While we learn about skincare, we tend to overlook an important aspect of the whole routine and process. While managing skin problems and understanding our skin type, we also need to take care of skin pH balance. Our skin has a naturally acidic pH and different body parts might have different pH balances. However, taking care of your face’s pH is crucial as an unbalanced pH can lead to skin problems and other issues.
Today, we will discuss how to fix pH balance and the best pH balancer for the skin. So let’s get started, shall we?
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Why Is pH Balance Important To Skin?
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How To Restore pH Balance In Skin?
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Conclusion
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FAQs on How To Fix pH Balance Of Skin
Why Is pH Balance Important To Skin?
Talking about the pH scale ranges from 1 to 14 and the midpoint of 7 is considered to be neutral. As you go lower on the scale, it becomes more acidic and basic as you go higher than 7. It might surprise you to know that a healthy skin’s pH is slightly acidic to combat harmful microbes living on the skin and free radical activity that causes premature ageing.
Moreover, different parts of the body might have different pH levels. For example, less exposed areas have higher acidity and other areas such as the face, chest, hands, etc are less acidic. The difference is generally due to the acid barrier. However, the skin pH balance can vary due to these factors.
- Sebum
- Skin moisture
- Area of the body
- Detergents
- Genetics and age
- Cosmetics
- Skincare products
- Certain skin conditions
- Antibacterial products such as gels and soaps
All of these factors can result in an unbalanced skin pH balance that can cause problems such as acne. [1] Now that we have a better understanding of pH balance, let’s try to understand how to fix the pH balance of your skin. However, first, you need to understand your skin’s pH balance before restoring it. These are some of the ways you can check the pH balance of your skin.
- Using at-home pH kits can help you quickly know the pH level of your skin.
- A dermatologist can also check your skin pH balance and is generally more precise.
- Observing your skin can help you get a fair idea of your pH balance. If your skin has irritation, acne, redness or dryness, it might have a higher pH level than normal.
Now let’s talk about how to restore the pH balance in the skin.
How To Restore pH Balance In Skin?
Now that we have a better understanding of skin pH balance let's take a look at some of the easiest methods to restore the pH balance of your skin.
Use Gentle Cleansers
While it is important to choose skincare products with natural ingredients only, it is also vital to realise that water can also affect the pH balance of your skin. Alkaline cleansers can make your skin drier and prone to irritation while acidic cleansers can help combat acne and help keep your skin healthier. Face cleansers with citric acid are a good option as they are naturally more acidic and can help with your skin's pH balance.
You can try Pure Sense Energise Grapefruit Revitalising Face Cleansing Gel made with natural ingredients, and is free from parabens, carcinogens, and sulphates, and cruelty-free. Rich in vitamin C, the cleanser will provide a deep and gentle cleansing to leave your skin radiant and simultaneously boost collagen production.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin regularly is also a critical part of any skincare routine. With time our skin pores get clogged by dust, pollution, dead skin cells, etc and need to be cleansed using an exfoliator. This helps in reducing bacterial activity on the skin which can also affect skin pH balance. Moreover, you can also use chemical peels after consulting with your dermatologist to balance the pH.
Skin Toner
Using a skin toner is extremely important if you have an unbalanced skin pH level. A toner generally has a pH between 5 to 7 and can help neutralise your skin’s pH balance if it’s on the higher side. You can also use an astringent as it also has an acidic pH balance, suited for your skin.
Moisturise
The next step to restore your skin’s pH balance is to use a moisturiser. A moisturiser is a vital part of all skincare routines and for good reasons. It not only helps to treat dryness, and provide moisture and nourishment to the skin but also helps in protecting it from external damage. Using the right type of moisturiser can also affect the pH balance of your skin.
For instance, a petrolatum-based emollient can protect and balance the skin’s ph level efficiently. You can try Pure Sense’s Deep Moisture Body Butter, designed with shea butter and jojoba oil, which will help to trap the moisture within your skin and keep it hydrated for extended periods. The ingredients in the body butter will help in maintaining the ideal skin pH balance without hurting or damaging your skin.
These are some of the ways you can balance your skin’s pH level easily and naturally. As a general rule, avoid any chemical products as they can be harmful to your skin. Moreover, use a primer for your cosmetics to avoid your skin’s contact with any chemicals.
Conclusion
Maintaining a skin’s pH level is as vital as following a skincare routine. However, luckily you can mould your skincare routine to use products and follow steps that help in maintaining the pH balance of your skin. Keeping your skin’s pH balanced can avoid several problems such as dryness, acne, irritation, hypersensitivity, redness, etc., while also reducing free radical activity and premature ageing.
FAQs on How To Fix pH Balance Of Skin
1. What is the normal pH of the skin?
The skin’s pH level can vary depending upon the body part and person to person. However, on the pH scale, the skin’s pH balance is around 5 to 7, making it slightly acidic. This acidic nature helps to reduce the growth of microbes that can cause skin problems. However, the skin’s pH level can vary from body to body part and covered body parts such as underarms, thighs, etc, can have higher acidity than exposed body parts such as the chest, face, neck, etc.
2. How to fix the pH balance of the skin?
The pH balance of your skin can be fixed by various methods. However, the most important thing to remember is to follow a skincare routine with steps such as cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturising and using slightly acidic products. Also, avoid using any chemical ingredients-based products as they can alter the pH balance of your skin.
3. Why is the pH balance of the skin important?
The pH balance of your skin largely determines your skin’s health. If you have an acidic pH balance, you might suffer from irritation, redness, inflammation etc. On the other hand, if your skin’s pH balance is alkaline, it can cause acne and dryness. Maintaining a balance skin pH level can help you avoid many skin problems.
