If your complexion remains susceptible to breakouts, dullness or baby crow’s feet despite using salicylic acid and vitamin C products, then investing in a pH-balanced cleanser might be in order. Continue reading this blog post for more information and how you can find one tailored specifically to your skin type.
1. It’s gentle
Use of cleanser with low pH will not disrupt your skin’s acid mantle or affect beneficial bacteria that lives there, helping keep it soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Low pH cleansers are also less likely to irritate your eyes than acidic washes that can sting and burn, so look for low pH cleansers in gel, cream or milk formats for best results.
Glossier offers an effective pH balanced cleanser suitable for everyday use that’s free of harsh sulfates, phthalates, SLS/DEA/PEGs/synthetic fragrances as well as shea butter and aloe to hydrate skin and keep it supple.
This creamy cleanser with a pH level of 5.5 is suitable for all skin types, gently removing makeup and dirt while soothing with its blend of chamomille and calendula extract. Vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free – making this the ideal everyday face wash to keep skin healthy and glowing!
2. It won’t irritate sensitive skin
“Ph balanced” products typically mean their formula doesn’t stray too far from skin’s natural pH level and is designed for daily use, according to Masterson. He suggests avoiding products containing drying alcohols, essential oils or harsh cleansing agents like sodium lauryl sulfate which could disrupt its delicate acid mantle and cause irritation or inflammation in sensitive areas.
If you’re thinking about adding a pH-balanced cleanser to your beauty regime, take it slow: try it once or twice per day for one week and observe how your skin reacts. If satisfied with its effectiveness, keep using it regularly – but be sure to combine your regimen with healthy lifestyle practices such as drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of fruit and veggies! Check out these derm-approved cleansers from one popular K-Beauty brand to add to your rotation: Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and glycolic Acid Toner from another K-Beauty brand.)
3. It’s less likely to cause acne
Skin pH level is critical to healthy, balanced skin. A slightly acidic pH helps protect the protective acid mantle and limit oil overproduction that could lead to breakouts; however, certain cleansers (particularly soap-based ones) can tip its balance out of balance, potentially stripping away moisture-retaining natural oils that help hydrate.
When this occurs, our natural buffering capacity of skin becomes overburdened and results in blemishes, dryness, itching and other uncomfortable side effects. To maintain your natural acidic pH balance and avoid discomforting side effects like these ones, look for products specifically formulated for facial use that contain low pH levels (ideally around 5.5) such as those labeled as gentle or sensitive skin cleanser. You should have plenty of choices available – look out for products marked “gentle,” for sensitive skin or with similar words on packaging claims so you know you are using an acidic cleanser!
4. It won’t make your skin dry or itchy
pH balanced cleansers offer several distinct advantages over regular face washes: they won’t leave your skin tight or itchy (especially if you have sensitive or dry skin), plus they are less likely to burn your eyes, making them ideal for wearing makeup.
Healthy skin in its ideal pH range offers numerous advantages: protecting against bacteria, reducing water loss (known as trans-epidermal water loss), fighting disease and more. But when this balance is upset by harsh alkaline products or ingredients, the results can be disastrous.
pH-balanced cleansers help preserve the skin’s barrier function while leaving it clean and refreshed. This sets the stage for better product absorption so subsequent skincare products can do their magic boosting hydration, soothing irritation and providing antioxidant support – leaving soft, radiant and hydrated skin all day long!
