The pH of the skin indicates the levels of acidity, alkalinity or neutrality of the skin, which form the protective layer of the skin.
You’ve probably heard about pH, of the skin, or even that described in the formula of cosmetic products. The term pH, which means Hydrogenionic potential, is very common. But even so, it still arouses a lot of curiosity.
To understand what skin pH is, we first need to know more about the skin itself. Among the many functions of this organ of ours, fundamental for the total functioning of our organism, is the function of a protective barrier.
That’s right, our skin acts as a shield for our body from the outside world. And this is where the skin’s pH comes into play.
This is because pH is one of the skin’s main protection mechanisms. It is what protects the skin from the various external aggressors to which we are exposed, such as pollution, climate and contact with chemicals.
That’s why it’s so important to keep it balanced, as if it isn’t, the skin becomes more vulnerable to such agents.
What is skin pH?
The Hydrogenionic potential of the skin is what indicates the degree of acidity, alkalinity or neutrality of the skin. In this way, the pH of the skin is determined based on the balance of various nutrients that make up the outer layer of the skin. Such as water, mineral salts, fat, secretion of sebaceous and sweat glands on the surface of the skin.
From this, there is a scale that determines the pH of the skin. This scale varies between 0 and 14, and defines the three types of skin pH that exist, which are:
- Neutral: the neutral pH type, is characterized by the balance between the degree of acidity and alkalinity of the skin. Therefore, in this case, the skin’s pH is 7.
- Acid: At acidic pH, the degree of acidity is slightly greater than that of alkalinity. So, the pH is less than 7.
- Alkali: in the latter, the degree of alkalinity is greater than the acidity, resulting in a pH greater than 7.
Therefore, the ideal pH of the body’s skin varies between 4.7 and 5.7. However, it is important to emphasize that the pH of the skin varies at different stages of life.
Importance of skin pH
Since pH is one of the skin’s main protection mechanisms, it is essential for its health. Thus, since the acid mantle is responsible for this protective barrier, it is what neutralizes skin aggressors, especially alkaline-based ones. Furthermore, it prevents the growth of bacteria, restores and maintains ideal acidity to keep the skin healthy.
If the skin’s pH rises to the point of alkaline, its natural balance is altered. And thus, fundamental epidermal lipids can no longer be synthesized, leaving the skin dry, largely as a result of water loss. In this way, the outer layer of the skin no longer fully acts as a protective barrier.
Therefore, when this barrier is compromised, it is common for the skin to become dry and sensitive. Therefore, more prone to infections and skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, for example; and less than desirable conditions, such as rosacea.
Skin pH in different parts of the body
It is normal for the structure of the skin to be different depending on the part of the body. The same goes for your pH. Thus, while most of the skin on the face and body maintains a pH between 4.7 and 5.7, some parts of the body have a slightly different pH.
- Hands: As hands are constantly exposed to external forces, generally from work, it is natural for their pH to be stressed. Therefore, its protective acid mantle may be a little weaker and prone to irritation.
- Axillas: Armpits are parts of the body that can remain without light or ventilation for a long time. Furthermore, underarm skin is constantly exposed to chemicals such as antiperspirants and hair removal products. Therefore, the pH of underarm skin is around 6.5. And all these conditions favor the proliferation of bacteria.
- Intimate region: Just like the armpits, the skin in the intimate area also has a pH of 6.5. Which makes the region more prone to bacterial infections.
Factors that affect skin pH
However, there are a number of factors that can alter the alkaline levels of the skin. And we can’t always control them.
External factors that affect the skin
- Climate change, such as changes in temperature and humidity;
- Dirt and pollution;
- Alkaline cosmetic products;
- Chemicals.
However, it is important to highlight that chemicals with a very high alkaline pH are extremely harmful to the skin’s pH. This is because these products overload the skin’s neutralization capacity, which results in serious damage to its structure and protective barrier.
Furthermore, some very strong types of medications, such as chemotherapy treatments, diuretics and antibiotics, also compromise the skin’s natural defenses. Thus, affecting its pH and disrupting its protective function.
Internal factors that affect the skin
- Genetics,
- Age,
- Hormones
Furthermore, the pH of men’s and women’s skin is slightly different. This is because male skin has a lower average pH, due to the fact that the sebum production rate is higher than in female skin.
And as the issue of hormones varies greatly at different stages of life, such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, etc.; the tendency is for the skin’s pH to also change. Which is totally normal.
How to keep your skin’s pH balanced?
So, as seen so far, it is extremely important to keep the skin’s pH balanced. By doing this, you are protecting your skin and preventing the appearance of irritation and inflammation on the skin.
And, to maintain this balance, it is essential to cultivate healthy habits. For example, eating healthy and drinking lots of water. But most importantly, maintain a regular skin care routine.
Of course, always taking into account the products you use must respect the natural pH. This, after all, will keep your protection barrier intact.
The ideal, in short, is to look for products with ingredients that work to balance and restore pH, contributing to its regeneration. Furthermore, in some areas of the body, such as hands, armpits and the intimate area, it is recommended to use products that do not alter the skin’s balance.
But, you don’t need to know all these details when choosing a cosmetic. All of this can be recommended by a dermatologist.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? Take the opportunity to also check things that may be making your skin dry.
Sources: Eucerin Sallve Terra
Featured image: AC Farma
Images: Health Magazine Derma Clin Nova Cosméticos Alto Astral Mulher
