PH is neutral. How to choose the right product according to the acid-base balance?

Surely many people have often heard about such a concept as pH (neutral, acidic or alkaline). This is an indicator of hydrogen, and it can be found both on a tube with cream and at a dermatologist's reception. Information on skin pH is very important. What is this indicator? Let's try to understand.

A little about the structure of the skin

As is known, the stratum corneum, located in the epidermis of the skin, performs the function of protection. It contains a water-lipid matrix containing fatty compounds and the acid mantle of Marcionini. Many believe that its pH is neutral - about 7, but this is misleading. The covers with such a hydrogen index will be dry and tightened. The skin has lactic and citric organic acids in its composition , which means that its balance should not go beyond the acidic one. If in the dermis any disturbances or changes occur, then the pH of the epidermis begins to change drastically. This can be as a consequence of a serious disease, and the result of improper skin care.

PH scale

First of all, remember that the concept of "pH neutral" applies specifically to the environment in question. For skin, its value is 5.2-5.7, tears - 7.4, and in chemical solutions, the neutral hydrogen index - 7 units (for example, water).

From the lessons of chemistry, we know that the scale of acid-base balance varies from 0 to 14. Neutral pH is about half, all that is lower is acid, higher is alkaline. As for concepts in cosmetology, "pH neutral" means that such an acid-base value is the most optimal for any skin.

In addition, the fat content of the skin is also determined by this indicator. Dry skin has a hydrogen index from 5.7 to 7, normal - from 5.2 to 5.7, fat - from 4 to 5.2.

Skin problems: vicious circle

We have already figured out what pH is, and now let's talk about the problems associated with this indicator. Oily skin is a problem for many people. Especially in adolescence. Virtually every child inevitably develop acne and acne. Of course, this is a consequence of a temporary failure in the hormonal background. However, right at this time, proper skin care is very important.

What do parents advise in this case? More often to wash? A teenager does this, but acne only gets bigger. What is the reason? Soap is an agent that has an alkaline reaction, and its pH varies from 6 to 11 units. Its frequent use causes it to wash off the upper layer of the face with an acidic medium. The protective function of the stratum corneum works in such a way that the less the beneficial acidic bacteria present in the normal flora of the face, the more it produces subcutaneous fat. That's a vicious circle: the more we wash, the more skin becomes fat. There is a natural question: "What to do?"

How to keep the pH in the normal state?

In order to preserve its natural acid-base balance when washing the face, it is necessary to pay special attention to the cosmetic products used in this process. First of all it is necessary to find out which soap with neutral pH can be used for frequent washing. If this is really a forced measure, then the hydrogen base must necessarily be acidic (up to 5.5 units). These include special foams, gels, scrubs for washing for oily skin (pH = 4).

If as such there are no problems, then for care, you can use funds with a weakly acid reaction, 5.5 units, for dry skin - closer to neutral - 6.5. In any case, remember that in order to choose the right skin care product, you need to approximately level the acid-base balance. The same goes for the rest of the skin. A gel with a neutral pH is generally suitable for dry skin, and for a problem it is worth choosing a product with a slightly acidic medium.

Shampoo and pH

Like any substance, the shampoo also has a pH, with each brand different. Here, according to the laws of chemistry, the same rule applies exactly: a low value of up to 7 units is acidic, higher is alkaline. Shampoos with a neutral pH level - exactly 7 units. As for the scalp, almost everything remains unchanged. In norm or rate at it or her more weakly acid medium - 4,5-5,5. This means that the choice of shampoo entirely depends on how much the scalp tends to fat.

For dry type, it is recommended to use more alkaline shampoos, and for fatty - to weakly acid. If the scalp is not fastidious, as, for example, a nursery, then it is necessary to choose shampoos with a neutral pH (7 units). Unfortunately, only a small number of manufacturers indicate which acid-base value is present in their cosmetic product. They are limited only to inscriptions (for dry, for oily, for normal skin). This is not entirely correct, because, according to studies, it turns out that, as a rule, shampoos for normal skin are alkaline, but should be slightly acid.

Can I determine the pH of the skin and the media?

Many would like to know the water-acid balance in a given substance. At home, it is not difficult to do the test. This requires a solution and an acid-base indicator, usually litmus strips. They are dipped in a solution and put on white paper. Almost instantly, the color appears on the display. According to the proposed color scale, it can be determined whether the acid medium is alkaline. For example, if litmus is lowered into an alkali, it will give a blue color, in an acidic medium - red.

Another way to know what the pH is is the pH meter. This is a very demanded device with high accuracy of detection. It is used in industries where environmental control is required (fuel production, chemical and paint and varnish industry, etc.). Such a device can also be found at a dermatologist's reception. In this article, we studied what pH is, and we figured out how to choose the right skin care products according to their acid-base balance.