Why the pH of Your Skincare Products Matters
When it comes to skincare, pH is a critical factor that can significantly impact the health and appearance of your skin. An imbalanced pH can lead to issues like irregular tone, uneven texture, and breakouts. Understanding the role of pH in your skincare products is key to maintaining a healthy complexion.
What is pH?
- The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with 7 being neutral.
- The average pH of tap water is around 7.
- Your skin has a slightly acidic natural pH, typically between 4.5 and 5.5.
- This acidity helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, protect against bacteria, and regulate oil production.
Why Lower pH Products Are Beneficial
Skincare products with a lower pH (more acidic) align with your skin's natural acidity and can:
- Enhance radiance by revealing luminous skin beneath dead cells.
- Unclog pores and eliminate acne-causing bacteria.
- Smooth fine lines and improve texture over time.
Acidic products, like chemical exfoliants containing AHAs or BHAs, are usually derived from natural sources like fermented fruits (e.g., apples, cherries, blueberries) or foods like kimchi. These acids gently exfoliate the skin by breaking down bonds between dead skin cells, revealing fresher skin.
The Role of Higher pH Products
- Higher pH products, like cleansers, can strip away natural oils.
- It’s recommended to follow up with a more acidic toner to restore balance.
At Meadow and Bark, most of our products, including cleansers, are formulated with a pH of 5 to 6—close to your skin’s natural pH—to preserve the skin’s microbiome. For more targeted concerns (like melasma or sunspots), our glycolic toner (pH < 3.2) is more acidic but should be used cautiously to avoid over-exfoliation and skin irritation.
Finding the Right Balance
- Exfoliate 2 to 4 times a week, based on skin tolerance.
- Spot treatments with low-pH products can be effective for hyperpigmentation or melasma.
For sensitive skin, opt for gentler formulas and always conduct a spot test before using low-pH products like glycolic acid. Our Sea Kelp, Manuka and Detox Masks do well with most skin types and reveal visibly radiant skin.
Water-Free Formulas: A Safe Bet for Most Skin Types
- Water-free (anhydrous) or oil-based products are generally pH-neutral, making them safe for most skin types. Always apply to damp skin to seal in hydration.
- Be mindful of the comedogenic rating of oils and added fragrances or essential oils, especially if you have allergies.
Your Skin, Your Rules
Understanding your skin type and how it reacts to different pH levels is essential. If you’re unsure or have questions, our team is here to help. Remember, exfoliation is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier—just find the right products and routine for your skin type.
You can find us at hello@meadowandbark.com.