Why Your Skin’s pH Balance is Important for Healthy & Ageless Skin
What is Skin pH and Why It Matters?
Let’s hit refresh and step back to high school science class for a moment. Potential hydrogen or pH describes your skin’s level of acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, where 7 is considered as ‘neutral’. The lower levels are classified as acidic while the higher numbers are alkaline or nonacidic. Our skin’s pH is simply its water-to-oil balance. You might be surprised to learn that healthy skin is on the acidic side. With more acidity, your skin creates a protective skin surface referred to as the ‘acidic mantle’ that keeps moisture in and combats damaging free radicals that might increase the aging process. “The pH of your skin is normal at 4.7,” says Anthony Youn, MD, a plastic surgeon based in Troy, Michigan. “The thought is that if you alter that pH, you’re altering how healthy the skin is.”
Genetics, skincare products, humidity levels, your healthy (and not-so-healthy) habits, and environmental pollution all come together to determine your skin’s natural pH level. If you have dry and sensitive skin or experience breakouts - your skin is most likely on the alkaline end of the spectrum, which means it’s not producing enough sebum. Your skin is more acidic if it’s oily, greasy, and acne-prone. Balance is the name of the game!
How to Balance Skin pH through Skincare
Though dermatologists, wellness gurus, and aestheticians may not always see eye to eye when it comes to skincare, they all agree on the importance of pH balance. It’s official, when it comes to skincare - pH-focused cleansers, toners, and moisturizers is the way to go. Especially where aging is concerned, because as we age the acid mantle weakens which makes your skin more susceptible to external damage - amplifying signs of aging.
Once you've identified your skin's pH level, you'll be able to make more educated choices regarding your skin care.
1. Invest In A Natural & Gentle Cleanser
Cleanser with harsh ingredients like SLS, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other nasties should be avoided at all costs. These harsh cleansers could mess with your skin’s pH levels and confuse your natural oil-to-water ratio. Opt for gentle yet effective cleansers, like Bettr’s ‘Clean Bettr’ - an all-natural cleanser designed to eliminate pore-clogging impurities, without stripping your skin. Without compromising on its effectiveness, Clean Bettr’s minimal formula is perfect for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Not only does it rinse off external aggressors, but it helps regulate the skin’s sebum production which balances the skin’s natural oils and in turn your pH levels.
2. No Matter What Happens, Never Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Dermatologists can’t stress the importance of hydration enough because when your skin is moisturized, it’s supple, firm, bright, and soft. As we age, the skin’s natural oil production slows down which damages the skin barrier, and messes with the pH level. Therefore, it’s important to invest in a daily skincare routine with moisturizers and hydrating serums to support the skin barrier’s function. Moisturizer is a non-negotiable skin care product, because nothing can repair the skin quite like a good moisturizer. A fan favorite is Moisturize Bettr, it doesn’t just provide hydration for up to 72 hours but promotes healthier complexion and reduces the appearance of fine lines. To up your hydration game, consider giving serums a shot - a good one to start with is Restore Bettr. As a potent blend of antioxidants, the serum provides double duty hydration and accelerates cell turnover for a wrinkle-free facial skin.
Try Bettr’s pH balancing Complete Trio Set.
