Surely many have heard more than once about such a concept as pH (neutral, acidic or alkaline). This is an indicator of hydrogen, and it can be found both on a tube of cream and at a dermatologist's appointment. Information about the pH of the skin is very important. What is this indicator? Let's try to figure it out.
A little about the structure of the skin
As you know, the stratum corneum, located in the epidermis of the skin, performs the function of protection. It contains a water-lipid matrix containing fatty compounds and the acid mantle of Marchionini. Many people believe that its pH is neutral - about 7, but this is a misconception. Covers with such a pH will be dry and tight. The skin contains lactic and citric organic acids, which means that its balance should not go beyond the sour. If any disturbances or changes occur in the dermis, then the pH of the epidermis begins to change dramatically. This may be the result of a serious illness, or the result of improper skin care.
PH Scale
FirstFirst of all, you need to remember that the concept of "pH neutral" applies specifically to the environment in question. Regarding the skin, its value is 5, 2-5, 7, tears - 7, 4, and in chemical solutions, the neutral pH is 7 units (for example, water).
From chemistry lessons we know that the acid-base balance scale ranges from 0 to 14. Neutral pH is about half, anything lower is acidic, anything higher is alkaline. As for the concepts in cosmetology, “pH neutral” means that such an acid-base indicator is the most optimal for any skin.
In addition, oily skin is also determined by this very indicator. Dry skin has a pH of 5.7 to 7, normal skin has a pH of 5.2 to 5.7, and oily skin has a pH of 4 to 5.2.
Skin problems: vicious circle
We have already figured out what pH is, and now let's talk about the problems associated with this indicator. Oily skin is a problem for many people. Especially in adolescence. Almost every child inevitably develops pimples and acne. Of course, this is a consequence of a temporary failure in the hormonal background. However, it is at this time that proper facial skin care is very important.
What do parents advise in this case? Wash more often? The teenager does so, but the acne only gets worse. What is the reason? Soap is alkaline and its pH ranges from 6 to 11. Its frequent use leads to the fact that it washes away the top layer of the face with an acidic environment. The protective function of the stratum corneum works in such a way that the less beneficial acidic bacteria present in the normal flora of the face on the skin, the more it produces subcutaneous fat. Here is a vicious circle: the more we wash, the more oily skin becomes. A natural question arises: "What to do?"
How to keep pH normal?
In order to preserve its natural acid-base balance when washing the face, it is necessary to pay special attention to the cosmetics used in this process. The first step is to find out which neutral pH soap can be used for frequent washing. If this is really a forced measure, then the hydrogen base must be acidic (up to 5.5 units). These include special foams, gels, scrubs for washing for oily skin (pH=4).
If there are no problems as such, then for care you can use products with a slightly acidic reaction, 5.5 units, for dry skin - closer to neutral - 6.5. In any case, you need to remember that in order to properly choose a skin care product, it is necessary to approximately equalize the acid-base balance. The same goes for other skin care products. A gel with a neutral pH is usually suitable for dry skin, but for problematic ones, you should choose products with a slightly acidic environment.
Shampoo and pH
Like any substance, shampoo also has its own pH, and each brand is different. Here, according to the laws of chemistry, exactly the same rule applies: a low indicator of up to 7 units is acidic, higher is alkaline. Shampoos with a neutral pH level - exactly 7 units. Regarding the scalp, almost everything remains unchanged. Normally, she has a more slightly acidic environment - 4, 5-5, 5. This means that the choice of shampoo should entirely depend on how oily the scalp is.
For dry types, it is recommended to use more alkaline shampoos, and for oily ones, slightly acidic ones. If the scalp is picky, such as children's, then you need to choose shampoos with a neutral pH (7 units). Unfortunately, only a small number of manufacturers indicate which acid-base indicator is present in their cosmetic product. They are limited only to inscriptions (for dry, for oily, for normal skin). This is not entirely correct, as studies show that shampoos for normal skin tend to be alkaline and should be slightly acidic.
Can the pH of skin and products be determined?
Many would like to know the water-acid balance in a particular substance. At home, doing the test is not difficult. This requires a solution and an acid-base indicator, usually litmus strips. They are dipped into the solution and placed on white paper. Color appears almost instantly on the indicator. According to the proposed color scale, you can determine whether the environment is acidic or alkaline. For example, if litmus is dipped in alkali, it will give a blue color, in an acidic environment - red.
Another way to find out what the pH is is topH meter. This is a very popular device with high accuracy. It is used in industries where environmental control is necessary (fuel production, chemical and paint industries, etc.). Such a device can also be found at a dermatologist's appointment. In this article, we explored what pH is and found out how to choose the right skin care products according to their acid-base balance.
