[SKIN TRUTH] The Butterfly Effect: Consequences of Increased pH levels

    One of the most important rules when developing products for the skin is including low levels of acidity to match one’s natural pH. And when the products reach the market, consumers often inquire about pH, such as “Why use low acidity instead of medium?” or “Isn’t acidity considered bad for the skin?”

    While the perception of acidity in skincare products has changed due to the proliferation of such products this days, “acidity” used to have negative connotations. This is due to its correlations with terms such as acid rain from pollution, hydrochloric acid, or sulfuric acid that it became known as a toxic proponent that breaks down objects. As the human body is made up of 70% of water one may think that the skin is affected by the alkali in negative ways. However, the average pH levels for the skin are between 4 to 6 on a 14 point scale.

    If you use products with strong cleaning power and alkali content on sensitive or troubled skin, this may raise its natural pH level to a more acidic degree. Each component of our bodies contains enzymes, which are molecules that accelerate chemical reactions depending on temperature and pH levels. In this particular case, overwhelming sensitive skin with strong products will result in the increase in an enzyme known as ‘ser-protease’, which will degrade the lamellar body, the component that aids in protecting the surface of the skin. 

    The Proper Balance of Protection 

    To put it in simpler terms, the increase in pH will result in the breakdown of lamellar bodies, and weaken the skin or even damage it. In this case, the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, or infections will become more likely, leading to break outs and further irritation on the skin. Therefore, to treat troubled skin, investing in mild products with low pH levels will be more effective rather than strong products with high alkali content.