Do You Know the pH of Your Skincare Products?

Skincare products

If it is not safe enough to eat, you should not be using it in your skincare regimen. There are many people touting the use of simple household ingredients and making their own skincare products in their homes. How wise is this though? After all, the FDA does monitor the sale and creation of cosmetics for a reason.

One of the reasons that making your own bath and body products would not be such a great idea is monitoring the pH of the product. pH stands for ‘Potential Hydrogen’; this is essentially a measure of acidity or alkalinity. The scale is from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is gradually more acidic and anything above is gradually more alkaline.

What is the ideal pH?

The Skin’s normal pH ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, that is right, slightly acidic. This acidity is generally referred to as the ‘acidic mantle’ and is maintained by sebaceous glands, sweat glands etc. The acidic mantle functions are mainly protective and the most common one is killing unwanted bacteria. It protects our skin and internal organs from sun and wind exposure as well as dehydration. The acidic mantle inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, thus reducing the risk of acne, allergies as well as other skin problems.

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How do I track my pH?

Do you know the pH of your skin and how it may fluctuate on an ongoing basis? Two people with different pH levels will have varied responses to identical products, purely based on the chemical reaction taking place on the surface of the skin organ as a product is placed on it. You can get a test kit which includes a pH pencil. This would allow you to track your skin pH and how it fluctuates with various hormones.

What happens if I use alkaline products?

Alkalines (Bases) with a pH greater than 10 can cause serious chemical burns. Strong bases include calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide. The most important consideration is the chemical and its dilution. Most soaps are alkaline and one of the characteristics of an alkaline product is that it opens the pores of your skin. This can be effective when looking to draw impurities out from the pores of your skin. Opening the pores with an alkaline product will allow you to encourage collagen production while unclogging your pores.

Bases also react with oils on the skin and fatty tissue, which can lead to extensive damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

What happens when I use acidic products?

Face acids are the key to happy skin.  When used at the right concentrations, acids are actually some of the most beneficial ingredients available in skincare. They’re the miracle tools used to fight acne, wrinkles, age spots, scarring, and uneven skin tone. An acidic product closes up your skin pores. It is why many toners are acidic. Leaving your pores open, encourages the bacteria to grab a foothold, and create infections.

Most of us are scared of the word acid. As with the higher alkalines, extremely acidic products will burn your skin, damaging to the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

The pH can have a major impact on the performance and results of your skincare products. Many at-home producers of simple skincare products may not have the ability to control the pH of the final product. What if it is too extreme and causes complications?

Considering that there is so much more to creating skincare products than finding a recipe off Pintrest or a blog, speak to a professional. If you looking for personalized bath and body products see what solutions they can offer. 

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Do You Know the pH of Your Skincare Products?
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