How To Balance Skin pH with a Night Skincare Routine

Many of our least favorite skin problems occur because our pH levels are unbalanced. Everything from dry, itchy skin, redness to clogged pores can often be attributed to a compromised barrier. 

So, if you want to maintain clear, healthy and hydrated skin, paying attention to the pH levels in your products is a great start! In this routine Bonita Sorrentina shows a routine focused on maintaining her barrier, using products that are pH balanced. 

There’s a bit of information to breakdown when it comes to understanding your barrier and it’s needs, so we’ve answered a few essential questions throughout this routine to help you care for it better!

So, what is pH?

If you’ve ever wondered or worried about how pH relates to your skin and skincare, you’re not alone. While it can be difficult to navigate the information about pH levels, it’s worth knowing, as unbalanced pH levels can lead to a wide range of skin problems. 

pH is short for ‘potential to free Hydrogen ions’ and is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a product is. The pH scale ranges from 0.0 - 14.0, with anything below 7.0 being acidic and anything above 7.0 being alkaline. The natural pH of the skin is slightly more acidic and should sit around 4.5 - 5.5.

How does pH balance get thrown off?

So, we know that our skin is made up of multiple layers, but it’s important to remember that the outer layer of our skin (or the “stratum corneum”) is there as a protective barrier against environmental factors. 

If this barrier (known as the “acid mantle”) becomes disrupted, the skin can become more susceptible to bacteria and chemicals, and once impaired can struggle to stay hydrated and repair itself. 

So, how does the barrier become impaired? Well, while there are plenty of environmental and dietary factors at play, it can also come down to the products we use, and how often we use them. 

Emulsifiers found in moisturisers and cleansers can be high in alkalinity, and acids like AHA’s, BHA’s, Retinoic acid and Hyaluronic acid can be high in acidity.

Now, while the ideal pH level for skin care sits between 4.0 - 6.0, certain products, such as chemical exfoliants, sometimes need to sit above this range to work effectively.

Using these products occasionally can work a treat, but overuse can lead to inflammation, irritation, dryness and skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and redness.

How do I keep a balanced pH?

Apart from using pH balanced products, make sure you read your skin, try your best not to overdo it on the acids, and avoid over-exfoliating.

If you’ve gone too far, restoring your barrier is all about taking your skincare routine back to basics, using very gentle products, focusing on hydration, and using ingredients like Niacinamide, Panthenol and Probiotics. 

This routine is a great place to start if you’re after some products that will help support your barrier!

Bonita’s pH balanced night skincare routine:

This routine was transcribed by India Williams.