Why Skin pH Matters—Simple Steps to Restore Balance (2024)

Your skin's pH (positive hydrogen) balance measures how acidic or alkaline (also called basic) it is. The skin's pH balance is determined by the "acid mantle," a thin layer of sweat and oil (sebum) on the outside of the skin. The pH scale ranges from 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline), with neutrality at a 7. Healthy skin is more acidic and ranges from 4 to 6 on the pH scale, while internal organs average 7.4.

Skin pH Effects

The pH of the skin's acid mantle plays a vital role in maintaining the stratum corneum, the outerlayer of skin cells. Healthy skin's natural acidity helps protect it from bacteria (often or other pathogens) and maintains the right balance of natural oils, keeping it hydrated.

Symptoms of Imbalance

The acid mantle is not as effective when your skin pH is too acidic or basic. As a result, your skin can become dehydrated, dry, and more susceptible to bacteria. When facial skin pH is out of balance, the symptoms include:

• Acne, the development of pimples, blackheads, or other blemishes
• Dry, scaly skin, skin that flakes off easily
  
• Redness or other discoloration, inflammation, swelling, and itchiness
• Skin sensitivity to cold, wind, or sunlight

How to Read a pH Scale

The 14-point pH scale is broken down into the following scores:

• Acidic: Acidic substances score below 7; for instance, battery acids have a pH of 0, and lemon juice or vinegar are at 0.
• Neutral: A substance with a score of 7 is neutral; pure water is neutral, and blood, at about 7.4, is nearly so.
• Alkaline: Alkaline or basic substances score above 7, ranging from 10 or 11, as in soapy water, to bleach at 13 or liquid drain cleaners at 14.

The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning that relative acidity drops by a factor of 10 as the score rises; a pH of 4 is 10 times as acidic as a pH of 5.

Home devices and kits can measure skin pH. However, dermatologists (skin specialists) use devices that rely on electrodes or handheld meters, which can offer more accurate results.

Optimal Facial pH

Skin pH can vary from person to person; however, the pH range that protects and retains moisture in healthy skin is between 4 and 5.5. Facial skin tends to be more alkaline than other body parts, and there can be individual differences.

How to Balance pH Based on Skin Type

Normal Skin

Normal skin looks smooth and uniform, with no visible pores or blemishes. People with this skin type have a balanced pH, so the goal is maintenance. For this type, use cream or lotion-based skin cleansers close to the skin’s natural pH of about 5.5 and avoid body soaps (they have a higher pH) on the face.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is flaky, itchy, and scaly, and it is a sign of a higher pH. If you have dry skin, you can balance it by using facial cleansers and products with a pH between 4 and 5. This also means using lotion or oil-based cleansers and moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, urea, allantoin, petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is shinier and features larger pores. People with oily skin may experience pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes. Oily skin is more acidic, so it can tolerate cleansers and products that are more alkaline, such as bar or gel soaps.Acne treatments, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur, can prevent blemish-forming bacteria.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin easily becomes irritated and rough, leading to symptoms like discoloration, scales, blisters, dryness, or swelling. Washing with acidic products, and using moisturizers and products with humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, and dimethicone, may help protect the acid mantle.

Aging Skin

Aging skin is more alkaline. The pH increases as the stratum corneum gets thinner, becoming pale, dull, uneven, and dry. Aging skin can become looser and develop wrinkles and spots of discoloration. People with aging skin should opt for lower-pH products alongsidetopical retinoids(chemical compounds that are natural derivatives of or related to vitamin A).

Reasons for Facial pH Imbalance

A range of health conditions and environmental and lifestyle factors destabilize the acid mantle and cause pH imbalances, which can arise due to:

• Acne: An elevated skin pH is a common feature of acne, as the skin’s natural barrier breaks down, and pimples and blemishes form due to bacterial colonization.
• Aging: Facial pH increases with age as the skin becomes less able to retain moisture, leading to pH imbalance.
• Bathing practices: Regularly taking hot showers or baths disrupts the skin’s ability to stay hydrated and control pH.
• Dialysis: An elevated skin pH can accompany dialysis treatment for kidney disease or failure.
• Eczema: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes dry, scaly, and itchy skin; elevated, alkaline skin pH is common with this condition.
• Harsh cleaners and products: Bar soaps, antibacterial soaps, and some cleansers can be alkaline, disrupting the acid mantle when used on the face.
• Ichthyosis: Ichthyosis is a group of genetic or acquired skin disorders leading to dry, scaly, and discolored skin; skin pH is higher.
• Other skin conditions: Psoriasis (an autoimmune skin disorder), contact dermatitis (skin allergy), and other dermatological conditions disrupt the acid mantle, affecting skin pH.
  
• Skin care products: Certain exfoliants, makeup, or other skin care products can influence skin pH, disrupting the acid mantle.
• Sun exposure: Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight can disrupt the acid mantle and damage skin, making it more alkaline.
  
• Tap water: Depending on the supply, tap water may be more alkaline; washing your face with it can temporarily raise your skin pH.
  

Basic Skin Care Routine

The key to maintaining a healthy skin pH is a basic skin care routine that maintains the acid mantle. A basic skin care routine typically involves the following steps:

• Wash morning and night: Too much cleaning can disrupt skin pH; wash your face once in the morning and once at night, using a facial cleanser with a pH between 4 and 5.
• Moisturize: Immediately after cleansing, apply moisturizer made with hyaluronic acid, urea, allantoin, petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin.
• Exfoliate: Exfoliants with salicylic acid, lactic acid, and other ingredients slough off dead skin cells, which can help keep skin clean and maintain pH; however, don’t exfoliate more than once a week, as this can impact skin pH.
• Bathing: When showering or bathing, limit the time to 10 to 15 minutes and use warm, not hot, water.
• Wear sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV rays and maintain pH by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor).

Summary

Your skin's pH can significantly impact its health and appearance. Healthy skin is naturally acidic, which helps it protect the body. When this is out of balance, the skin can lose moisture, and it’s easier for bacteria or other pathogens to disrupt the skin. Signs of pH imbalance on the face include dry, flaky, or itchy skin, acne, skin sensitivity, and discoloration.