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Few people know that skin pH is also one of the criteria to evaluate healthy skin, and skin care products that help balance pH will be a secret to having beautiful skin. So what is the pH of the skin and how much is stable?
1. What is pH? What is skin pH?
The term "pH" refers to the "potential of hydrogen". This parameter represents the activity of hydrogen ions in aqueous solution. Hydrogen makes up 2/3 of water, water is two hydrogen molecules plus one oxygen molecule with the chemical formula H2O.
The pH of the solution is expressed as a numerical scale that runs from 0-14. Anything below 7 (neutral pH level) is considered acidic, and conversely, anything with a pH greater than 7 is considered alkaline. For example, lemon juice has a pH of 2, which is very acidic, while ammonia has a pH of 12, which is highly alkaline, aka basic.
The surface and top layers of the skin are also naturally acidic. Therefore, facial skin pH is also a factor to keep in mind when choosing the right skin care products. With different pH levels, each skin will be compatible with different skin care products. Although research on the normal skin pH range gives various reference numbers, ranging between pH4 and pH7, the most supported result recognizes an average skin pH of 4.7.
However, the normal skin pH value depends on each subject such as gender, age. For example, men's skin tends to be more acidic than women's, and skin pH also increases with age. It's still acidic though. At birth, a pH-neutral newborn's skin becomes acidic within a few weeks.
2. How does skin pH affect skin health?
Skin is the largest organ in the body. The function of the skin is as a protective film on the surface, like an acid mantle. The acid mantle plays an important role by working with natural ingredients excreted in the skin such as sweat, cholesterol, enzymes and even the skin's own oils to protect the skin's surface and lower layers from harmful substances. external threats. When the skin loses its continuity, especially in cases of trauma, burns, this is an easy "gateway" to attack the body, especially microorganisms, causing sepsis.
On the other hand, the acidic pH of the skin also plays a role in maintaining the balance of the local microbiota. It is these beneficial bacteria that contribute to creating an acidic environment, making it more difficult for harmful pathogens to grow and quickly be destroyed.
In the case of persistent disturbances of the skin's pH to such a degree that it can lead to or worsen a variety of skin problems, including common skin disorders and a feeling of dryness and tightness upon washing. with highly alkaline soap. Even, the skin's resistance will be weakened, the skin is vulnerable to factors that can cause acne, eczema, redness and increased sensitivity.
Da dễ bị mụn khi độ pH của da không phù hợp
3. The role of skin pH in the use of skin care products
To avoid any problems that can adversely affect the skin, many people look for skin care products that help balance the skin's pH level, but not all products are labeled with what pH level is. .
The truth is that most quality skin care products, when washed off, leave on the skin pH-balanced. However, if any product is applied to the skin there is a risk of causing a slight disruption in the normal skin pH, such as from using an exfoliator containing AHA or BHA with a pH of 3. ,6 or mineral sunscreen with a pH of 7.5, this skin pH is only temporary. Skin is able to naturally balance to its normal pH level usually within an hour. Even more acidic skin care products help stimulate the skin to produce essential substances, the skin will look smoother, supple and more hydrated.
On the other hand, using products that are too acidic (pH 2.5 or less) or too alkaline (pH 8 or higher) will cause a more significant disruption in the skin's pH. At this point, the skin will take longer to restore the skin pH to normal.
4. The pH value of popular skin care products
On the market, most skin care products are pH balanced. However, the specific pH parameters of each type of product sometimes have large differences. Therefore, users need to know the pH value of popular skin care products to make the right choice, especially when it is necessary to combine many products at the same time or when the skin is damaged. .
Makeup remover: pH 4.5–7 Toner: pH 5–7 Sunscreen: pH 5–7.5 AHA and BHA Exfoliants: pH 3.2–3.9 Moisturizer : pH 5–7 Serum: pH 4–6 Vitamin C Supplement (ascorbic acid): pH 2.6–3.2 Retinol Product : pH 3.7–5
Mỗi sản phẩm mỹ phẩm có mức độ pH khác nhau phù hợp với từng loại da
In short, facial skin pH is also a factor to be concerned about to have a healthy and beautiful skin. If you are suffering from dermatological problems, balancing the pH of your skin can be the key to quickly correcting skin damage. Whether you have dry, oily or acne-prone skin, the advice of dermatologists is to choose skin care products that have a pH closest to that of your skin, helping your skin maintain its pH value. normal skin naturally.
Choosing the right skin care products not only helps you get healthy skin and minimizes common problems.
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References: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov - puracy.com - paulaschoice.com - int.eucerin.com
