Why the pH Balance of Your Skincare Products Matters So Much
Ever thought about your skin’s pH? We often hear about our gut and ideal conditions for our microbiome, but the same can be said for our skin. Healthy skin thrives in a rather specific environment, which includes a narrow pH. Outside of this healthy range, we see the growth of harmful bacteria, visibly reflected through inflammation and skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea.
While we all have a unique skin microbiome, dermatologists agree that healthy skin will sit consistently at 5.5 on the pH scale. For those with any memory of high school biology, you may recall that this means your skin is on the acidic side. You may have even heard about your skin having an ‘acid mantle,’ which is your skin’s defense against infection and regulator of your pH as well as the ideal environment for sealing in moisture and keeping skin firm. No surprises, our acid mantle begins to diminish as we age which is why aging skin is often drier and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
So skincare and skin treatments are important, or should I say, the quantity and quality is important. Products you use could be damaging your skin’s pH and in doing so, may trigger skin conditions. By dysregulating the acid mantle, our skin’s ability to repel negative environmental factors is weakened. Skin-care products with a high pH level (also known as alkaline) pose the biggest threat to your skin's pH and acid mantle. I used to think the tight, squeaky-clean feeling I would get after cleansing meant a perfectly clean face, when in fact it was sign that I had only stripped away sebum and natural oils and damaged my skin’s barrier!
Products with a low pH usually work more effectively and closely with the skin’s natural pH however certain products such as at home peels and acid-spiked products are often too low of a pH, irritating the skin and not great in the long run.
Skin pH is also affected by the quantity of products we use. We need to be mindful of 12 step beauty routines that see us layering products that have never been tested together as an ideal environment for our skin.
What's the ideal pH for skin-care products?
Skincare products with a pH of 5.5 get the gold star, although anywhere in the range of 4.5 to 7 can also be suitable for many skin types. Compelling dermatological research around skin pH has seen many skincare formulators adding “pH balanced” to their products long list of benefits.
It is our turn to do the same- with Carbine Ridge Avocado Balm sitting at pH 5.5 it means our product can effectively work with your skin and gently help skin turnover, no matter what your age or skin type.
