Skin Care
Why Your Product's pH MattersKnow a bit of chemistry for more balanced skin |
Maintaining Skin's Optimal pH Our bodies are capable of keeping a balanced pH, but choosing the wrong skin care products can throw those systems off and cause issues. NeoStrata training manager Patricia Clare says that if a product is too alkaline, it can strip skin of protective oils, leaving it dry, irritated and vulnerable. It can also cause skin to overproduce oil to make up for what was lost, which can result in sebum "flooding" the surface of the skin. Liz Earle facialist and brand ambassador Sarah Carr adds that too much alkaline can damage the barrier function of skin and lead to decreased antibacterial defense, especially in people suffering from dermatitis or those who have sensitive skin. Skin that is too alkaline also tends to age faster, Burki says.
Conversely, having a product that is too acidic isn't good, either, even though skin's optimal pH is acidic. Too much acidity might not be tolerated by skin and can leave it irritated, red, blotchy and tingly.
Be aware that pH doesn't stop with skin care. There are numerous things that can impact skin's pH, like pollution, sun, water, smoking and even air, says Clare. What's more, lifestyle choices and diet can play a role.
Image via Imaxtree
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Conversely, having a product that is too acidic isn't good, either, even though skin's optimal pH is acidic. Too much acidity might not be tolerated by skin and can leave it irritated, red, blotchy and tingly.
Be aware that pH doesn't stop with skin care. There are numerous things that can impact skin's pH, like pollution, sun, water, smoking and even air, says Clare. What's more, lifestyle choices and diet can play a role.
Image via Imaxtree
SEE NEXT PAGE: Choosing Products With the Right pH