What affects the pH of the skin and body?

The optimal pH of human skin is between 4.5 and 5.5.
It is lower in men and young people, and depends on hygiene, cosmetics and diet.
A neutral or alkaline pH favors the multiplication of pathogens.

The skin is a very important human organ, as it separates the body’s internal and external environments.
The outermost layer of the skin is the epidermis.
Depending on where it is located on the body, it can have different thicknesses and structures, which translates into its resistance.
The eyelids contain a very delicate epidermis.
The skin is inhabited by numerous pathogens.

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Few people pay attention to the pH of their skin when using cosmetic products.
However, skin pH is important for pathogen type and well-being.
Skin pH is influenced not only by cosmetics, but also by diet, hydration, temperature and oxygenation.

What is the correct pH of the skin?

The skin has an acid pH of between 4.5 and 5.5, but this value is not constant.
It varies according to time of day, season, sex, age and skin color.
It has been found that the skin of people with darker complexions can have a lower pH.
In addition, skin pH is not the same throughout the body.
Armpits, for example, have a lower pH than other areas of the body.

Physiologically, the human epidermis, in addition to having an acid pH, is dry and has a lower temperature than the human internal temperature.
It is therefore not the best environment for the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms, which feel much better at a temperature of around 37°C, with considerable humidity and a more neutral pH.
However, this does not mean that human skin is free of microorganisms.
They are an integral part of the human physiological flora, and some of them determine the maintenance of the skin’s correct pH.
The physiological flora is necessary to prevent the proliferation of other pathogenic microorganisms that are dangerous to humans.

What affects the skin’s abnormal pH?

Dermatological diseases often result in abnormal skin pH.
This applies, for example, to acne lesions, fungal infections or allergic dermatitis.
Many cosmetics can alter the pH of human skin.
In addition, running water alone changes the pH of the skin for several hours.

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However, over-frequent bathing in agents that also alter the skin’s pH can have a negative effect on the epidermis, leading to an increased predisposition to skin lesions.
Skin pH abnormalities may appear after local treatment of skin lesions with antibiotic ointments or systemic treatment.
Diet is very important.
A high intake of sugars in the diet and highly processed products can disrupt skin pH and encourage the spread of pathogens.

Skin bacterial flora and pH

Changes in pH can have a variety of consequences.
Acidic pH supports the activity of proteins and lipids in the physiological flora, resulting in bactericidal activity. An acidic pH supports wound healing, exfoliation and keratinization of the epidermis, and the maintenance of bacterial flora at an appropriate level.
The alkaline or neutral pH of the skin supports the development of fungi and bacteria, which are pathogenic and also cause unpleasant perspiration odors.

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How can I maintain my skin’s pH level?

After washing your face with surface-active substances, it’s a good idea to use a toner that restores your skin’s acidic pH.
This prevents the multiplication of bacteria responsible, among other things, for the formation of blackheads and acne, especially if you also use foundation or powder, which also disrupt the skin’s natural reaction.