Does Your Skin's pH Really Matter?

Remember in chemistry class where your teacher talked about pH levels? Well, that lesson is actually very important for anyone who cares about having healthy skin. Is your skin feeling dry, brittle, or flaky? Your skin's pH level could be the culprit. Your skin's pH balance means everything when it comes to the quality of your skin. An unbalanced pH level can lead to things like acne, wrinkles, and other skin irritants. Fix your skin by balancing your skin's pH level. It's one of the most important steps to achieving #flawless skin.

Let's get technical. Water has a pH balance of 7, and your skin (if balanced) has a pH of 5.5. This means that skin tends to be more on the acidic-side of things, which is perfectly normal. This doesn't mean that your skin is super toxic or anything. That's just the standard level of pH for optimal hydration and balance. Wondering if your skin is off balance? Is your skin craving moisture? Do you have a few dry spots that just never seem to go away? If so, it's time to balance things out. By eating a proper diet, and using pH-balancing skin care, you'll be on your way to glorious, healthy skin. Here are a few basic things that you need to know when it comes to your skin's pH level.

1. Products With A Lower pH Level Are Usually More Exfoliating

According to Dr. Diana Howard from the International Dermal Institute, chemical exfoliation (i.e. your skin care products) is a great way to stimulate cell turnover. If you're looking to achieve glowing skin (aren't we all?), lean towards products that include ingredients such as salicylic acid, vitamin A, and retinol. These ingredients all have a lower pH, which means that are perfect for rejuvenating your skin.

2. Products With A Higher pH Can Be More Irritating

Most soaps tend to be alkaline, which means that they have a higher pH. According to Elle, having this level of pH means that they can leave the skin feeling a little dry and sensitive. Try to level this out with a good toner, or by using a cleanser that promises to balance the skin's pH levels.

3. Having An Unbalanced pH Level Can Make Your Skincare Ineffective

If your skin's pH is unbalanced, then it can cause your skincare to be less effective. Skincare benefits from the product are usually tested on balanced skin, therefore, unbalanced skin can lessen the skincare's effects. The same goes for mixing skin care products with different acidity levels, according to FutureDerm.com. Mixing too many ph levels can render your skin care ineffective, and ain't nobody got time for that.

4. Get To Know Your Acid Mantle

According to Audrey Kunin, MD, the acid mantle is a thin, protective layer on the top of your skin that keeps bacteria out, and moisture in. When disruptive factors such as stress, pollution, or toxins affect the acid mantle, nasty irritants such as acne and wrinkles can form. Having a balanced diet, and a balanced pH skin care can combat these nasty factors.

5. A Little Acidity Isn't Bad

Acid is actually necessary to fighting of bacteria on the skin. Skin that is too alkaline is prone dryness and sensitivity due to removal of essential skin oils, according to the experts at StyleCaster. If the skin is too dry or sensitive, acne can occur. No one wants that.

6. Too Much Acidity Is Worse

Products containing excessive amounts of salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid, and retinoic acid can be very drying to the skin overtime. These products are meant to fight off acne as well as exfoliate the skin, however, they can be stripping your skin of vital oils as well, as POPSUGAR Beauty pointed out. Make sure to replenish your skin with a moisturizer after using such products.

7. That's Why Balance Is Key

Look for products that advertise being pH balanced or include antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins help maintain the acid mantle, which protect your skin.

It's true that pH can be a little confusing, but once you know the basics, taking care of it should be a piece of cake.

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