What is pH and why is it important when selecting skin care products?
A. pH Stands for potential of Hydrogen. It is simply a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. The pH scale ranges from 0 which is on the acidic end to 14 on the alkaline end. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Our bodies have a natural covering called the acid mantle that protects our skin. The acid mantle is composed of fatty acids from our perspiration and amino acids from our skin. The acid mantle is the skin’s first line of defense against fighting infection and bacteria from entering our bodies. The pH factor is a measurement of the percentage of the hydrogen ions in the acid. Normal facial skin will have a pH of between 4.5 and 5.5, which is slightly acid. If something comes into contact with the skin that either too acidic or too alkaline, the skin’s natural proective barrier, the acid mantle, will be affected. When the acid mantle is disrupted, other skin problems can arise, such as skin peeling, rashes, irritation and other contaminents that can cause skin disorder
