Why Is the pH of Your Skin Important

Healthy skins are able to fight bacteria, infection, ageing, dehydration, sensitivity or acne from within. The foundation of healthy skin? An optimum skin flora.

This is where the pH of your skin plays an important role. It determines how your skin can protect itself and work at its healthiest.

What does pH stand for?

pH means Potential of Hydrogen - it is the measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution or substance is.

Why is your skin's pH important?

Our skin's pH plays an important role in the Stratum Lucidum of the epidermis - the smallest and most essential layer of our skin. It's in this layer that you will find the Acid Mantle.

The Acid Mantle is a very fine film, composed of a layer of water and oil and its main function is to make sure hydration doesn't escape our skin cells and to protect our skin from infection and harmful bacteria.

For your skin's Acid Mantle to be healthy, it needs a slightly acidic pH.

What is the ideal pH of the Acid Mantle?

The pH of our skin's Acid Mantle should sit between 4.5 and 6.5.

The ideal skin's pH is 5.5, which is slightly acidic.

This way, the skin's barrier is able to keep moisture locked in, combat damaging free radicals and harmful bacteria.

The skin's pH scale:

0-7 is acidic

7 is neutral

7-14 is alkaline

Also read: What is the Skin Microbiome?

What happens if the pH of my skin is too acidic?

The lower scale of acidic will mean your skin will overproduce in oil glands, look and feel rough and lose elasticity. Increases skin inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne.

What happens if my pH of my skin is too alkaline?

With the higher scale of Alkaline, your skin will look flaky and red. Your skin is being stripped of your natural oils and become dehydrated or sensitive.

Factors that can contribute to an improper PH of your skin:

• Improper cosmetics
• Using the wrong products for your skin type
• Lifestyle choices
• Climate
• Environmental pollutions.

Here are some products that can help to rebalance your skin's pH and skin flora:

Medik8 Press and Glow
Dermalogica Active Moist
Aspect Probiotic Mask

If you are experiencing a skin concern and are not sure if your products are correctly prescribed for your skin, here at Skinmart we offer over the phone, face to face or zoom skin consults to evaluate your skincare routine and find the best solutions for you. Reach out to us here.

Also read: Prebiotics and Probiotics in Skincare - What Do They Do for Your Skin?

About The Author

My name is Sari Pols,
I have been in the skincare industry for over 15 years. My passion lies in ‘Health’. Health for the skin and body. My philosophy is if we have good well-being on the inside, then it shows our vitality on the outside.
I have furthered my knowledge of Skin Anatomy, Skin Concerns, and Fitness. I am a true believer in how to make my clients feel their best both inside and out. My emphasis is on guiding my clients through their journey of skin concerns and conditions. I do not like to bandaid a concern or condition but want to get down to the root of the cause. I aim to give personalised consultations with treatment and correct prescribed skin products.