WHAT IS PH AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE SKIN?

WHAT IS PH?

pH stands for "potential of hydrogen" and measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral, while anything below 7 is acidic and anything above 7 is alkaline.

THE NATURAL PH OF THE SKIN

The skin's natural pH level is slightly acidic, ranging from 4.5 to 5.5. This low pH is maintained by the skin's acid mantle, a thin protective layer consisting of sebum, the acids in sweat and dead skin cells.

HOW DOES PH AFFECT SKIN HEALTH?

The skin's pH level directly impacts many aspects of its health and appearance, including:

BARRIER FUNCTION

The acid mantle stabilizes the skin's barrier function by forming a protective layer that regulates hydration and body temperature and shields against external factors such as pollutants, bacteria and allergens. 

An imbalanced pH level can weaken this barrier, making the skin more vulnerable to sensitivity, irritation and infection.

HYDRATION & MOISTURE RETENTION

A balanced pH level helps retain the skin's moisture by preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which occurs when water evaporates from the skin's surface. 

A pH imbalance typically leads to dry and dehydrated skin. Dry skin is more susceptible to environmental aggressors and premature aging, so preserving proper hydration levels keeps your client’s skin elastic and firm.

MICROBIOME BALANCE

The skin hosts a diverse microbiome composed of beneficial bacteria, fungi and viruses that play a crucial role in its health and resilience. A stable pH helps maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria that keeps harmful microbes at bay. 

SKIN CONDITIONS & SENSITIVITIES

A balanced pH is essential for healthy skin and prevents inflammatory conditions like acne, rosacea and eczema. However, when the pH is outside the range of 4.5 to 5.5, it can lead to irritant contact dermatitis and discomfort, aggravating pre-existing skin conditions.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE YOUR CLIENT'S SKIN PH

To properly address imbalances in your client's skin, it's essential to understand the factors that can affect their skin pH levels.

• Skincare Products: Harsh cleansers and overly alkaline products can disrupt the skin’s natural acidity, leading to dryness or sensitivity.
• Environment: Fluctuating environmental conditions, such as humidity or pollution, can challenge the skin's ability to conserve its pH balance.
• Diet & Lifestyle: A diet high in acidic or alkaline foods can impact the body's overall pH levels, which can indirectly affect skin health. Lifestyle factors like stress and lack of sleep can also contribute to pH imbalances.

HOW TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN HEALTHY SKIN PH FOR CLIENTS

As skincare professionals, it's up to you to educate your clients on retaining a proper pH level for healthy skin. Here are some tips to help your clients achieve and retain a healthy skin pH.

1. RECOMMEND THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Encourage your clients to invest in professional, pharmaceutical-grade skincare products. These products are pH-balanced and formulated with skin-loving ingredients that provide optimal results.

If your client is struggling with a weakened acid mantle, recommend products with cucumber. It has a similar pH level to the skin, so products with this ingredient can balance and strengthen the acid mantle. Cucumber can also help reduce redness and irritation from an imbalanced pH with its added anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits.

GlyMed’s Beta Gel with 10% Glycolic Acid is the perfect example of a pH-balanced product with cucumber that can help restore and heal the skin's natural balance. For a quick and moisturizing refresher throughout the day, recommend CBD Skin Mist, complete with Vitamin B3 and soothing botanicals to calm and hydrate the skin.

2. TEST AND MONITOR YOUR CLIENT'S PH LEVELS

A professional skin analysis and pH test can determine your client's skin type and identify any imbalances or sensitivities. To test pH levels, use pH test strips or a digital pH meter. Simply cleanse the skin, apply the test strip or meter to a small area and read the results. 

By regularly testing client’s skin pH levels, you can monitor the effectiveness of their skincare routine and make necessary adjustments to preserve balance.

3. HELP YOUR CLIENTS ADJUST THEIR HOME SKINCARE ROUTINE

Educate your clients on the proper skincare routine for their skin type and pH level. Encourage them to use gentle, pH-balanced cleansers, followed by hydrating and nourishing products like serums and moisturizers designed for their specific needs.

Daily Repair Cream is a hydrating moisturizer that's perfect for balancing pH levels at the end of a skincare regimen. It uses calcium ascorbate, a non-acidic form of Vitamin C, to restore the skin's natural acidity while providing anti-aging benefits.

You could also recommend Skin Clarifying Masque to target oily and acne-prone skin. Formulated with calcium ascorbate (Vitamin C), phytonutrients and fruit enzymes, this masque removes environmentally-damaged skin layers to reveal a healthy, radiant complexion.

4. USE ADVANCED AESTHETIC KNOWLEDGE TO TREAT PH-RELATED SKIN ISSUES

As an esthetician, you have the advanced knowledge and expertise to address any pH-related skin issues your clients may be experiencing. From customized facials to chemical peels designed for specific skin concerns, you can provide tailored treatments that help restore and support a healthy pH for your client's skin.

To confidently tackle pH-related skin issues, consider becoming a GlyMed Pro today to gain access to advanced training, products and support from our team of experts. Together, we can ensure your clients achieve their best skin yet by mastering pH balance.