Balancing your Skin’s pH

Balancing your Skin’s pH

Is your skin out of whack, if so, it maybe because the pH levels are off. Dermatologist Dr. Carroll gives her tips on how to manage the skin balancing act.

What is pH?

pH scale measures how acidic or basic (alkaline) something is.

Our skin likes to live at a pH of around 5.5, so skin likes to be slightly acidic.  It has a thin protective layer on its surface called the acid mantle. The acid mantle keeps the good things in our skin, like moisture and lipids – and the bad stuff out, like bacteria and pollution.

Can you test your skin’s pH level?

You can’t really test your skin’s pH except in a lab because tests are based upon liquid. People who test their pH usually do the litmus paper test with saliva, but the pH in our body is different than the pH levels in our skin. Our bodies like to be more alkaline, while our skin functions better when it’s more acidic.

How can you tell if your pH levels are off?

There are some telltale signs that your skin pH is off. Let your skin be the barometer. If your skin is balanced, you’ll have a dewy, plump, more radiant look.

If your skin is off by being too alkaline it may be acne-prone, dry, or excessively oily. In other words, if you have a persistent skin problem, from zits to dermatitis, an upset pH could be to blame.

Alkalinity can make your skin very dry and brittle which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be acne prone. Because alkaline skin doesn’t have the proper pH, it predisposes you to inflammation and increased enzyme activity, which can accelerate aging through the break down of collagen.

If your skin if off by being too acidic, your skin looks red and irritated.  Acidity is not as common, but it’s usually caused by over processed skin.  This can happen with overuse of products and excessive cleaning and scrubbing.

How do we repair and prevent an imbalance in the skin’s pH?

There is good news. When you're using the right products, the skin's barrier will always return to its natural, happy slightly acidic place.

First, choose your products carefully.  Do not wash your face with soap. Avoid products that are over-scented with a lot of botanical ingredients.  Keep it simple.  Products with the words “pH-balanced” have no official definition so don’t depend only on this. It’s simply a marketing slogan

Stick to a routine. Don’t switch products constantly. If you switch products, the test period should be about 2 weeks. And don’t change everything at one time.

The morning routine should consist of should cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect.

The evening routine should be cleanse, treat, and moisturize.

Skincare Products

Morning:

• CLEANSE: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - available at drugstores
• TREAT: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic - available at dispensing doctors offices (such aswww.compassdermatology.ca), medispas & high end spas
• MOISTURIZE: LaRoche Posay Toleriane Ultra - available at major drugstores
• PROTECT: Anthelios Ultra-fluid SPF 60 - available at major drugstores


Evening:

• CLEANSE: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - available at drugstores
• TREAT: Reversa Solution for Oily and Acne-prone Skin - available at major drugstores
• MOISTURIZE: Skinceuticals Face Cream - available at dispensing doctors offices (such aswww.compassdermatology.ca), medispas & high end spas