How is the skin top layers 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 consta
