Plus, how to test your skin pH at home.
You may have heard the words “pH balanced” thrown around when it comes to your body, products, diet, and more. But here’s a news flash: Your skin’s pH matters, too — a lot. Just like everything else in life, balance is key. But before you start going down a rabbit hole of information (and analyzing every skincare product you use), we’ll give you the 411 on everything you need to know about skin’s pH and how to keep it right where you want it to be.
What exactly is pH in skin?
Let’s go back to pH basics: pH stands for potential hydrogen, a measure of the element’s activity in a substance. “Every part of the body has an ideal pH level, and the pH scale goes from 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral; lower is acidic, and higher is basic (alkaline),” explains Mehmet Oz, M.D., a medical expert. “The skin’s pH maintains the balance of acidity and alkalinity that protects us from germs, the elements, and toxic substances while keeping us keeping us hydrated and storing nutrients and minerals.”
What is the optimal skin pH level?
The ideal skin pH is between 4.5 and 5.5 for women, which is considered acidic, “but you don’t have to measure it to have healthy skin,” Dr. Oz notes. The skin’s pH is constantly changing based on your diet, sleep, the products you are using, and environment you live in. Your skin type also plays a role in its pH. “The pH of oily skin tends to range from 4 to 5.2, while the pH of dry skin is typically above 5.5.
How does pH affect skin?
“pH has a huge impact on your skin’s barrier function, moisture retention, and microorganism environment,” says Dr. Obioha. If your skin’s pH is too alkaline — think nine and above — the lipid layer of skin can be compromised, resulting in dryness and irritation. “Keeping pH at its ideal level also prevents overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria, propionibacterium acne,” she explains.
Why is the ideal pH of skin acidic?
“An acidic pH is optimal for proper cell turnover, hydration, and skin barrier function,” says Dr. Obioha explains. “Skin is a protected by the acid mantle, a thin film on its surface composed of lipids from oil glands and amino acids from sweat that serves as a barrier, and a breakdown in this barrier leaves skin susceptible to inflammatory conditions, dehydration, and accelerated aging.” An acidic pH helps keep your skin balanced, healthy, and radiant.
