We are obsessed about looking younger.
So we buy all sorts of makeup products.
And we often forget that it’s the health of our skin that determines how we age.
Fortunately, skincare science has a fix.
It’s your skin’s pH balance.
The optimal pH level of healthy skin lies between 4.7 to 5.75. If you can keep your skin’s pH at its ideal level, you can prevent skin issues like acne, rashes and dryness.
In this article, I’m going to share
- Why does your skin need a balanced pH level?
- What are the factors that affect it?
- How to restore your skin’s pH level for a younger looking skin?
Eager to find out? Let’s get started.
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Table of Contents
Importance of Balanced pH Level
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Either low or high pH levels cause skin problems like inflammation or irritation. This happens when the level of natural oils and bacteria in our skin is disrupted. Any shift in the pH scale, either too alkaline or acidic, disrupts the ph balance of the skin. A balanced pH Level of the skin keeps a check on bad bacteria.
Let’s look at some of the products to control the PH level of the skin mentioned in the table below.
What Disturbs the pH Level of the Skin?
Skin becomes sensitive and dry after a certain age. Have you experienced this and wondered why this unbidden problem has suddenly appeared in your life? A disturbed pH level could be one of the reasons!
Our skin is slightly acidic and the ideal pH level for it is 5.5. However, it can range from 4.8 to 6. If your skin is more on the alkaline end, you may experience certain skin problems such as:
- Ichthyosis Vulgaris
- Eczema
- Candidal Intertrigo
- Athlete’s foot
- Acne
- Inflammation
- Early ageing
A maintained pH level of balance gives way to healthy, glowing skin.
How To Check Your Skin pH Level — At Home or Clinic
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There are three ways to determine that something is off with your skin’s pH levels. These are:
1. Visit a dermatologist
Dermatologists have pH meters, which measure the pH level of your skin accurately. They will have insights into any shift in the pH level of your skin.
2. Litmus Paper
Buy a litmus paper and check your pH levels at home. You can find litmus paper strips at any chemist.
3. Checking Body Signs
Our body is usually a natural indicator showing us that something is wrong. It is our call to identify and rectify the problem. Our skin, when disturbed, shows some signs such as:
- Early ageing
- Dry patches
- Redness and rashes
- Oily skin
- Psoriasis
4. If you are facing the above-mentioned problems, then it is your turn to take out some time and visit a dermatologist soon to restore your skin. You’re still probably wondering how this affects you or when did pH level start mattering this much. We’ll tell you how and why!
What are the factors affecting your Skin’s pH Level?
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1. Age factor
The alkalinity of your skin increases with your age. This causes wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation and other issues.
2. Diet
“What you eat is what you become”! An excessive intake of acidic foods like coffee, sugar, yeast, bread, processed food, and alcohol disturbs the pH levels of the skin over time. Include lots of fruits and fresh vegetables to maintain the pH level of your skin.
3. Effect of Sun Rays
Excessive exposure to the sun’s rays affects the acid mantle of your skin, which aggravates issues like dullness, pigmentation, and acne. It is better to avoid going out in the afternoon.
4. Skin Care Regime
Your skin requires daily care to maintain the pH Level. It includes:
- What temperature of water do you use to wash your face – lukewarm, hot, or cold? Avoid using hot water for the skin.
- Do you gently clean your face or scrub it? It is wrong to scrub your face.
- Which cleansers do you use? Always use a mild cleanser for your skin.
- Do you love taking long showers? Long showers disturb the moisture levels of your skin.
These habits wear off the layer of the acid mantle from your skin. So, stop doing it now! Every problem comes with a solution. Keep reading to know how to fight disturbed pH levels.
How to Restore the pH Level of Skin
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Take these simple steps to restore your skin pH levels and achieve naturally glowing and younger-looking skin.
1. Eat healthily
What are you eating in a day – a piece of cake or a bowl of fruit? Your eating habits have a great impact on the pH level of your skin. You must adopt a nutritional and balanced diet. Include fruits, grains, seeds, and juices to keep your skin hydrated. Oily and processed food increases the acid level in your skin which will disturb the pH level of the skin.
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2. Protect your skin from sun rays
Always apply sunscreen on your face before stepping out into the sun. It will shield your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Use any sunscreen with SPF 50 or more than SPF 50 according to your skin type.
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3. Try natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best home remedies to maintain the pH level of your skin. Use a half cup of apple cider vinegar and mix with four cups of water. Pour this, mixture into a bottle and use it as a toner. Or you can choose the vinegar, made up of apples available in the market.
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4. Moisturise your skin daily
Choose any moisturiser based on your skin type and use it daily. Moisturizers are available in the form of lotions, gels, and thick creams. According to a study conducted in 2018, petrolatum-based emollients could help in restoring the pH level of the skin. To know which moisturiser is right for you check our detailed suggestions here.
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5. Exfoliate your skin
The removal of dead cells from the skin’s surface is known as Exfoliation. It is advisable to exfoliate your skin once a week. However, how often you exfoliate should depend on your skin’s needs.
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6. Use prescribed medication or acids
You can use retinoic acid, alpha and beta hydroxyl acids, and amino fruit acids to maintain the pH level of the skin. However, there are some limitations to using these acids because they can irritate the natural mechanism of the skin, causing dry skin, redness and sensitivity. If you face any of these problems, stop using these products immediately.
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Natural Ways To Restore pH Balance Of Skin
Here are some health tips you can follow to naturally restore the pH balance of your skin and have healthier, glowing skin.
- Include pro-biotic food in your diet like yoghurt, kombucha, pickled cucumber, traditional buttermilk, and cheese. Probiotic food increases the good bacteria in our body, which helps to combat the bad bacteria.
- Use skin care products which contain probiotics or claims that are pH-balanced.
- Do not use any soap as it is harsh for the delicate skin of the face.
- Don’t use any random product for your skin.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining hygiene, healthy food, and good skin care helps you to regulate the pH Level of your skin. Have eight glasses of water in a day to keep your skin hydrated, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen before stepping out.
Note: Balanced Lifestyle = Balanced pH Level of Skin.
Consult a dermatologist before taking these steps.
References :
- Alfonso, K. (2021b, August 5). What Exactly Do pH Levels Have To Do With Skincare? We Asked Our Fave Dermats To Explain. iDiva. https://www.idiva.com/beauty/skincare/what-does-skin-ph-mean-in-skincare/18022867
- Bhattacharya, S. (2019, December 2). How To Control Your Pimples By Using Skincare Products Which Are pH Balanced. iDiva. https://www.idiva.com/beauty/skincare/how-to-control-your-breakouts-by-using-skincare-products-which-are-ph-balanced/18004801
- Warjri, L. B. (2019, August 30). Here’s Why It Is Important To Understand Your Vagina’s pH Levels. iDiva. https://www.idiva.com/opinion/womens-issues/heres-why-it-is-important-to-understand-your-vaginas-ph-levels/18002501
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