WHY THE PH VALUE OF THE SKIN IS IMPORTANT FOR SKIN HEALTH
WHY THE PH VALUE OF THE SKIN IS IMPORTANT FOR SKIN HEALTH
The pH value of our skin may be a small, invisible factor, but its effect on skin health is immense. It determines how well the skin is protected from external influences and whether active ingredients can develop their full effect.
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WHAT IS THE PH VALUE?
The pH value describes the acid-base ratio of a solution and indicates how acidic or alkaline it is. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral, values below 7 are considered acidic and values above 7 are considered basic or alkaline. The skin usually has an acidic pH value between 4.1 and 5.8 - this is the so-called physiological pH value of the skin. A stable, acidic pH value promotes the activity of important enzymes in the skin that are responsible for renewing skin cells and maintaining the skin barrier. It also supports the function of the hydrolipid mantle, also known as the acid mantle. The hydrolipid mantle consists of a mixture of sebum, sweat and dead skin cells and protects the skin from environmental influences, bacteria and dehydration.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PH VALUE FOR THE SKIN MICROBIOME
The pH value of the skin is essential for the function of the acid mantle, which not only protects the skin barrier but also regulates the microbiome. An acidic pH (4.0 to 5.8) supports the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes, which contribute to the production of antimicrobial peptides. These keep harmful microorganisms in check and prevent infections.
If the pH value rises above 7, the balance is disturbed and pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can grow more easily. A stable, acidic pH value promotes skin renewal, strengthens the barrier function and protects against inflammation and infections.
THE ROLE OF PH IN SKIN HEALTH
The acid mantle is more than just a barrier. It is a sophisticated buffer system in the uppermost layer of the skin that promotes the structural stability of the skin by maintaining an acidic environment, regulates the microbiome and counteracts inflammation. A stable, acidic pH is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. Fluctuations in pH can not only impair the skin's barrier function, but also exacerbate dermatological conditions.
THE PH-VALUE OF THE SKIN AT DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BODY
Did you know that the pH value of the skin can vary depending on the area of the body? For example, the pH value on the face is often lower than on the arms or feet, as the face is more exposed to environmental influences such as UV radiation or dirt particles and the skin is more sensitive here. The pH value of the skin on the body can be influenced by various factors, such as clothing, sweat or care products.
CHANGES IN PH VALUE WITH AGE
With increasing age, not only the condition of the skin changes, but also the pH value of the skin. Studies show that the pH value of the skin tends to increase over time and often has a higher, i.e. less acidic, pH value in old age. This is because the skin becomes drier with age and produces less sebum, which can lead to a disrupted hydrolipid mantle. An increased pH value can weaken the skin barrier and thus lead to dryness, irritation and an increased risk of skin diseases. The use of pH-neutral products and moisturizing skin care products is therefore particularly recommended in old age to support the skin's natural acid protection.
CLEANSING AND THE INFLUENCE ON THE PH-VALUE OF THE SKIN
Mild cleansing is particularly recommended to preserve the skin's natural pH value. Contact of the skin with water alone can impair the skin's protective acid mantle, as tap water is usually slightly alkaline. In addition, aggressive surfactants or alkaline cleansing products can disrupt the skin's pH value and make it more susceptible to irritation. The Ten out of Ten Gentle Gel Cleanser from DR EMI ARPA SKIN with a skin-neutral pH value of around 4.9 offers gentle cleansing that supports skin health and preserves the natural balance of the acid mantle and therefore the skin barrier.
Gentle Gel Cleanser
Pre- and postbiotics support the skin microbiome, have an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect.
Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
13 amino acids strengthen the skin barrier and moisturize.
Allantoin promotes skin regeneration and has a strong antioxidant effect.
Developed by dermatologist Dr. Emi Arpa
I am so excited, never had such a great cleanse before!!!
NADINE F.
I am really delighted with the cleanser! You get everything off and at the same time it is very mild, no burning in the eyes. Skin is very soft afterwards.
PETRA L.
My absolute favorite cleanser! I tolerate it very well!
ELISABETH W.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PH VALUE OF THE SKIN IS DISTURBED?
The skin's natural protective acid mantle can be disrupted by external influences such as aggressive washing (e.g. by rubbing vigorously or washing too often), UV radiation or alkaline products such as classic soaps. Classic soaps, such as curd soaps, usually have a high pH value of around 9 to 10, which is significantly more alkaline than the skin's natural pH value. This increases the pH of the skin, which can lead to dryness, irritation and an increased risk of infection. Studies have shown that the skin needs up to several hours to restore its natural pH value after contact with alkaline water or aggressive surfactants.
If the pH value of the skin becomes unbalanced, this is referred to as a disruption of the protective acid mantle. In such cases, it is important to stabilize the skin's pH value again. This can be done by using pH skin-neutral products that keep the pH value in the physiological range, i.e. at a pH value of 5. pH skin-neutral face creams or pH skin-neutral cleansing gels can also help to restore the protective layer.
- pH-neutral means that a product has a pH value of 7.0, which is considered neutral on the pH scale, neither acidic nor alkaline.
- pH skin neutral refers to products that support the physiological pH value of the skin, i.e. have a pH value of around 4.1 to 5.8 in order to preserve the skin's natural acid mantle. The term "skin-friendly pH" is also frequently used.
While "pH neutral" is often mistakenly seen as skin-friendly, "pH skin neutral" is more accurate and tailored to the skin's needs.
CAN THE PH VALUE OF THE SKIN BE RESTORED?
Yes, the pH value of the skin can be brought back into balance with the right care. Look for mild, pH-neutral products that do not attack the hydrolipid mantle, such as a pH-neutral cleansing gel. These products help to strengthen the acid mantle and repair the skin barrier. An optimal pH value is around 5, and many modern skincare products are formulated precisely to this value in order to keep the skin in its natural balance.
PH-VALUES OF THE DR. EMI ARPA SKIN PRODUCTS
To support the skin's microbiome and pH value, the Core Collection from DR. EMI ARPA SKIN offers an optimal skincare routine for all skin types, as the products have a skin-friendly pH value between 4.1 - 5.8. The Ten out of Ten Gentle Gel Cleanser has a pH value of 4.9, which balances the alkaline effect of water and gently cleanses the skin. The Essential Essence Skin Balancing Toner rebalances the skin after cleansing with a pH value of 4.5, while the Barrier Boost CPA Barrier Cream with a pH value of 4.4 strengthens the skin barrier and provides long-lasting protection.
3 TIPS TO UNDERSTAND AND PROTECT THE SKIN'S PH VALUE
- Know the pH scale and the skin's pH value
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A neutral value is 7, anything below is acidic, anything above is alkaline. The skin is slightly acidic, with an ideal pH value between 4.1 and 5.8. This knowledge helps you to choose products that support the skin's natural pH value. - Protect your skin's acid mantle
The skin has a natural protective film (acid mantle) that stabilizes the pH value and protects the skin. This can be disrupted by external factors such as aggressive cleansing products, hot water and environmental pollution. Avoid such influences to keep the skin barrier intact. - Choose pH-neutral products
When buying cosmetic products, look for mild formulations that do not upset the skin's pH balance too much. Prefer pH-neutral or slightly acidic products to preserve your skin's natural protection.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The pH value of the skin is crucial for skin health, as it stabilizes the acid mantle and supports the skin microbiome. Cosmetic products should be adapted to the skin's natural pH value in order to support the functionality of the hydrolipid mantle. Alkaline products, such as classic soaps, can disrupt this natural, slightly acidic pH value and lead to dryness or irritation. Especially with increasing age, it is important to stabilize the pH value through proper care, as the skin's pH value tends to rise and the skin becomes more sensitive.
FAQ on the pH value of the skin
The pH value is becoming increasingly important in skin care. This is because many active ingredients, such as acids or antioxidants, are particularly effective in a certain pH range. Acids, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), only develop their full effect in an acidic environment. A pH value that is too high, i.e. alkaline, can reduce the effect of acids or even render them ineffective. It therefore makes sense for manufacturers to specify the pH value or pH range of their products so that consumers know the pH range of the formulation and whether it is ideal for the desired effect.
The skin's pH value is normally between 4.1 and 5.8, which is slightly acidic. This value is crucial for the function of the acid mantle, which protects the skin from harmful microorganisms and environmental influences.
"pH neutral" refers to a pH value of 7, which is neither acidic nor alkaline. In skin care, however, the term does not necessarily refer to skin health, as the skin's pH value is rather acidic. Here it would make sense to look out for products that describe themselves as "pH skin neutral".
The pH value of the skin is usually measured with a pH meter in clinical studies and test centers, as the pH value can only be determined in solution. Devices such as the Skin-pH-Meter PH 905 (Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH) enable a quick and precise measurement of the pH value directly on the skin surface.
The acid mantle is a thin film on the skin that consists mainly of sebum, sweat and dead skin cells. It has a slightly acidic pH value and protects the skin from bacteria, fungi and environmental damage.
If the skin's pH value is out of balance, e.g. due to alkaline products, pH-neutral products or mild, acidic products help to restore the skin's natural pH value. Completely neutralizing the skin is not desirable as the skin's pH is slightly acidic and not neutral.
A pH value that is too high can dry out the skin and impair the barrier function. Use pH-neutral or slightly acidic skin care products (pH value 4.1-5.8) to support the acid mantle and soothe the skin.
Alkaline or alkaline means that a substance has a pH value above 7. Such substances can dry out the skin and disrupt the acid mantle, which is why they should often be avoided in skin care.
Related blog posts
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