More recently, I have been seeing lots of clients with compromised skin - Acne, dryness, sensitivity and premature ageing.  If you are currently suffering from one or more of these skin concerns, it may well be that your skin's pH balance is out of kilter.

Here's why a balanced pH matters for healthy, radiant skin...

In order to optimise and harmonise your skin's health, understanding the concept of skin pH is will help you massively. The pH of your skin plays a pivotal role in its overall function and appearance. Let's deep-dive into what skin pH is, why it's important, and how you can maintain a healthy balance.

What Is Skin pH?

The term "pH" refers to the "potential of hydrogen" and is used to measure acidity or alkalinity.  This scale ranges from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). Skin pH specifically refers to the acidity level of the outermost layer of the skin.

Healthy skin typically has a pH of around 4.5 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic. This acidity forms a protective barrier known as the Acid Mantle, which guards against harmful microorganisms, environmental pollutants and moisture loss.

Why Is Skin pH Important?

1. Protects Against Germs and Microorganisms

A balanced pH helps the skin maintain its defence mechanism against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. When the skin becomes too alkaline, it becomes more vulnerable to infections and irritation.

2. Maintains the Skin Barrier

The acid mantle supports the skin's lipid barrier, which is designed to lock in moisture and keep irritants out. Disruption in pH can weaken our skin's barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, or conditions like eczema.

3. Optimizes Skin Cell Turnover and Repair

The enzymes responsible for shedding dead skin cells function best at an acidic pH. An imbalanced pH may result in dull, flaky, or clogged skin.

What Disrupts our Skin's pH?

Several factors can throw off your skin's pH balance, these are my top 6:

1. Harsh Cleansers: Soaps and products with high pH can strip the skin of its natural oils.
2. Mixing skincare brands:  Using a mix of branded skincare products that aren't formulated to work together can disrupt your skin's pH balance
3. Over-Exfoliation: Excessive use of physical or chemical exfoliants can disrupt the acid mantle.
4. Environmental Factors: Pollution, UV rays, and hard water can alter skin pH over time.
5. Ageing: As we age, the skin tends to become more alkaline, which can contribute to dryness and wrinkles.
6. Diet and Lifestyle: Unhealthy diets, stress, and smoking can also impact skin health and pH.

How to Maintain a Healthy Skin pH

1. Use pH-Balanced Skincare Products
Look for product ranges labelled as "pH-balanced," typically designed to match the skin's natural pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Avoid alkaline soaps and opt for gentle cleansers.

2. Incorporate Acidic Toners or Mists
Products containing ingredients like lactic acid, such as sodium lactate or apple cider vinegar can help restore the skin's natural acidity after cleansing.

3. Hydrate with Skin-Harmonising Moisturisers
Moisturisers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin can reinforce the skin barrier and prevent pH imbalance.

4. Protect Your Skin
Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, designed to support your skin's structure whilst shielding your skin from UV rays, which can increase alkalinity and cause damage.

5. Avoid Overwashing
Over-cleansing can strip away natural oils and disrupt the acid mantle. Stick to washing your face twice a day unless increased frequency is necessary (always remember to double cleanse at night!).

6.  Seek Professional Advice
If you are suffering from compromised skin, always seek advice from a skin specialist. Home care is a great place to start in harmonising the skin's barrier and optimising its health. I stock two amazing skincare ranges in my Clinic - Fusion and Ekseption, which are designed to optimise the health of the skin through a balanced pH. Reach out to me if you'd like more information, or see the extent of this range in my shop!

Inbalanced Skin pH Common Concerns

1. Acne: An alkaline environment encourages bacterial overgrowth, which can exacerbate acne.
2. Dryness and Sensitivity: High pH levels lead to a weakened barrier, causing moisture loss and irritation.
3. Anti-Ageing: A balanced pH supports collagen production and reduces signs of ageing.

Conclusion

Your skin's pH is a cornerstone of its health and vitality. By understanding and maintaining the delicate balance of your skin's acidity, you can enhance its resilience, prevent common concerns, and keep it glowing. Prioritise pH-conscious skincare and adopt a lifestyle that supports overall skin health for lasting results. Feel free to reach out if you’d like some help on how to adapt your skincare routine to optimize your its health…

Remember, healthy skin starts with a healthy balance!