cheeks up to 5.7. In the forehead area, acidity can be 4.1-5.6.

A shift from normal values may indicate that the acidity balance is changing under the influence of aggressive factors or the presence of pathological conditions.

With psoriasis, there is a predominance in the acidic side, and in the event of acne and rashes, in the alkaline side.

How to determine acid-base balance?

If the acid-base balance changes, this can be recognized by certain signs.

If the acidity level of the face deviates towards greater acidity, the following symptoms appear:

severe dryness and itching and tightness;
the appearance of a peeling effect;
reaction when applying cosmetics;
the appearance of redness.

Skin pH can be determined by changes in the skin after cleansing. Or by reaction to the use of decorative cosmetics.

In special rooms, special testers with an indicator mechanism are used to determine acidity.

If the pH level is 5.5, then the skin surface looks healthy and smooth. There are no pimples and blackheads, as well as irritation.

When the skin surface is dry, the sebaceous glands function with little activity, so it has a dull tint. On such skin, cracks and wrinkles form early. This skin has a low pH value of 3-5. He is sensitive to external stimuli.

Combination skin combines the characteristics of normal and oily skin. Its pH value varies from 3 to 6.

Oily skin can be identified by a certain shine and visible pores. In this case, the pH level can reach 6.

Characteristics of cosmetic products

In order not to harm the skin, cosmetics with an identical PH level should be used. In practice, this does not always happen.

Standard creams have a pH level from 5 to 9. But various peelings and creams with various acids have a pH value from 5 to 1. Such preparations are recommended to be used only in beauty salons under the supervision of specialists. After using such compositions, weakly alkaline mixtures are used to normalize the acid-base balance.

When using toilet soap with an acidity level of 9-11, magnesium and calcium salts remain on the skin of the face. This provokes peeling and allergic reactions on the skin.

For hair care, balms are used whose acid-base balance is 2-7.

The properties of the cosmetics used depend not only on the amount of pH, but also on the content of useful components, the characteristics of the water and microbiological purity.

Using products that are too alkaline or acidic can lead to an imbalance in the skin. When using alkaline products, restoration of the skin surface is required. Moisturizing creams are used for this. Various oils can also be used: olive, jojoba or argan oil.

Components that are too acidic weaken the skin barrier and open the door for impurities and bacterial infections. You should be careful when using peels.

Antioxidants are used to protect the skin from aggressive components. Vitamins A, C and E are of particular value.

How does the pH of the skin change?

Skin pH can change. At the same time, a feeling of freshness or, conversely, a feeling of discomfort appears. A liquid with a high level of acidity can have an irritating effect on the epidermis. With oily dermis, discomfort will not appear.

The acid-base balance of water varies from 6.6 to 8.4.

The following factors also affect the acidity of the face:

fatty and light balms and creams;
exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
features of decorative cosmetics;
cosmetic preparations.

Any soap provokes an alkaline reaction. This destroys the protective layer that retains moisture. For normal and oily dermis, such washing will go unnoticed, and those with dry epidermis will feel the skin stretching.

How to normalize PH indicator?

To restore normal acidity balance, you need to know why acidity changes.

Certain factors can affect the chemical properties of the facial surface:

Diseases of some internal organs, diabetes mellitus and endocrine system disorders.
The use of diuretics and antibacterial drugs.
Fungal diseases.
Stressful situations.
Poor nutrition.
Abuse of hair curling and dyeing products.
Applying facial products without taking into account acidity.
Excessive exposure to sunlight.
Use of vitamin complexes.

It is important to pay attention to the components of detergents and various cosmetic preparations before purchasing.

Before purchasing a cosmetic product, you need to look at how many useful components are in this composition and what its acidity is:

Solid soap has a pH level of 9 to 11.
Shampoo should be selected according to your individual pH value.
Rinse balms have a pH level from 2 to 7.
Various hair coloring products – 9-11.

To maintain the optimal ph level for washing, it is recommended to use lotions, milks and tonics rather than soap. Do not overuse peelings and scrubs. It is also necessary to use various sunscreens.

To prolong the youth of the skin, you should not abuse various diets. When you consume too much protein, your body produces more acid. Therefore, nutrition should be rational, which also contains fats and proteins. To avoid gaining weight, you need to combine proper nutrition with physical activity.