The role of pH in skin health

A crucial aspect of skincare that is often overlooked is the acidity of your skin. The correct pH value is essential for maintaining radiant, healthy skin and controlling sebum production and acne. The skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH value, usually between 4.7 and 5.75. This acidity protects against harmful microorganisms and supports the vital barrier function of your skin. It is important to realize that the relationship between pH value, sebum production, and acne is influenced by various factors, including your genes, power supply and lifestyle.

Smoking and vaping

It will come as no surprise that smoking, as well as vaping, is bad for your skin. Tobacco and vape smoke are full of free radicals, which are known for their harmful effects on the skin. For instance, they damage collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for the skin's firmness and elasticity. The breakdown of these fibers not only disrupts the structure and appearance of the skin but can also affect the pH balance. A healthy skin structure is important for maintaining the correct pH level. Furthermore, the presence of nicotine constricts the small blood vessels in the inner layers of the skin. This phenomenon reduces blood flow, preventing essential nutrients and oxygen from reaching the skin properly. Specifically regarding vaping, skin dehydration occurs because the propylene glycol and glycerin in e-cigarette liquid draw moisture from the skin. All of this can disrupt the skin's pH balance.

Alcohol

Alcohol has a similar effect to smoking. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and has a dehydrating effect. And as we know, dehydration has a negative impact on the skin. This reduces the effectiveness of the skin barrier, which can also affect the pH balance. Furthermore, alcohol inhibits the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the body, including vitamins essential for skin health, such as vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients are important for maintaining the skin barrier and pH balance. A deficiency can lead to a weakened skin barrier and potential changes in skin pH. Hormonal balance can also be disrupted by alcohol, which affects skin condition and potentially the pH balance.

Medication

Medical treatments often have unexpected side effects that are overlooked. From subtle shifts in the acidity of our skin to increased sensitivity to everyday irritations. Chemotherapy, dialysis, diuretics (e.g., water pills), and even lipid-lowering medications for cardiovascular diseases can disrupt the balance of our skin. Chemotherapy, for example, is known for its wide range of side effects, including an impact on the skin that can lead to dryness, itching, and rashes. These symptoms are not only unpleasant, but they also point to a deeper underlying problem: a disruption of the skin barrier and a change in pH. And diuretics and laxatives can weaken the natural protective barrier due to their dehydrating effects. Even treatments that do not appear to directly affect the skin, such as radiotherapy and dialysis, can lead to dryness and itching. It is crucial to be aware of these potential side effects because medical treatments can reduce skin hydration and affect sebum production, resulting in a higher pH (less acidic).

Temperature

Cold: when the thermometer drops and winter sets in, our skin switches to an impressive defense mechanism. It constricts the blood vessels to retain our precious body heat. While beneficial for our internal thermostat, an unexpected side effect occurs: the sebaceous glands shift down a gear. These natural skin oils, normally our allies in keeping our skin supple and hydrated, become scarcer, allowing our skin to dry out treacherously. This affects the skin's barrier and pH.

Heat: In tropical climates or the sauna, your skin can dry out because sweating leads to moisture loss. Without a sip of water to replenish, your skin can feel tight and dry, which is an indication of reduced protection by your skin barrier and a fluctuation in pH. Moreover, those sweat droplets do more than just cool you down. They can temporarily raise your skin's pH value by leaving behind a cocktail of salts and waste products that have an alkaline character. Not to mention the sebum production that is boosted, sometimes resulting in shiny skin or clogged pores. Furthermore, showering or bathing too often and for too long with water that is too hot leads to a loss of the skin's natural moisturizing components and surface lipids. The skin dries out.

Young children, older people and special professions

Young and old skin have less resistance, because the activity of the sebaceous glands still has to develop further. develop or decline. Also occupational groups such as hairdressers, painters and people in the industry or for example Healthcare workers regularly come into contact with cleaning agents, disinfectants, and/or solvents. All are substances that are harmful to the skin, causing they also have more vulnerable and possibly lower skin resistance.

pH and Acne: A Delicate Balance

A balanced pH value supports a healthy skin flora, which is essential for regulating sebum production. Skin that is too alkaline – with a pH value above the natural level (>5,75) – can, however, lead to dryness and increased sebum production as compensation, which in turn increases the risk of clogged pores. Acne and the disruption of the natural skin flora are therefore closely linked to changes in the skin's pH value. A higher pH value promotes the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) which can cause inflammation, a crucial factor in the development of acne.

Strategies for treatment and prevention

At Medicadermis, we recommend using skincare products that align with the skin's natural acidity. Maintaining the skin's ideal pH is fundamental to preventing acne and promoting healthy skin. At Medicadermis, we understand the complexity of skincare and offer expert guidance and treatments tailored to your personal needs and circumstances. As you have read, these circumstances can vary greatly from person to person. Discover today how we can help optimize your skin health. Schedule a free consultation for your specific skin condition!