PH balance in men’s skincare
Created on 8th September 2023 by Avindo Gonsalves
In recent times men have started to take interest in maintaining the health of their skin. Since pH balance is a fundamental aspect of skincare, it becomes important for men to maintain this balance.
PH stands for potential of hydrogen and is a measure of acidity. The skin has a natural pH level that is slightly acidic. It ranges from 4.5 to 6.5. It is necessary to maintain an acidic environment of the skin for moisture retention and protection against harmful bacteria.
What happens when pH is above 6.5?
A pH higher than 6.5 is an alkaline pH. This kind of pH can weaken skin’s barrier, which makes the skin vulnerable to external factors like bacteria, UV rays, allergens and pollutants. This increases skin sensitivity and irritation.
An alkaline pH can disrupt the skin’s natural moisture balance. This can lead to dryness and flakiness. An alkaline pH creates a favourable environment for the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi which can increase risk of skin infections. It also leads to acne breakouts.
Elevated pH levels make the skin sensitive to topical products like cleansers and skincare ingredients. It also worsens skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
What happens when pH is below 4.5?
If the pH becomes too low then it can lead to redness and irritation in the skin. It can also make the skin susceptible to damage from external factors like pollutants and UV rays. It can also result in dry skin.
It is therefore important to maintain the pH levels of the skin. It must be neither too alkaline nor too acidic.
What pH is good for skincare products?
Most skincare products must have a pH in range that is normal for the skin. Hence, most skincare products must have a pH level of 4.5 to 6.5. Toners can have a slightly acidic pH (4 to 6). Exfoliating products that contain AHAs or BHAs may have lower pH levels (3 to 4).
How to choose proper skincare products?
It is important to read the ingredient list to choose the right products. Avoid products that contain alkaline ingredients. They can disrupt your pH balance. Skin often becomes alkaline. Therefore choose products that don’t have alkaline ingredients. Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide are common alkaline ingredients.
Choose cleansers, toners and moisturizers that are pH balanced. It will be mentioned on product label.
What happens when wrong pH products are used?
Products that make your skin alkaline can cause skin sensitivity and irritation. An alkaline pH reduces the skin’s ability to fight harmful bacteria. This can lead to acne breakouts.
An imbalance in pH levels can make the skin susceptible to the sun’s UV rays. This can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. It can also result in uneven skin tone.
PH imbalance can lead to loss of moisture from the skin resulting in flaky skin and dryness. For these reasons it is important to maintain the pH balance of the skin.
Skincare tips for maintaining skin pH
Avoid hot water to maintain skin pH. Use lukewarm water for cleansing and showering. Choose pH-balanced skincare products. Apply a good quality moisturizer that can support the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Over exfoliating can damage the skin’s barrier function and disrupt its pH balance. Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
In conclusion
Maintaining a healthy pH balance, which is in the range of 4.5 to 6.5, is essential for skin’s health. An imbalance can cause acne, skin irritation, rashes, dry and flaky skin and fine lines and wrinkles. It can also exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
Avoid ingredients that create an imbalance in the skin’s pH levels. Additionally, proper skincare tips can like avoiding hot water can help maintain the balance.
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