|
|
|
|
| |
Skin Care: Why is it important to maintain pH balance?
The medium pH value of healthy skin's topmost layer is 5.5 (acidic), the one of deeper skin layers is about 7.4 (neutral). The outer acidic layer of skin performs protective functions, thus creating conditions that are averse for the thrift of pathogenic bacteria and favourable for the growth of natural skin flora. The body regulates the pH of the skin‘s outer layer by neutralising alkali and making the environment acid.
How is the skin top layer's pH acidified?
The acidic environment of the skin surface is formed by sweat, sebaceous gland secretion and substances produced by non-pathogenic flora. Recent research have indicated that pH is also being acidified by transport systems of skin cell membranes, which produce hydrogen ions (H+) onto the external layer of the cells. Moreover, the environment is also being acidified by the phospholipase A2, by means of eliminating free fatty acids from the phospholipids. Upon malfunctioning of the indicated processes, the pH increases (alkalises), thus, leading to the breakdown of skin's barrier function.
What may cause the pH alkalise?
Misbalanced skin's function of neutralizing alkali serves an indicator of skin damage. Usage of unsuitable washing gels (alkali soaps), may change skin surface pH and cause the damage of the microflora balance (its amount and composition). Porprionibacterium acnes, the bacteria which cause acne, thrive at pH value 6 - 6.5 pH. It rapidly increases in size if skin is constantly being washed with soap, and it decreases upon using syndets, the pH of which is 5.5.
How can one not damage the acidic mantle?
The aim of cleansing the skin should be not only removing the impurities but also maintaining the protective acidic mantle, thus, keeping the skin healthy. Physiological skin detergents (syndets) do not harm normal skin environment. They include washing and cleansing products, which do not contain alkali as opposed to regular soaps. Upon using the first, the acidic skin layer is quickly restored and the pH remains at the value of 5 – 6.
|
| |
|
|
|
