What does pH balance mean?
pH stands for potential hydrogen and is a measure of how acidic or alkaline an aqueous substance is. This range is from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline).
When it comes to the pH of your skin, it's reliant on the skin's acid mantle.
This acid mantle protects skin against external influences like bacteria, allergens and pollution, while maintaining moisture.
For your skin to remain balanced, your acid mantle will naturally stay slightly acidic with a pH of around 4.5-5.5. This is the skin's magic number.
This pH can be thrown off by anything from UV rays, humidity, skincare products and many other factors.
How to know if your skin is off-balanced?
Generally, skin that isn’t behaving can be traced to pH problems. Skin issues like eczema, redness, dry patches, acne, oiliness, psoriasis, and premature signs of aging all indicate that your skin’s pH is off-balance. That means your skin’s barrier is damaged, and its exposure to the elements exacerbates everything from dry skin to clogged pores.
How can you bring balance back to your skin?
To bring your skin back to the perfect balance, you need to make sure that the products you apply to your skin are pH balanced.
This means that the pH levels of your skincare products should sit around 4.5-6.
I definitely recommend investing in some pH strips to test the products.
I also recommend you simplify your skincare routine and apply the less is more method.
Switching to balanced products, will allow your skin to heal.
There are many studies that suggest that achieving the perfect pH is the secret to beautiful skin. As an an Aesthetician, I highly agree.
When your skin is balanced, it will appear healthier overall.
It will look and feel adequately moisturized and have a healthy glow, which is what we're all hoping our skincare products will deliver. Once balance is restored, your products will work better too.