Have you ever seen “PH balanced” on any products or things and wondered what meant PH? You might have heard it many times in your science class and didn’t make conscious effort to know what it is! But if you really want to know what it really mean and how it is effectively balanced for healthy skin and body, then you must read complete article.
What Is Skin Ph Level?
Generally our skin is designed to fight against infections and environmental stress and its ability to do so it’s affected by PH level. The PH level of the skin is generally referred by how acidic or alkaline it is.
PH is often referred as “Potential Hydrogen” or it is also called as measure of hydrogen in any substance. The scale of PH was invented in early 1900’s by Danist chemist SPL Sonesten for measuring alkanity and acidity which ranges from 0 to 14 where 1 is being more acidic and 14 being more alkaline.
Our skin has thin and protective layer on its surface known as acidic mantle. This surface is made from sebaceous glands which mix lactic and amino acids from sweat to create skin PH level to maintain healthy and moisturized skin by blocking the toxins and other germs. So, it is essential to maintain perfect skin PH level to be healthy.
Signs Of Off Balance Ph Levels
Ideally our skin is slightly acidic and PH level should be 5.5. However it is absolutely fine when it is around 4.8 and fine.
Often our skin shows some signs when the ph level is off balanced and acidic mantle is completely damaged, which include:
- Excessive oiliness
- Redness and rashes
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Acne
- Dry patches
- Signs of ageing
Factors Affecting Skin PH Level
There are certain factors that affect your skin PH level and make it look dry and dull. Just have a look on them:
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Heavy Exposure To Sun
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Heavy exposure to UV rays of sun will weaken acidic mantle and make it more alkaline and prone to issues such as pigmentation, dullness and acne.
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Ageing
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Ageing is very common factor that imbalances the PH level of our skin. As you get older, your skin becomes more alkaline that leads to pigmentation, wrinkles and formation of fine line on your skin.
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Diet
Your diet has major impact on your skin to make it dull and more alkaline in nature. Having too much acid in your system will affect your skin. Consuming caffeine, processed foods, sugar, yeast and alcohol increases the levels of acid in your system.
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Skin Care Habits
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Skin care habits like using harsh soaps and face washes on your skin or taking long showers and using hot water to wash your face will lead to strip off the acid mantle on your skin.
How To Balance Your Skin PH level
Here are some easy ways to maintain well balanced skin PH levels and to keep radiant and glowing skin.
Avoid Using Harsh Soaps And Cleansers
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Probably, this is the first thing you need for maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Avoid using bar soaps and harsh cleansers on your skin. Choose products wisely and make sure they mentioned PH balanced on the product package.
Never wash your face using hot water, always use luke warm water or room temperature water.
Choose Good Moisturizers And Oils
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When you are getting old, your skin loses its ability to produce enough amounts of natural oils. It often results in affecting the PH balance of your skin.
So, use good oils and moisturizers on your skin to keep it hydrated and to build moisture barrier.
Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works excellent in maintaining your skin PH level. You need to just mix table spoon of apple cider vinegar with little amount of water and use it as a toner for your face regularly.
Use Acids Carefully
Skin care products which contain alpha and beta hydroxyl acids or retinoic acid are good for your skinto maintain balanced PH level. But, if your skin starts to feel dry, redness and rashes then stop using the product immediately. Be careful with the acid products you use on your skin.
Be Conscious About Your Diet
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Make sure your diet contain antioxidant rich foods such as leafy vegetables, fruits such as apple, banana and all watery fruits. Avoid consuming processed foods that have impact on your skins PH level.
Use Sunscree
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It’s absolutely important to use sunscreen whenever you step outside from your home. It maintains your skin PH level and forms a layer on your skin and prevents it from further damaging.
