BECAUSE HEALTHY SKIN IS SKIN WITH A BALANCED pH, YOU MUST TAKE GREAT CARE OF ITS PROTECTIVE ACID MELTDOWN
Why is it important to respect the skin's pH? Because healthy skin is skin with a balanced pH. The acid mantle plays a crucial role in the quality and texture of the skin. It's essential to take care of it to avoid disrupting its balance.
More than 90% of skin conditions can be attributed to a weakened skin barrier, the skin's natural immune system responsible for defending against pollution, UV light, infection and moisture blockage.
Your skin is home to trillions of microbes (bacteria) that perform a symbiotic function on our skin barrier, helping to maintain pH balance and protect the skin. It is estimated that 26% of the trillions of bacteria that make up our microbiome are found in our gut, while 21% are found on our skin.
SKIN pH
The acid mantle is the skin's protective barrier, composed of a thin film of sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells. This barrier is naturally slightly acidic (hence its name), meaning its pH is below 7 (neutral pH). It is generally around 5.5, which allows the skin to function normally and fight against external aggressors and toxins, which have an alkaline pH.
This acid mantle therefore provides protection to the surface of the skin and prevents the proliferation of bad bacteria while retaining moisture and nutrients.
Sometimes this acid mantle becomes slightly altered, if it becomes too acidic (dry skin) or too alkaline (oily skin), and leads to dysfunctions: sensitivity, irritation, imperfections… Most skin problems occur when this acid mantle is unbalanced.
Blemish-prone skin typically has a pH around 7, which is not strong enough to neutralize bacteria. Conversely, a pH below 5.5 makes it difficult for bacteria to proliferate.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN'S pH?
The skin's acid mantle can be damaged by many factors: sun, wind, pollution, diet, stress... but also by the use of skincare products that are too harsh for the skin.
Since skin pH is essential for a healthy and radiant complexion, here are our tips for pampering your skin's acid mantle:
• Your cosmetics should respect your acid mantle with pH levels around 5.5.
• Avoid excessively hot showers as heat destroys the acid mantle.
• Avoid harsh ingredients such as alcohol, soap, perfume, emulsifiers, and synthetic ingredients. This is why it's important to favor natural skincare products.
• Lighten your routine as too many successive layers of different active ingredients can damage the skin barrier.
THE GOOD ROUTINE AND THE REPAIRING INGREDIENTS
CLEANERS
The most important pH is that of cleansers. Most cleansers have a pH above 7 and will damage the skin's acid mantle. The skin will become irritated and produce even more sebum. It will be unable to protect itself and rebalance, and breakouts will occur. This is why harsh cleansers only worsen acne. Some brands also offer very acidic toners to counteract overly alkaline cleansers. This significant pH variation further irritates the skin and makes it unable to self-regulate. Ideally, choose a cleanser and toner that are slightly more acidic than 5.5. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is optimal for regulating skin health and strengthening the microbiome.
CARE
The creator of Gentlerist explains that, technically, pH only refers to water-based formulations because it measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in an aqueous solution. Therefore, it is scientifically inaccurate to state the pH of oils or oil-based preparations, although, when tested with similar instruments, most vegetable oils have a slightly acidic pH that promotes healthy skin. A healthy skin barrier is primarily composed of lipids and three crucial elements: ceramides, cholesterol, and essential fatty acids. You should prioritize oils and creams containing these active ingredients if your skin barrier is compromised.
EXFOLIATION
No more than 2 to 3 times per week for mechanical exfoliation, which should not damage the acid mantle. Opt instead for enzymatic exfoliation performed in the evening to allow the acid mantle to regenerate overnight.
SUPPLEMENTS
The Super Elixir - WELLECO fights damage caused by free radicals, thus making the skin radiant and boosting the natural production of collagen.
AN EXAMPLE OF AN EVENING ROUTINE
In order to allow the skin to benefit from active ingredients without compromising the acid mantle, I advise varying the active ingredients each night and taking breaks.
Every evening: double cleaning + an essential oil
TUESDAY & SUNDAY
Use an acid:
• Flower Acid Algae Serum - MARA
• Holi (Bright) Resurface Glass Face Mask - AGENT NATEUR
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY
Apply a Retinol treatment:
• Retinol Night Face Oil - MARA
• Renewing Serum - Retinol + Hyaluronic Acid - ODACITE
THURSDAY & SATURDAY
Let's take a break:
• The Balm - Soapwalla
• Blue Balm Repairing Balm Blue Chamomile/Shea Butter - ODACITÉ
