Skin care products with balanced pH don’t disrupt the natural acid levels that help your skin stay healthy and functioning optimally. They may contain ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, lactic acid and bitter orange extract for soothing, hydrating and brightening effects on complexions.
1. It won’t irritate your skin
pH balanced face washes, or those which have an acidity level close to that of your natural pH of around 5.5, will not irritate or over-dry out your skin, neither clog pores nor cause future breakouts – unlike traditional cleansers containing sodium lauryl sulfate which can overdestroy natural oils and disrupt microbiome balance.
Choose a pH-balanced face wash is especially essential if you have sensitive skin as its pH changes constantly due to diet, skin products and environmental influences. A pH-balanced cleanser and other skin care products will ensure that your complexion remains radiantly beautiful and healthy.
2. It won’t clog your pores
There’s a good reason why pH-balanced cleansers and face washes are so popular: When skin’s pH levels remain within their natural range, its protective barrier keeps out external irritation and infections. Shifting too far outside its ideal range through using an alkaline cleanser leaves skin vulnerable and susceptible to dryness, acne breakouts, redness and other irritations.
pH-balanced cleansers are designed to meet the skin’s natural pH level of around 5.5 and gently whisk away dirt, oil and impurities without disturbing its protective barrier function. They often include moisturising agents like glycerin or sodium hyaluronate as well as nourishers to help preserve its hydration level and strengthen barrier function – these products can be found online as well as many major pharmacies or health stores.
3. It won’t burn your eyes
pH-balanced cleansers may be safer options for those wearing makeup or with sensitive eyes, as their low pH formula won’t sting or burn (though proven skin care ingredients like acids and retinol may tingle for a few seconds – something which is fine as long as this happens on an occasional basis).
pH-balanced cleansers are not only gentle on your face, but are also safe for contact lens wearers. When selecting one, look for gel, cream or milk-based formulas such as Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser which features no-foam technology to minimize irritation to eyes or skin.
As it becomes more and more important to understand that each individual’s skin pH level varies, it’s wise to seek products with labels displaying this information, like Drunk Elephant’s Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser which boasts an approximate pH value of 5.5.
4. It won’t make your skin dry or itchy
Cleansers that do not maintain an appropriate pH-balance can aggravate skin, dry it out, irritate it or cause tight or itchy feelings; they may clog pores and worsen acne outbreaks. When used consistently over time, using pH-balanced cleansers will ensure that you remain hydrated with free from irritation skin that is better equipped to fend off environmental aggressors such as pollution, sun exposure and harsh soaps.
Skin pH Basics: Measurement of acidity or alkalinity on a scale between 0-14 is called the “pH scale,” and your skin has an optimal level called an acid mantle that protects it against environmental hazards, supports healthy cell turnover rates and regulates excess oil production.
When you use a cleanser with a high pH level, its acids can disrupt your acid mantle and weaken your skin barrier, leading to dry, irritated, itchy and premature aging skin as well as breakouts. A good way to find a low-pH cleanser is looking for one that doesn’t foam or bubble and feels gentle on your skin.
