The importance of pH Balance and Skincare

What Is pH and why is it so important for skin health?

When it comes to skincare, we often focus on ingredients to support our skin health such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. But there's another essential factor that may not be as obvious and can have a significant impact on your skin’s health - pH balance. If you’ve ever felt a stinging sensation on your skin after using a foaming face wash or blemish treatment, it’s likely a sign that your pH is off balance.

So, what exactly is pH and how can you make sure your products are pH-friendly? Let’s break it all down.

Understanding pH 

pH stands for potential of hydrogen and the pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 7 considered neutral. The scale can be a little confusing as the higher the range, the less acidic! Numbers below 7 are considered acidic, while pH above 7 is known as alkaline (non-acidic)

You might also be surprised to learn that a healthy skin pH is more acidic and we are often born with a higher skin pH that slightly declines after birth. With higher acidity, your skin can work more effectively at protecting itself from harmful microbes and environmental stressors that can lead to damage and premature ageing.

What Is the Acid Mantle?

Like most skin health conditions, it often comes back to our barrier health. The acid mantle forms part of our skin’s barrier and is a thin, protective film made up of sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells. It sits on the outermost layer of your skin and has two main jobs:

1. Shielding against harmful bacteria, pollutants, and allergens

2. Maintaining hydration by locking in moisture and preventing water loss

When your skin’s pH is balanced, the acid mantle remains strong and intact. But when it’s thrown off by using the wrong skincare, over-exfoliating or damaging the skin through environmental stress (such as sunburn), your skin can become vulnerable to dryness, irritation, breakouts, and even conditions like eczema or rosacea.

Why pH Balance Matters in Skincare

Maintains Skin Barrier Function

As mentioned above, your skin barrier is your body’s first line of defence so it’s important to keep it as strong and balanced as possible. When the pH becomes too high, enzymes that break down your skin’s natural oils become more active. This can weaken the barrier and potentially cause sensitivity and inflammation.

Improves the Effectiveness of your Skincare

The pH of your skin can affect how well certain active ingredients perform and how well your skin absorbs and holds on to those ingredients. If your skin is off balance you may also experience sensitivity when it comes to active ingredients such as Vitamin C, AHAs and Niacinamide.

Reduces Redness and Sensitivity

If you’ve experienced stinging or burning after using certain products, it could be due to an imbalanced pH. Sensitive skin in particular is more prone to inflammation when the acid mantle is compromised.

Prevents Breakouts and Bacterial Overgrowth

Acidic conditions help inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. If your pH is too high it may allow bacteria to thrive and potentially trigger breakouts!

Common Culprits of pH Imbalance

Soaps and foaming cleansers - these often have a higher pH which can disrupt the skin’s barrier.

Over-exfoliating - too much exfoliation with harsh particles and acidic scrubs can cause damage and irritation.

Too many active ingredients - using too many actives at once can lead to irritation and imbalance as the skin doesn’t have time to adjust and repair in between.

Environmental stress - sun damage, cold winds and pollution can all send our pH out of balance.

Harsh toners - toners containing alcohol can over-dry the skin leading to imbalance and irritation.

Genetics and Age - our skin type and how it behaves can be passed down from our parents, meaning we may be naturally prone to more sebum production or a slightly higher or lower pH level. As we age our pH level begins to increase, making our barrier less acidic and more open to dryness, damage and irritation.

Signs Your Skin’s pH Might Be Off

If your skin has been acting out and feeling a little off, here are some warning signs that your pH needs a rebalance:

• Sudden sensitivity or stinging from products 

• Persistent dryness or flakiness

• Frequent breakouts or redness

• Tight, uncomfortable feeling after cleansing

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to audit your skincare routine and seek support from a dermatologist if symptoms persist.

How to Choose pH-Friendly Skincare Products

Look for Soap Free and Fragrance Free Products

Cleansers containing soap are likely to have higher pH and are a common culprit when it comes to stripping and drying the skin. Fragrance is also a well-known skin irritant that dermatologists recommend we avoid in skincare, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Look for the words “soap free” and “fragrance free” on your skincare labels.

Opt for Sulfate free Gentle Cleansers

Have you ever used a cleanser that left your skin feeling “squeaky clean”? While it might feel like you’re doing something good for your skin, this is a sign that the product may be too alkaline and has stripped your skin of essential oils.  Opt for sulfate-free, non-foaming cleansers that contain hydrating ingredients. 

If you want that fresh feeling without the irritation, reach for LAMAV’s award winning Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser. This certified organic, sulfate and paraben free cleanser contains gentle AHA’s to provide a deep clean while soothing aloe and mountain pepper leaf reduce inflammation and retain moisture levels.

Introduce Acids Slowly

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are naturally acidic and can help exfoliate and rebalance your skin, however they can also irritate it if overused. Introduce products that contain acids 1–2 times a week and always complete a patch test prior to full first use.

Look for exfoliants that contain naturally derived AHAs - such as LAMAV’s AHA Face Exfoliant. Containing gentle but effective AHAs derived from Desert Lime, Sugar Cane and Bilberry, you’ll achieve a deep exfoliation without the damage. 

Use a pH-Balancing Toner

The right toner can help restore your skin's ideal pH after cleansing, particularly if you’re having trouble balancing your skin. Look for a toner to support your skin type and concerns. LAMAV’s Probiotic Toner was specifically designed to balance the skin while reducing inflammation. Containing a probiotic blend to help restore balance and protect the skin, this purifying toner is also packed with AHAs to encourage cellular turnover and balance the skin’s pH, along with Aloe Vera and Lavender Flower Water to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Try skin cycling 

Skin cycling with your active products is a great way to alternate between using stronger actives such as Vitamin A and Acids, and hydrating ingredients that soothe the skin and contribute to barrier health. Alternating between the two gives your skin time to rest in between, minimising risk of disrupting the skin’s pH that can lead to irritation.

The Takeaway on pH and skincare

Skin pH is only one of the pieces to your skin health puzzle, however it is often overlooked. A healthy pH supports your barrier, improves product performance, prevents breakouts, and reduces irritation. Remember to choose soap and fragrance free products, go easy on the active ingredients and don’t forget to protect your skin by wearing SPF every day!