Ph of healthy skin. The pH level of the skin. What do you need to know about it? On the need to use tonics

In the late 1990s, Johnson & Johnson was the first to educate a mass of consumers that normal skin pH is 5.5 and that we all have to buy their new series of the same name for hair, face and body. What kind of pH is this, what it depends on, why absolutely any product can lead to dry skin, and why we should not eat an excess of vegetables - we will tell you today in the article.

What you need to know about skin pH?

pH is the acid-base balance of the skin. Thanks to it, the skin retains its elasticity, normal sebum production and protective properties. There is a scale for pH, which is measured in units. Its gradation is from 0 to 14.

• Dry skin has a pH of 3 - 5.2
• normal - 5.2 -5.7
• fatty - 5.7 - 7.5.

Accordingly, the cosmetics we apply also have a certain index.

For example, soap and any foam for the face is an alkaline surfactant.... And usually it has an index from 6 to 11. Alkali washes away the lipid layer from the skin, and hence acidity. The skin becomes drier, tightened, in advanced cases - flaky. There are neutral gels with lowered pH, such as CosRX Low pH Morning Gel, which are more gentle and less irritating to the skin. It is indicated for dry skin and normal skin. Oily skin tolerates conventional cleansers quite well, this lowers its layer. However, if you overdo it and neglect moisturizers, then oily skin will lose its lipid layer and become dry.

Acidic cosmetics act as a counterbalance to alkali - for example, peels... Or acid pads. The acid gradation is from 0 to 4, respectively, the lower the number, the stronger the effect. That is why acidic cosmetics are used in the treatment of acne and problematic oily skin. BHA is stronger and AHA acid is weaker, therefore better suited to dry skin for exfoliation and renewal purposes. But if you get carried away with acids, then again, you can make dry and irritated skin out of oily skin.

Even plain water has a high alkaline medium - 7 units, therefore, after washing, it is necessary to return the normal acid-base balance. The acid-base balance of the skin is similar to a scale, where you must always maintain balance. After all, there is always a bowl of "Acid" on one side, and "Lye" on the other.

How to maintain a healthy pH balance?

Always use toner

It returns acidity to the skin after washing. He and he is responsible for restoring the lipid layer and preparing the skin for the procedure for fortification (serum), moisturizing and protection (emulsion or cream). Skip the toner - the care effect will be reduced significantly. You may not have essence or fabric masks, but you must have toner in your care.

Oily skin needs hydration too

Despite the fact that oily skin is less susceptible to strong foams for washing and tolerates BHA acids, it also needs to be moisturized. Otherwise, in the end it will dry out. At best, this will lead to wrinkles, peeling and general bruising, at worst - the skin will react with a surge in sebum production and become even more oily.

Dry skin needs acids

But acids of the AHA type, not more often than once a week, and in combination with low alkaline foams and quality nourishing creams. This will ensure the renewal of the epidermis without discomfort.

Sun protection is essential

Skin without protection receives its portion of "combustion" - invisible and imperceptible, but this is enough for the body to begin to bring water to the surface of the epidermis - thereby reducing its acidity and making it drier. Therefore, do not forget to apply the sanblock.

Proper nutrition is not always obvious

It's great when a person looks after his health and eats right. However, any extremes are harmful. Vegetables and fruits are highly alkaline foods that must be combined with the amino acids found in protein. These are meat, cottage cheese, dairy and fermented milk products, eggs. In a word, young vegans look good, they have almost no problems with their skin (because it does not get greasy, it is cleaner), but it loses its elasticity and firmness faster. Therefore, if you choose a diet without meat, then let it be vegetarianism with the ability to consume dairy products.

Do you follow all the guidelines for maintaining a healthy pH? Or are you neglecting something? Tell us about your experience.

Many dermal problems are associated with abnormalities and changes in the chemical composition of the skin. The most important indicator is the Ph of the skin, which must be taken into account when choosing medicines, as well as when purchasing effective care products. This indicator displays the level of acidity, which can vary from 0 to 14. A value below 7 represents an acidic environment, and above 7 - an alkaline environment.

When choosing products for the skin, it is worth knowing about the optimal value of this indicator. Also, to provide quality skin care, it is worth exploring ways to help restore acidity.

Features and properties of the skin

The balance of alkali and acid in a certain environment is characterized by a certain PH value. When determining this value for the surface of the skin, we mean the epidermis, on which the secretions of the sebaceous glands appear. Human skin Ph parameters can vary from 3 to 7.

High acidity is recorded in the area of ​​the scalp - 4.5-5.5. On the soles and in the area of ​​the palms, the PH level ranges from 6.5. Normal skin has a value of 5.5. For an oily skin surface, the acidity is within 6.

To exclude adverse reactions, you should select cosmetic preparations, the acidity level of which coincides with the individual indicator.

With aging, the skin becomes more alkaline. Since dry skin is more alkaline than oily skin.

What should be the PH value?

The neutral score is 7.

Human skin can have the following indicators:

1. Normal skin cover is 5.4-5.7.
2. For oily surfaces - 6.
3. Dry skin - 3-5.

For the epidermis, an acidic environment is considered the norm. This is due to the sweat secreted, the amount of acetic and lactic acid, amino acids and the influence of the bacterial environment.

The acid-base balance can fluctuate under the influence of the following factors:

1. Endogenous: the presence of diseases, sex and age categories, psychological state.
2. Exogenous include the effects of seasonal changes or the time of day, the use of drugs and dietary habits.

Acidity is more important in women than in men. It differs in different parts of the face. For centuries, this indicator is closer to neutral value. On the cheeks up to 5.7. In the forehead area, the acidity can be 4.1-5.6.

A shift from normal values ​​may indicate that the acidity balance is changing under the influence of aggressive factors or the presence of pathological conditions.

With psoriasis, there is a preponderance to the acidic side, and when acne and rash occur, it is alkaline.

How to determine the acid-base balance?

If the acid-base balance changes, then this can be recognized by some signs.

If the acidity level of the face deviates towards higher acidity, then the following symptoms appear:

• severe dryness and manifestation of itching and tightness;
• the appearance of a peeling effect;
• reaction when applying cosmetics;
• the appearance of redness.

The Ph of the skin can be determined by the changes in the skin after cleansing. Or by reaction to the use of decorative cosmetics.

In special rooms, to determine acidity, special testers with an indicator mechanism are used.

If the ph level is 5.5, the skin surface looks healthy and smooth. It is free of acne and blackheads, as well as irritation.

With a dry skin surface, the sebaceous glands function with little activity, so it has a dull shade. Cracks and wrinkles form early on such skin. Such a skin has a reduced ph value of 3-5. He is sensitive to external stimuli.

Combination skin combines the characteristics of normal and oily skin. Its ph value ranges from 3 to 6.

Oily skin can be identified by a certain shine and visible pores. In this case, the ph level can reach 6.

Characteristics of cosmetics

In order not to harm the skin, cosmetics with an identical PH level should be used. In practice, this is not always the case.

Standard creams have a PH level of 5 to 9. But a variety of peelings and creams with various acids have a pH of 5 to 1. Such preparations are recommended only in beauty salons under the supervision of specialists. After applying such formulations, slightly alkaline mixtures are used to normalize the acid-base balance.

When using toilet soap, the acidity level of which is 9-11, magnesium and calcium salts remain on the skin of the face. This provokes peeling and the occurrence of allergic reactions on the skin.

For hair care, balms are used, the acid-base balance of which is 2-7.

The properties of the cosmetics used depend not only on the amount of ph, but also on the content of useful components, the characteristics of water and microbiological purity.

The use of too alkaline or acidic products can lead to imbalance of the skin. When using alkaline products, the surface of the skin must be restored. For this, moisturizers are used. Various oils can also be used: olive, jojoba or argan oil.

Too acidic components weaken the skin barrier and open access to contamination and bacterial infections. Care should be taken when using peels.

Antioxidants are used to protect the skin from aggressive components. Vitamins A, C and E are especially valuable.

How does the PH of the skin change?

The ph of the skin can vary. At the same time, there is a feeling of freshness or, conversely, a feeling of discomfort. Fluid with a high acidity level can irritate the epidermis. With oily dermis, discomfort will not appear.

The acid-base balance of water varies from 6.6 to 8.4.

Also, the following factors affect the acidity of the face:

• oily and light balms and creams;
• exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• features of decorative cosmetics;
• cosmetic preparations.

Any soap provokes an alkaline reaction. This destroys the protective layer that retains moisture. For normal and oily dermis, such washing will go unnoticed, and the owners of dry epidermis will feel the tension of the skin.

How to normalize PH value?

To restore the normal balance of acidity, you need to know why the acidity is changing.

Certain factors can affect the chemical properties of the surface of the face:

1. Diseases of some internal organs, diabetes mellitus and endocrine system disorders.
2. The use of diuretics and antibacterial drugs.
3. Fungal diseases.
4. Stressful situations.
5. Improper nutrition.
6. Abuse of hair curlers and dyes.
7. Application of face products without regard to acidity.
8. Excessive exposure to sunlight.
9. The use of vitamin complexes.

It is important to pay attention to the constituent components of detergents and various cosmetic preparations before buying.

Before purchasing a cosmetic product, you need to see how many useful components are in this composition and what is its acidity:

1. In solid soap, the ph is between 9 and 11.
2. The shampoo should be selected according to the individual ph value.
3. Rinsing balms have a ph level of 2 to 7.
4. Various hair dye products - 9-11.

To maintain the optimal ph level for cleansing, it is recommended to use lotions, milk and tonics rather than soap. Do not overuse peels and scrubs. You also need to use a variety of sunscreens.

To prolong the youthfulness of the skin, you should not abuse various diets. When protein is consumed in excess, more acid is produced in the body. Therefore, the diet should be rational, which also contains fats and proteins. In order not to gain weight, you need to combine proper nutrition with physical activity.

Read also: Review-rating of products for the care of problem skin

The acidity of the facial skin is not a constant value. It can vary depending on the type of dermis, the state of health and the cosmetics used. Normal ph can be maintained with the right cosmetics and daily skin care routines.

Practicing cosmetologist. Higher medical education. The author of this site. The beauty of the skin excites me both as a specialist and as a woman.

Hello everyone!

I invite you to "talk" on Friday :)

What is skin pH? Do you pay attention to the means aimed at balancing the acid-base balance? And how to choose the right care based on your knowledge of the pH of your skin?

We all dream of finding effective facial skin care products that will solve all our problems at once. We read various forums and reviews, try to figure out tricky compositions, translate tons of samples in search of the one that suits us.

Have you ever come across a situation where a seemingly suitable product for which many accolades have been written, does not work so perfectly on your skin? Or even worse - provokes redness, rashes or peeling?

Recently, I increasingly come across recommendations for the selection of skin care based on pH.
In annotations and posts about skin care cosmetics, we often come across formulations: “neutral pH”, “pH balanced”, “restores skin pH”, “identical to skin pH”, “maintains skin pH balance”, “regulates pH, etc.
But when I try to understand and read the literature, I get more and more confused.

The abbreviation pH is used to refer to the ratio of acid to alkali and is measured on a scale from 0 to 14.

On the surface of the skin of the face there is a thin hydrolipid film, which constitutes the protective layer of the epidermis, with the help of which the body resists external influences: dirt, infections, dry air, etc. Scientists have proven that the pH of the protective layer of the skin is usually acidic and fluctuates in the pH range of 4-7 - it is in such an environment that the ordinary microflora of the skin is able to exist normally, releasing certain substances that prevent pathogenic bacteria from colonizing the skin, which prefer a higher level NS.

There are many factors that affect the pH level of the skin, from our diet to the usual washing with water. Normal PH is considered to be an indicator of 5.5 - this is a borderline state between an alkaline and acidic environment. If the PH level is higher or lower than this figure, then this indicates skin problems. The prevalence of an acidic environment is expressed in a decrease in the indicator: PH-balance from 3 to 5.5 is typical for oily skin. If the values ​​are above neutral, then the alkaline environment takes over and the skin becomes dry.

That is, we can conclude that even with daily washing (the pH of the water fluctuates around 7), we already injure the skin, and if normal skin needs several hours to restore its original pH level, then it is more difficult for dry or oily skin to do this. Therefore, it is important to choose the right care (not only washing, but also the subsequent stages) based on the needs of our skin in order to help it in its daily struggle against negative factors.

And here a logical question arises: what to do to even out the pH balance of the skin and make it perfect? How to choose care in such a way that it does not harm, and even helps?

Some articles strongly advise the use of pH balancing agents with a 5.5 label. Others suggest maintaining the existing pH level in a comfortable environment and using, for example, products with a more acidic composition for oily skin and, conversely, more alkaline for dry skin. Still others argue that you need to strive to restore the level by choosing a product that is opposite to the skin's pH.

Many bloggers generally advise combining care products with different acid-base values ​​for the skin, for example, according to the following scheme: choose products for washing and tonics that are as close as possible to the pH of the skin, that is, more acidic (with acids in the composition) or neutral (balanced pH = 5.5), and for balance, choose moisturizing serums and creams.

What do you think about this? Do you think you should be guided by the pH level of the skin when choosing facial care products? Do you pay attention to the pH neutral label? And how to choose the right products based on the pH of the skin?

Perhaps my question is very basic and to someone it will seem quite simple, but I would really like to know not only the opinion of experts and people who understand, but also those who independently choose their own daily care.

P.S. I beg you not to swear in the comments. Please, let's discuss the issue as correctly as possible.

When the pH balance is disturbed, the epidermis immediately signals its dissatisfaction. How? In many different ways. The skin can begin to become inflamed and irritated over trifles, or even become overly sensitive. In the worst case scenario, there is a chance of getting acne. The direct connection between the acid-base environment of the skin and its appearance means at least one thing for you: the line "normalizes the pH balance" on the packaging of a cleanser or cream is much more important than the tempting promises of marketers.

Now you know why you should care about these two strange letters - pH. If you often skipped chemistry, we tell you: in translation from English, this abbreviation stands for "potential hydrogen" and is used to denote the ratio of acid and alkali in any matter. The minimum value of the pH scale is 0 (acid prevails here), the maximum value is 12 (correspondingly, alkali). For cosmetologists, the pH value indicates the state of the epidermis.

The pH balance of human skin ranges from 3 to 7, and the specialist's task is to bring these numbers closer to the gold standard, that is, 5.5, or at least keep them between 5.2-5.7 units. If you constantly feel tight and dry, and the area around your eyes was already covered with a fine mesh of wrinkles at 25, most likely alkali prevails in your pH. The other extreme is increased acidity, when oily shine and pimples are present on the face, the sensitivity of the skin increases. Draw conclusions: if you find out the value of your acid-base balance and start caring for your face properly, even oily or dry skin can turn into normal.

1. Physiological Cleansing Gel, La Roche-Posay
2. Serum Cellular Power Serum, La Prairie
3. Renewing facial peeling Renewing Peel, Artistry

Test

Find your balance

Fortunately, it is easier to calm the skin than the nervous system. To understand how to do this, complete the task. Answer questions honestly and remember the results. After - calculate which answers (A, B or C) are more, and read how to return the pH to the optimal value.

1. How does your skin become after cleansing?
A) Soft and smooth.
B) Tight and dry.
C) Still a little oily and not completely clean.

2. How many times a day do you moisturize your face?
A) Two. In the morning and in the evening.
B) One.
C) Not once.

3. Does it happen that the skin starts to react strangely to the products that you have been using for a long time? We are talking about both decorative and caring cosmetics.
A) No, I didn't notice that.
B) Sometimes something like this happens.
C) Yes. And lately she reacts violently to everything that I offer her.

4. How often does the skin dry, peel off, redden?
A) Never.
B) Sometimes.
C) Regularly.

5. Have you noticed that your skin looks worse in the morning than in the evening? After sleep, it is duller and wrinkles appear deeper.
A) No.
B) Yes, I see it regularly.
C) In very rare cases.

6. Your skin has become too oily and inflamed every now and then.
A) No.
B) It happens periodically, but then everything returns to normal.
C) Yes.

7. Are redness and irritation common?
A) No.
B) Only after using cosmetics.
C) Yes.

8. Does your skin look puffy and shiny?
A) Yes, almost always.
B) Rarely.
C) She's rather just shiny.

If Option A is leading among your answers, then your pH level ...
... optimal
Your skin is going through the best of times: it is in a calm state and nothing disturbs it. We hope this will always be the case. It is unlikely that the face will wrinkle or turn red spots in the near future. And this is not just a happy coincidence - we praise you for your successes in moisturizing, exfoliating and using the cosmetics that are right for you. Keep up the good work.

If Option B is leading among your answers, then your pH is ...
... too high
This means that the skin needs additional moisture for a long time, it dries and suffers, and besides, by its nature, it is prone to the early appearance of wrinkles. Alas, the alkali level is off scale. Your epidermis is practically devoid of protective lipids: it really cannot withstand bacteria, UV rays, or harsh environmental influences. Think about whether it is right, and most importantly, whether you often cleanse and moisturize your skin, whether you regularly use scrubs.

If Option C is leading among your answers, then your pH level ...
... too low
We dare to assume that you know something about oily sheen and increased skin sensitivity. Inflammations on the face trumpet an excess of acid in the protective mantle. Probably, you are too selflessly cleansing the skin or overusing acid peels, trying to eliminate excess sebum. Forget it and heed the WH recommendations.

Without water

Believe it or not, something as harmless as water can upset the pH balance of the skin. According to Jeannette Graf, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, constant contact with water will wear out the lipid layer of the skin (one of those that retains beneficial nutrients). Thus, the epidermis with a high pH value loses its natural lubrication and becomes drier and harder.

If the pH is lowered, the skin becomes extremely sensitive and oily: it begins to release sebum at an urgent pace to compensate for the lack of moisture. Try switching to water-free cleansers. They are easy to figure out by their creamy texture. If you are not able to wake up until you wash yourself with ice water, replace it with thermal water. It is better to stay away from the tap.

As for the body, train yourself to shower quickly. And be so kind as to shorten your bath time. And dermatologists advise to bypass the shower one or two days a week. They are serious, yes. Cool water is the most beneficial for the body. At the very least, it should not be hot - this way you will avoid dilatation of blood vessels, opening of pores and loss of moisture. And consider installing a filter to reduce water hardness. It will block the path of minerals such as phosphorus and chlorine, which also affect the pH balance in a subtle way.

Night cream

While you sleep, skin cells throw all their strength to recover from the damage they suffered during the day. So help them! Even if you are deadly sleepy, do not be lazy, apply a night cream every evening. Choose a product with vitamin A - that is, retinol. It has long been known that this component has super properties: it both smoothes wrinkles and shrinks pores, but in addition, it also helps the skin in the difficult task of restoring and maintaining an optimal pH balance.

1. Moisturizing fluid for the face Aquamilk, Lancaster
2. Refreshing cleanser 2 in 1, Weleda
3. Visible Difference Balancing Night Cream for Combination Skin,
Elizabeth arden

Scrubs and gommages

Do you know why children's skin shines so much? Because there are almost no keratinized cells on its surface. With each birthday celebrated, their number grows rapidly, while the amount of moisture in the skin, on the contrary, decreases. Peels are your salvation from dead cells. It's simple: if you periodically dry and peel off (that is, the pH is high), you can experiment - use both abrasive scrubs and acidic ones. If the pH is below normal, switch to gommage - gentle exfoliating agents, and allow yourself something tougher once every two weeks, not more often.

Milk and tonic

Fanatical cleansing of the skin makes the sebaceous glands work twice as active. They cannot leave the face without a protective lipid layer. Most cleansers (especially after which the skin seems to squeak, until it seems clean) are acidic. A prime example is soap, forget about it. At your service are milk and oil-based emulsions (they work without water and remove fat-soluble impurities). Remember the toner - it returns the pH balance of the skin from alkaline to slightly acidic, ideal for you.

Hyaluronic acid

Do not go to a fortuneteller: moisturizing is indicated for skin of any type. And not only to get rid of tightness after a pool or a long stay in an air-conditioned room. The more moisture in the skin, the better the cells of the epidermis are able to retain it. The classics of the genre are products with hyaluronic acid. This component is an excellent moisturizer in itself, but it also stores water in the right places. Does your face dry out in earnest? Get yourself a short-term intensive care course - use products with added acids (for example, fruit). And it doesn't help? Add a drop of argan or some other oil to your night cream - this way you will quickly restore the protective layer of the epidermis, which resists moisture evaporation. Girls with oily skin type, go in search of light gels or creams-gels - fortunately, there are plenty of such items on the cosmetics market today.

Restoring pH balance

If you meekly follow all our recommendations, and you don’t miss the words of cosmetologists, but there is still something wrong with the skin (then a pimple will pop out, then it will turn red somewhere), take a closer look at cosmetics that purposefully work to restore acidic - alkaline balance. They usually have the following words: "pH 5.5", "balancing agent", "revitalizing product", "normalizing the pH balance of the skin."

1. Moisturizing soothing agent Crème Dermo-Apaisante, Payot
2. Moisturizing matting fluid Hydra Sparkling, Givenchy
3. Balatone ™ Soothing Surface pH Restoration Lotion,
ZO® Medical by Zein Obagi

Our expert:
Inna Semerkhanova. Dermatologist-cosmetologist, training manager of the training center "Equilibrium"