Why we Need pH Balanced Skincare

It is the start of a new year, and whether you are changing up your skincare routine, swapping out products, or even simply want to gain more knowledge on healthy skincare, knowing the importance of pH balanced products is the first step for healthy skin. The reason we need pH balanced skincare stems down to the fact that your skin benefits most when it is balanced. PH refers to how basic or acidic a substance is, in this case we are referring to the skin and skincare. The skin's barrier is naturally on the acidic side, which works to keep the skin moisturized and to keep bacteria out.

The skin's natural pH ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, and the pH scale runs from 0-7. The lower the number, the more acidic, the higher the number, would mean it is more basic. The pH of cleansers, toners, moisturizers, etc. can all greatly affect the skin. For example, alkaline skin cleansers can sometimes cause irritation, whereas cleansers on the more acidic side can help combat acne, psoriasis, and eczema. However, some products can be overly acidic which can strip the oils on the skin and potentially cause environmental damage.

So how do you know if you are using the best cleanser for your skin? When you wash your face, your skin should feel hydrated and balanced. When you experience that “squeaky clean” feeling after a cleanse, though the product may leave your face feeling clean, it can lead to drier skin. The overly tight and dry feeling after washing your face indicates the acid mantle of the skin has been affected and that is not the finished feeling you should be searching for. Cleansers should range from 4.5 - 7.0 on the pH scale, so it is important to look for ones in this range to avoid irritation, redness, and dryness. On the other hand, skin acids which you can learn more about here, should be between 3.5-3.9 on the pH scale as it works by lifting away dead skin cells.

After beginning to use pH balanced skincare, you will quickly notice a more restored and healthy barrier. Not overly dry or irritated, the skin barrier should appear healthy. Overwashing your face, exfoliating too often, and overusing acids can all disrupt the pH of your skin. The bottom line is you want to keep all skincare products in a similar range to the skin's natural pH of about 4.5-5.5. If your skin feels nourished and hydrated after cleansing, you most likely are using a safe cleanser.