What role does the pH value play in our skin care?

The pH

The pH value of cosmetic products can have a major impact on our skin's health and should therefore not be neglected. But what effects do the different values ​​have on our skin? As a reminder, pH indicates the concentration of hydrogen in an aqueous solution. The higher the (free) proton concentration, the more acidic the solution. The pH scale ranges from 0-14, with 0 being strongly acidic and 14 being strongly alkaline (basic). A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Okay, that was (almost) the end of the chemistry class - sorry! Human skin has an average pH of 5.5, making it slightly acidic. And with good reason: our skin has a natural protective acid mantle. This protects our skin from drying out and from harmful external influences.

The influence on our skin

The skin's protective barrier, i.e. the protective acid mantle, is attacked when products that are too aggressive are used - regardless of whether they are acidic or alkaline. The pH value of care products should therefore never deviate too far from the pH value of the skin. When alkaline products are used, the skin becomes less acidic for a period of time. As a result, water is released, skin lipids can no longer be built up as well and the skin dries out and its protective function is disturbed. That sounds more dramatic than it actually is. Healthy skin has no problem balancing this imbalance. When it comes into contact with alkaline care products, the pH value initially increases, but after a while the skin regulates it back to the initial value. Our natural soaps also have a basic pH value of 8. Despite their alkaline value, they are therefore more acidic than many other soaps, which often have a pH value of 9-10. If you are worried about the pH value in terms of the protective acid mantle, you should note that even water has a pH value of 7 and of course does not harm the skin. In addition, ingredients in skin care play a huge role. Avoid harsh chemical surfactants that attack your skin. Our facial care soaps contain valuable oils that provide moisture without leaving an oily film. If you suffer from problem skin, you should discuss your skin care with a dermatologist and find the right solution together with him.

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