What does the term pH mean and why is it pertinent to skincare products? The exact definition means "the logarithmic of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration" which simplistically is used as a measuring system for comparing strengths of acids and bases. The scale is measured from 1 to 14 with water, being neutral, at the midway point of 7. Anything below 7 is categorized as an acid and anything above 7 is categorized as a base. The stronger the solution the further it is from neutral (7) in either direction. The more acidic compounds are at the lower end of the scale and the more basic compounds are at the higher end of the scale. The stronger the compound either acid or base the more potentially irritating it is.
The pH of healthy skin is slightly acidic in the range of 4.5-6. This area of the skin is referred to as the acid mantle. The acid mantle is an imperceptible thin viscous fluid that is important for the maintenance of the overall health of skin and hair. This slightly acidic pH allows the acid mantle to fight off bacteria, fungus, and pollutants. Stress and hormonal changes can cause the acid mantle to break down creating an alkaline environment. If the skin becomes too basic, it can become dry and irritated decreasing its ability to fight off bacteria leading to blemishes and breakouts. Most commercial cleansers have a pH of 8 or more and most soaps have a pH of 9.0-11. These basic products strip away the protective acid mantle layer creating a potentially toxic environment.
Optimally skincare products should have a pH close to that of your own skin. Alpha hydroxy acid products must have a lower pH in order to be effective in exfoliating the skin. As a consumer you should be aware of the pH of the skincare products that you use so that you will know what effect the products have on your skin. Choose products with the appropriate pH for the skincare result that you desire the product to produce.
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