What does pH balance really mean? If you dig back into your chemistry class, you might remember that everything in your body has a pH, or ‘potential hydrogen’. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14, with anything below 7 being acidic, above 7 being alkaline or basic and 7 itself being neutral. The human body rests usually in the neutral range between 7.35 and 7.45; however, the pH of the skin is somewhat acidic, ranging normally between 5 and 5.5.
This acid environment protects the skin against bacteria and seals off moisture. The thing is, most of us chronically disrupt the pH balance of our skin just by using all sorts of skin care products. This is especially true when it comes to face wash for men. While we’re out there looking for products that reduce acne or brighten the skin, we may unintentionally harm the skin by picking the wrong ingredients.
Finding a face wash for men with the right pH sounds super overwhelming, and, quite frankly, one may wonder how big a difference that truly will make. But products finding a pH-balanced face wash for men ranks way easier than you think it does. We’ll break down what you need to know so you confidently choose the right face wash for men and breeze through your skincare routine.
What Is Skin pH?
You might not realise it, but the skin surface is normally acidic, in fact, acidic enough to make acid based skincare products compatible with skin. While research puts the number slightly different, the general consensus in science is that skin’s average pH is around 4.7. Interestingly, men have more acidic skin than women, while with aging, the skin’s pH slowly rises but remains on the acidic side. Newborn skin is neutral and then assumes acidic characteristics within the first weeks following birth.
The Acid Mantle
Your skin has a thin protective layer called the ‘acid mantle’. This barrier works with other active components, like ceramides, cholesterol, sweat, and natural oils, to protect both superficial and inner layers of the skin from aggressions. This kind of acidic environment will maintain a balance in the microbiome of your skin. A balanced microbiome gives rise to conditions that impede the overgrowth of bad bacteria while promoting those that are good for the skin.
How Does pH Impact Your Skin?
When you go on and on disrupting your skin’s pH with a highly acidic or alkaline face wash for men, it may lead to problems such as dryness, tautness, and even cases of eczema. For this reason, many people go in for products that are pH-balanced, although not all labels provide the pH. Fortunately, a greater percentage of face washes for men are already pH-balanced. Dermatologists understand how pH functions on the skin and, more often than not, take necessary measures to create formulas. This is why a dermatologist-approved face wash for men helps you stay within a healthy range of pH.
The term ‘pH-balanced’ refers to face washes for men whose pH matches that of healthy skin; this usually ranges from 4 to 7. Some products may be out of this range, but for the most part, it isn’t a big deal. The subset might change the skin’s pH slightly for a short while. Exfoliants are at pH 3.6 and some mineral sunscreens are around 7.5, but your skin course will correct itself, often within an hour. In fact, acidic products can even facilitate skin producing important ingredients it needs to keep smooth, hydrated, and firm.
However, more serious pH imbalances can occur with face washes for men that are too acidic- as low as pH 2.5 or too alkaline- as high as pH 8 or above. In those conditions, it takes even longer for your skin’s pH balance to come down. This leaves your skin vulnerable to various issues such as breakouts, eczema, redness, and sensitivity. This is why extreme pH values of products should not be used daily since they can gradually damage your skin with time.
Of course, your body will naturally react and control the pH of your skin, amongst other things, but when a face wash for men creates an imbalance, problems like acne, inflammation, wrinkles, and a host of other skin issues can strike.
Internal Factors Affecting Men’s pH Balance:
- Stress: Stress caused by physical, chemical, or hormonal changes can wreak havoc on your skin’s pH balance.
- Genetics: Your genetics play a part in how well your skin can balance its pH.
- Age: The older you get, the harder it becomes for the skin to keep up with its health and water intake.
- Health conditions: Various types of health conditions and medications can impinge on the skin’s pH.
- Hormonal imbalances: Whether it be temporary or chronic, hormonal changes influence your skin’s balance.
External Factors Affecting the pH for Men:
- Environment: Large temperature and humidity swings and seasonal changes could be very influencing.
- Cosmetics: Extremely strong ingredients and highly alkaline products can disrupt the skin’s pH.
- Dirt, dust, and pollutants: These substances will block pores and make it more difficult for the skin to maintain the right balance.
- Over-washing: As much as cleanliness is important, too much washing simply tends to strip the skin of its natural barrier.
- Medical treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapies, and some medications may all play a huge role in skin changes.
How to Check Your Skincare Products for Their pH
You most probably know that a few ingredients may be harmful to your skin and disturb the pH of your skin. But how can you actually check the pH of face wash for men to see whether it will suit your skin or not?
- pH test strips: Dip this strip inside the product, and voilà. You’ll get a quick reading of its pH level.
- Use a pH meter: These devices give the exact measure of the product’s pH.
- Ask your dermatologist: If you think that a product is irritating your skin or if, trying out a new routine, you feel concerned about your skin, consult your dermatologist for advice.
- Patch test: Dab a small amount of the elixir onto a less-exposed part of the skin, then wait 24 to 48 hours for an irritation or reaction.
Conclusion
Everyone has different skin, and what works for ‘A’ may not work for ‘B’. It is actually pretty easy to overdo it with an overdose of various products, harsh cleansers, or strong exfoliants, which only might irritate your skin, leaving it red and dry or flaky.
To avoid these problems, keep your skincare simple and use a natural face wash for men that fit your needs. Pay attention to how life and skin products affect the pH balance of your skin, and you will avoid frustration in always fighting skin problems when you could be allowing it to be healthy and look its best.
