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.

• Moisture Bomb on Dry Skin Aloevera Mask
• If you have dry, flaky skin, this mask is just for you. How many days a week you do is up to you, depending on the degree of dryness. So how is aloe vera mask made? First, put two leaves or 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt and 6 tablespoons of cucumber juice and mix well with the help of a blender or a fork. It is enough to keep the mixture on your face for 15-20 minutes. You will not believe the difference in your skin after washing with warm water. If your skin is sensitive at the same time, you can mix 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of olive oil thoroughly and apply it to your skin two days a week. In the same way, you can wash it after waiting 15-20 minutes.

Savior of Oily Skin Aloevera Mask

• Regardless of their age, some people’s skin may be prone to oily. If you have oily skin that looks like sweaty and dirty and causes acne problem, this aloe vera mask is just for you. Mix 1 egg, 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons of barley flour and 1 teaspoon of honey with the help of a blender. Wait 15-20 minutes after spreading it on your skin. Once you are sure that your skin is dry well, you can wash it off with lukewarm water. After applying this mask twice a week, you will see that the oil level of your skin decreases and the acne disappears.

Aloevera Mask for Combination Skin

• It can be confusing to have dry or oily skin from time to time. The remedy for this is the aloe mask. Mix 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and half a lemon juice with the help of a blender. Wash the mask you have left on your skin for 20 minutes with cold water. If you repeat this mask once a week, you can regulate the moisture balance of your skin.

Aloevera Mask Suitable for All Skin and Hair

• Mix the juice of half a lemon and the gel of two aloe vera leaves thoroughly. Just leave it on your skin for 15 minutes and then wash your face with lukewarm water. You can have moist and lively skin with this mask. You can apply this mask twice a week and you should adjust the amount accordingly. Starting from the clean hair follicles, wait 20-30 minutes after applying the mask to all your hair like massaging. Then wash your hair with lukewarm water.