By Original Sprout

In today’s world, it can be challenging to determine which skincare products are actually safe for our families and ourselves. With so much conflicting information out there, sorting through everything to find good ingredients is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. 

At Original Sprout, we understand the difficulties families can face when it comes to finding safe skincare products – so we have made it our mission to help customers identify the best skincare ingredients, as well as the ones to stay away from.  

One thing people are increasingly paying attention to is the pH balance in their skincare products. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It’s measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, lower numbers indicating acidity, and higher numbers indicating alkalinity.  

Knowing the pH level of your skincare products can help you determine if they are suitable for your skin type and if they will be gentle enough for regular use. Not convinced? Here’s why pH levels matter – especially for your little ones.

OUR SKIN’S PH LEVELS PROTECT US 

When choosing a new skincare product, a basic knowledge of your skin’s pH balance can come in handy and help you pick a safe product. 

Our skin is naturally designed to protect us from bacteria and other pathogens. One of the ways it does this is by maintaining a slightly acidic pH balance, usually around 5.5. This acidic environment helps prevent bacteria from growing and multiplying on our skin, keeping us safe from infection and other skin problems.

The importance of maintaining a balanced pH on our skin cannot be overstated. Not only does it protect us from bacteria, but it also keeps our skin healthy and glowing by preventing dryness and irritation. That’s why it’s essential to use safe skincare products that are specifically formulated for your skin type so they don’t disrupt its natural pH balance.

When we ignore pH levels and use products with certain ingredients, we can weaken our skin’s natural defenses. Commonly-used skincare ingredients that can jeopardize your pH defenses include…

• AHAs
• Retinoic acid
• BHAs

Unfortunately, many of the products that are used to treat acne can actually damage your skin’s pH levels, leading to further irritation and breakouts. To avoid this, opt for “pH-optimized” skincare products. These products are designed with your skin’s natural pH levels in mind, so they won’t disrupt the delicate balance of your skin and cause further damage. 

Does Your Skin’s pH Level Affect Your Acne Breakouts?

In many cases, yes. If your skin’s pH balance is off, it increases your chances of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and eczema – especially when the pH level is too acidic.

Can Other Things Besides Skincare Affect Your pH Balance?

Your skin’s pH levels can be affected by a number of things outside of the products you use, including your genetics, age, diet, and environment’s humidity. 

What Happens When Your Skin’s pH Gets Too High?

If your skin’s pH is too high (alkaline), it increases the chances of dry and irritated skin. The lipid layer of the skin may be compromised, which can also result in an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria (propionibacterium acne). 

CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND PH LEVELS 

Many parents are unaware that off-the-shelf soaps can be harmful to their young children’s skin. Many soaps contain harsh ingredients that can strip away the natural acid mantle of the skin and raise its pH levels, which can lead to a variety of skin issues. 

To ensure the safety of your children’s delicate skin, look for safe skincare products specifically designed for young children.

Infants and babies have particularly sensitive and delicate skin that is thinner than adult skin, making them more vulnerable to the harsh chemicals found in many skincare products. This is why it’s essential for parents to be aware of the pH levels of their baby’s skin and to select safe skincare products 

The ideal pH level for a baby’s skin should be higher than that of adults, as this will help protect their delicate skin from irritation and other potential harm.

Not only should you use a pH-balanced soap, but you should also use a safe moisturizer on babies and toddlers after bath time. By choosing safe and natural products, parents can ensure that their baby’s delicate skin stays healthy and protected.

To read the full article visit: https://originalsprout.com/blogs/news/products-and-ph-why-it-matters