Skin PH - Why Getting It Right Supports Healthy Skin

By Ananda Mahony

Skin has a low permeability, which blocks foreign substances such as toxins from penetrating through the skin and coming into contact with our internal organs. On the surface of the skin is a very fine, slightly acidic film that is secreted by the sweat glands. This layer is called the acid mantle because it has a pH of between 4.5 and 6.2 (any measure less than 7 is considered acidic. Above 7 is alkaline). The acid mantle acts as a barrier protecting your skin from the elements (wind and pollution) and from bacteria, viruses and other contaminants that might penetrate the skin or cause irritation. Apart from acting as a physical barrier the acid mantle helps to neutralize the chemical effects of contaminants, which are generally alkaline.

The daily barrage of pollution in the form of chemicals from the atmosphere, bacteria, and commercial skin care such as sodium laurel sulphate based cleansers can cause the acid mantle to be disrupted or lose its acidity. When this occurs, skin is more prone to damage, sensitivity responses (allergy like symptoms), irritation, infection and redness. Stress also plays a large role in the health of the skin pH.

Maintaining a healthy acid mantle and therefore pH is not only vital for skin protection but it also helps maintain healthier skin for longer. Other skin issues associated with a disrupted skin barrier include:

A greater risk of acne - the bacteria associated with acne (Propionibacterium acnes) are naturally found on the surface of the skin however, when the pH is disturbed and becomes more alkaline, the numbers of p. acne thrive. It is important to maintain a natural pH of no greater than 5.5 if prone to acne or skin problems. All cleansers are alkaline which changes the acid mantle and it can take up to 2 hours for the pH to return to normal. Over time daily cleansing with a harsh cleanser will leave the skin dry and sensitive. Ideally a cleanser pH for acne should be 4.5 - 5.5. Aiming for a squeaky clean feeling may actually be doing more harm than good in the long term.

Faster ageing - in our 40's the skin responses are slower and natural skin processes such as oil and moisture renewal decrease. After cleansing, a return to normal pH can take up to 8 hours.

Once the acid mantle is damaged there are definitely ways of encouraging repair:

Choose your cleanser carefully. Find a cleanser that supports the mildly acidic pH of the skin thereby protecting against the gradual decline over time.

Use oils to help create a protective layer and support the skin cell nutrition. Good examples include Tamanu, Jojoba, Rosehip, Sea Buckthorn or a combination of oils.

Try stress reduction if you know it is affecting your skin.

Incorporate antioxidants and good fats into your diet.

For more information about natural & organic skin care products contact Ananda Mahony ND at http://www.vitalenatural.com.au or at info@vitalenatural.com.au

As a naturopath Ananda has been involved in the natural skin care industry for many years. She specialises in the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, eczema, rosacea and dermatitis as well as anti-aging.

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