pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance is. It ranges from 0-14, with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most basic.
pH is important to understand because it affects our skin. The pH of our skin falls in the range of 4.5-5.5, which is acidic. This is why it's so important to use skincare products that are pH balanced and compatible with our skin type.
In this post, we'll discuss the pH scale in more detail, talk about why it's important to use pH balanced products, and give you a few tips for finding skincare that's right for you.
What Is the pH Scale?
The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The lower the pH number, the more acidic the substance is. The higher the pH number, the more alkaline the substance is.
Most skincare ingredients have a pH level of 5.5 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic. This is because our skin's natural pH is also slightly acidic, and most skincare ingredients are formulated to work best within that range.
However, there are also some ingredients that have a higher or lower pH level. For example, citrus fruits have a low pH level of 2.5 to 4.5, while baking soda has a high pH level of 8.3 to 10.0.
What Is the Ideal pH for the Skin?
So what is the ideal pH for the skin?
The ideal pH for the skin is around 5.5. This is the pH at which the skin's barrier is most effective in protecting against bacteria, pollution and other harmful external factors.
It's also worth noting that the skin's pH naturally varies depending on different areas of the face. The forehead, nose and chin are all slightly more acidic than the cheeks, which have a higher pH of 6.5.
How Do Acidic and Basic Ingredients Affect the Skin?
Ingredients come in all different pH levels, and when you put them on your skin, they can have different effects.
Acidic ingredients have a lower pH level than the skin, so they can help to break down sebum and oil that's trapped in the pores. They can also help to kill bacteria and exfoliate the skin, making it look smoother and brighter.
Basic ingredients have a higher pH level than the skin, so they can be used to balance out the acidic ingredients and help them to be more effective. They can also help to moisturize and soften the skin.
How to Test the pH of Your Skin
Now that you understand the basics of the pH scale, it's time to learn how to test the pH of your skin. There are a few ways to do this, but the easiest is to use pH strips. You can pick these up at most pharmacies or drugstores.
Simply wet your skin and then place a pH strip directly on the area you want to test. Hold it there for a few seconds, then remove and compare the color of the strip to the chart on the packaging. This will give you an accurate reading of your skin's pH.
If you find that your skin's pH is too acidic or too alkaline, you can adjust it using skincare products that are specifically designed for this purpose.
How to Adjust the pH of Your Skin
Now that you understand the basics of the pH scale, it's time to learn how to adjust the pH of your skin. The best way to do this is by using acidic and basic ingredients.
Acidic ingredients, such as vinegar, lemon juice or green tea, have a low pH and can be used to lower the pH of your skin. This is a great option if you have oily or acne-prone skin, as it will help to reduce inflammation and breakouts.
Basic ingredients, such as baking soda or oatmeal, have a high pH and can be used to raise the pH of your skin. This is a great option if you have dry or sensitive skin, as it will help to balance the acidity and prevent your skin from becoming too dry or irritated.
The Benefits of a Balanced pH Skin
A balanced pH is essential for healthy skin. When your skin's pH is out of balance, it can lead to a variety of problems, such as dryness, sensitivity, acne, and wrinkles.
Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to maintain a healthy pH balance. The most important is to use skincare products that are specifically formulated for your skin type. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients, which can throw your pH out of balance. FYI Cellular Cosmetics tests the pH of all their products to ensure they are pH balanced and beneficial for your skin.
Balanced pH skin is not only healthier, but it also looks and feels better. So if you're looking for that dewy, glowing complexion, make sure to focus on keeping your pH in check!
Conclusion
The pH scale is a vitally important tool for understanding the acidity and basicity of ingredients and products. It's also essential for knowing the pH of your skin, so you can choose the right products to keep your skin's balance in check.
By understanding and paying attention to the pH of the ingredients in your skincare products, you can help keep your skin's pH in balance, preventing problems like dryness, oiliness, and sensitivity.
