Staying motivated and consistent with your skin goals begin to turn into a nugatory process when you do not see any improvement in your skin condition. However, you do not need to feel disheartened because you are just one step away from the solution. You must have heard and experienced how a balanced routine brings happiness and peace to your life. Similarly, maintaining healthy skin pH levels is a little known secret for flawless and healthy skin.
Numerous research studies have found that healthy epidermal barrier functions are strongly associated with skin pH levels. This study further explains that the use of certain personal care products like soaps and cleansers negatively affects the pH of the skin, which ultimately leads to skin dehydration, acne, wrinkles, etc.
pH and your skin
A thin and slightly acidic layer which protects your skin is called an acid mantle. It is formed of fatty acids oils, lactic acid, and amino acids, which form a shield from impurities, toxins, and any microbes from getting entered into the skin. Based on scientific evaluation, acid mantle is identified by the slightly acidic pH of skin i.e. 5.5. It is an ideal skin pH, which helps to maintain healthy barrier functions.
Skin’s too alkaline pH is found to cause fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. The reason behind this is that your skin loses the ability to fight off matrix metalloproteinases (MMP’s), an enzyme which destroys collagen and results in wrinkles. Whereas, overly acidic pH of skin is considered to make your skin oily and red.
Top 5 tips
- Watch your diet
- Avoid using soaps and strong cleansers
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Keep your skin moisturized
- Use pH balanced skin care products
1. Watch your diet
Experts say that there is a strong connection between diet and skin's pH levels. To maintain the balanced skin pH levels, it is advised to include a diet that is rich in antioxidants. Plant food sources like leafy vegetables (kale, cabbage, and broccoli) and fruits (banana, berries, and works effectively help to boost healthy skin pH levels. Along with taking healthy foods, it is equally important to cut down consumption of acid-forming foods such as processed food, junk food, and anything else, which is highly acidic in nature.
2. Avoid using soaps and strong cleansers
A research study published in Indian Journal of Dermatology has concluded that the majority of soaps and shampoos available in the market have pH out of the normal range. In addition, a 2009 research study has found that the use of skin care products containing SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) impair the skin barrier. Thereby, it is asked to avoid the use of soaps, which are packed with strong chemicals as they disturb the pH levels of your skin.
3. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen
Applying sunscreen regularly not only helps to protect your skin from premature aging but also helps to maintain the healthy pH level of the skin. Dermatologists strictly recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays before going outdoors.
4. Moisturizers
With the progression of age, the skin loses the ability to secrete the natural oils, which help to keep your skin healthy and youthful. Lack of hydration damages your acid mantle which ultimately leads to poor skin health. The use of moisturizer, which is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acids and ceramides, helps to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier.
5. Use pH balanced skin care products
Every product contains a different set of ingredients that affects your skin differently. It is, therefore, very necessary to know the pH of products that you are going to use for your skin. Ingredients like Vitamins A, C, E, and polyphenols are found to maintain pH levels along with offering many other benefits to your skin.
Above all, the beauty of your skin is entirely dependent on how you are nurturing it internally and externally. Maintaining healthy skin pH levels is pretty manageable at home. All you need to do is choose a healthy diet and skin care products that work in harmony with your skin. Start opting for pH-balanced products and follow the right diet that fosters healthy pH levels in your body and skin.
