When you see ads for organic skin care and standard skin care products on TV, you may think all that talk about skin pH levels is just that – talk. Surely, it’s some kind of marketing ploy, or way in which to make one product stand out over another. The truth is, talking about your skin’s pH levels is more important than you think – and it’s not a tactic to get you to buy one product or another. We asked the experts at fridakahloskincare.com and here’s what you need to know.
What are Skin pH Levels All About?
Most likely, you would never have heard the term pH used as its full name of ‘potential of hydrogen’. This term means that there is a certain concentration level of hydrogen ions in a substance. There is also a scale to measure the levels, with zero being the most acidic, and 14 being the most alkaline. Your skin is at its best when it sits in the middle between acidic and alkaline at around 4.8 to 6.
What Happens if My Skin pH Levels are Too High?
If your skin’s pH levels are too high, with high being around 7-14, then your skin becomes dry, sensitive, and irritated. It may even look inflamed, with some enzymes actively destroying your collagen levels due to too much alkaline. If you use high pH products, you are vulnerable to skin issues such as acne, eczema, Athlete’s foot, and more. If your skin’s pH levels are consistently high, then your skin can age faster as well.
How do I Know My pH Levels are Too High?
Your skin will generally tell you fairly quickly that something’s not quite right and that it might be time to try new organic skin care products. Your skin may be oily, dry, red, or you can even have eczema, psoriasis, acne, and sagging wrinkly skin.
What Causes High pH Levels?
Age, too much sun, using harsh bar soap instead of other products such as organic skin care lotions, eating habits, and poor skin care habits can all play a part. Bar soap is often a key player, with an alkaline level of around nine.
What Can I Do About My pH Levels?
Instead of using harsh lotions, washes, and soaps, you may like to switch to an organic skin care product with natural ingredients. You can also try apple cider vinegar which is an excellent option for regulating pH levels, and try natural oils and moisturisers as opposed to synthetic. Changes in your diet and wearing sunscreen could also help.
Now that you know what skin pH is, what causes it, and what you can do about it, you can now set about changing up your skin regime for the betterment of your skin health.