​What is a balanced pH, and how does it affect your skin?

Hydrogen (pH) measures how acidic or alkaline a substance might be. If your skin has too much acid, you may experience problems with its health and integrity- from breakouts to inflammation. But what if your skin is not pH neutral? If your skin's pH is not balanced, there will be other problems, such as dryness, leading to issues like allergies to particular products or environmental changes.

What is a balanced skin pH scale?

Make sure your skin is acidic by drinking more water, eating foods with pH balance, like apples or citrus fruits, and using products formulated for this purpose, such as toners and moisturizers made from natural ingredients. A healthy body has an alkaline reading (7) on the scale, which helps combat harmful microbes while protecting against free radicals - molecules known to cause aging. So how can you maintain your skin's acidity levels without using it to cause harm? First, remember that a neutral pH is 7, with anything higher being alkaline and anything lower being acidic. However, pH scales tend to be broader for the skin, with acidity ranging between 4 and 7.

Is your pH the same on every area of the skin?

Skin pH varies depending on the area of your body. For example, lesser exposed areas, such as the buttocks, armpits, and genital area, maintain their natural acidity, unlike your face, chest, and hands, which tend to be more alkaline. Such differences are because the latter skin regions are more exposed to the elements.

Other factors that can affect skin pH include:

• sweat
• tap water
• too much sun exposure
• frequent washing of your skin

How to check the pH balance of your skin

At-home test strips

The at-home pH kits allow you to measure your skin's natural balance. These come in the form of paper strips applied onto our bodies and measured for best accuracy, so buy one specifically made with what type or concern you have. For example, saliva tests may tell us an overall reading though it won't provide any information on how well maintained those levels might currently seem; urine also has its limitations when assessing the surface area, such as face patches versus arms.

Visit a dermatologist

If you're looking for a way to get the most up-to-date information on your skin's condition, it is crucial to see an expert. A dermatologist can access liquid pH testing and help with cosmetic and other care options if this interests you.

Observe and estimate your skin

Suppose you notice that your skin has a soft, smooth texture without dry patches or irritation. Of course, you might be more acidic (low pH) if there are acne breakouts, but you can constantly adjust this.

What's the best way to maintain a balanced skin pH?

Wash with gentle cleansers

Skin is a delicate organ, and every ingredient we use on our face affects us. Whether gentle for you means using specially formulated commercially made products or making your natural, plant-based items to cleanse with - remember that water also affects skin tone, so be mindful of what kind of cleanser it will be after rinsing off. For example, more acidic pH levels ( below 6 ) may help combat acne, while more alkaline ones can maintain healthy conditions like eczema and psoriasis. In addition, keep in mind how cleaners are formulated.

Use a toner

While it may be difficult to avoid, a skin toner can help neutralize any remaining alkalinity in your system and restore optimal pH levels for a beautiful-looking complexion.

Moisturize

You can't go wrong with a moisturizer. There are oils, lotions, and gels that will do the trick. You might even want to adjust your current one for the season, too- be sure it has SPF, so you're always protected from those harmful UV rays during the summer months when your skin gets especially dry. Finally, follow up after receiving treatments like facials or waxing by applying high-quality body care products at home.

Exfoliate

You can achieve youthful and glowing skin by exfoliating your face with gentle products at least once weekly. You might also need plant acids such as those found in chemical peels or microdermabrasion tools for best results, but talk to an expert about this so you don't try anything that could harm your skin.

The takeaway on a balanced pH and how it affects your skin

There are a variety of factors that go into healthy, youthful-looking skin. It starts with maintaining the pH level and oil production from your pores to protect it against damage caused by UV rays or other environmental stressors like pollution in cities where there's no protective layer between you and those sources. So again, the answer lies in how you care for your skin.