Surely many have often heard about such a thing as pH (neutral, acidic or alkaline). This is an indicator of hydrogen, and it can be found both on a tube with cream, and at a appointment with a dermatologist. Skin pH information 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 a protective function. On it is a water-lipid matrix containing fatty compounds and the acid mantle of Marchionini. Many believe that its pH is neutral - about 7, but this is a fallacy. Covers with such a hydrogen index will be dry and tight. The skin has lactic and citric organic acids in its composition , which means that yet its balance should not go beyond sour. If any disturbances or changes occur in the dermis, then the pH of the epidermis begins to change dramatically. This can be a consequence of a serious illness, or the result of improper skin care.
PH scale
First of all, you need to remember that the concept of "pH neutral" applies specifically to the medium in question. Regarding the skin, its value is 5.2-5.7, tears 7.4, and in chemical solutions a neutral pH of 7 units (for example, water).
From chemistry lessons, we know that the scale of acid-base balance varies from 0 to 14. Neutral pH is about half, all that is lower is acidic, 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 indicator. Dry skin has a hydrogen index of 5.7 to 7, normal - from 5.2 to 5.7, oily - from 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. In almost every child, acne and acne inevitably occur. Of course, this is a consequence of a temporary malfunction in the hormonal background. However, it was at this time that proper facial skin care was very important.
What do parents advise in this case? To wash more often? A teenager does, but acne only gets bigger. What is the reason? Soap is an alkaline agent and its pH varies from 6 to 11 units. Its frequent use leads to the fact that it washes off the upper layer of the face with an acidic environment. The protective function of the stratum corneum works so that the less beneficial acid bacteria present in the normal flora of the face on the skin, the more it produces subcutaneous fat. Here's a vicious circle: the more we wash ourselves, the more our skin becomes oily. A natural question arises: "What to do?"
How to keep the pH normal?
In order to maintain its natural acid-base balance when washing a face, it is necessary to pay special attention to cosmetics that are used in this process. First of all, you need to find out which neutral pH soap can be used for frequent washing. If this is really a necessary measure, then the hydrogen base must be acidic (up to 5.5 units). These include special foams, gels, face scrubs for oily skin (pH = 4).
If there are no problems as such, then with a slightly acidic reaction, 5.5 units can be used for care, for dry skin - closer to neutral - 6.5. In any case, it must be remembered that in order to choose the right skin care product, it is necessary to approximately level the acid-base balance. The same applies to other skin products. A gel with a neutral pH, as a rule, is suitable for dry skin, and for problematic, it is worth choosing products with a slightly acidic environment.
Shampoo and pH
Like any substance, shampoo also has its own pH, and each brand has a different one. Here, according to the laws of chemistry, exactly the same rule applies: a low rate of up to 7 units is acidic, higher - alkaline. PH neutral shampoos - exactly 7 units. Regarding the scalp, almost everything remains unchanged. Normally, she has a milder environment - 4.5-5.5. This means that the choice of shampoo should depend entirely on how greasy the scalp is.
For the dry type, it is recommended to use more alkaline shampoos, and for the fatty type - slightly acidic. If the scalp is not picky, like, for example, children’s, then it is necessary 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 by inscriptions (for dry, for oily, for normal skin). This is not entirely correct, because, according to studies, it turns out that, as a rule, shampoos for normal skin are alkaline, and should be slightly acidic.
Is it possible to determine the pH level of skin and products?
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, as a rule, litmus strips. They are dipped in a solution and put on white paper. Almost instantly, color appears on the indicator. According to the proposed color scale, it is possible to determine whether the environment is acidic or alkaline. For example, if the litmus is lowered into alkali, it will give a blue color, in an acidic environment - red.
Another way to find out what pH is is a pH 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 industry, etc.). Such a device can also be found at a appointment with a dermatologist. In this article, we studied what pH is and found out how to choose the right skin care cosmetics according to their acid-base balance.