Did you know that what cleanser you apply to your skin can significantly impact how effectively it removes dirt, oil, and makeup? Your cleanser plays an important role in your skincare routine by removing dirt and grime from your face. But it’s not as simple as just slapping any old soap on. The pH level of your cleanser — also called its acidity or alkalinity — has a huge effect on the balance of microorganisms on your face, which in turn has a big impact on the efficacy of your skincare— especially if you struggle with breakouts. Breakouts may result from excess dirt trapped within pimples or an imbalance between oily and sensitive skin types. While oily skin tends to produce more sebum than sensitive skin types, which makes oily skins feel uncomfortable when they are exposed to harsh cleaners. Find out how to test your skin pH to find the perfect cleanser in this article.

Why is skin pH important for cleansers?

The pH level of your cleanser — also called its acidity or alkalinity — has a huge effect on the balance of microorganisms on your face, which in turn has a big impact on the efficacy of your skincare— especially if you struggle with breakouts. Breakouts may result from excess dirt trapped within pimples or an imbalance between oily and sensitive skin types. While oily skin tends to produce more sebum than sensitive skin types, which makes oily skins feel uncomfortable when they are exposed to harsh cleaners. A cleanser’s pH level is measured on a scale from 0 to 14; anything below 4 is acidic, and anything above is alkaline. You want your cleanser to be pH-balanced— or slightly acidic — to encourage the growth of good bacteria, which helps to remove dirt and oil from your skin. But when you use a too-acidic cleanser, you risk stripping the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and an increased risk of blemishes and acne. That’s why finding the right cleanser for your skin is important.

How to find the perfect cleanser for your skin

The best way to find the perfect cleanser for your skin is to try a few different options and see what works best. There are a few different ways you can do this: – Try various products, mixing and matching different formulas until you get a clear sense of what works best for your skin type. – Track your skin’s pH level over time using a pH-measuring strip. This will give you an accurate idea of how effectively cleansers balance your skin pH and remove dirt and oil. – Do a skin self-test by trying one of the following methods: – Pour some pH-measuring drops into a container and use it to check your cleanser’s pH level against a pH-measuring strip. – Cleanse your face with a pH-measuring cleanser and check your pH against a pH-measuring strip. – After cleansing your face, hold a pH-measuring strip against your skin and see how long it takes for the strip to show your skin pH.

Which ingredients help with balancing your skin pH?

A good cleanser should be slightly acidic or around a pH of 5. The best way to balance your skin’s pH is with ingredients such as glycolic acid (an AHA ingredient that helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and slough off impurities), salicylic acid (an anti-bacterial ingredient that helps to kill acne-causing bacteria), or lactic acid (a mild anti-aging ingredient that helps to improve the texture of your skin and reduce redness and irritation). Generally, the milder the acid, the better it is for oily skin types because it helps to balance the skin pH without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

Good news if you struggle with acne!

Knowing that certain ingredients can help to balance your skin’s pH can also be very reassuring if you struggle with acne-prone skin. If your cleansers are too acidic, they can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing it to over-secrete excess sebum (the oily substance produced by your sebaceous glands). This can lead to acne breakouts. That’s why finding the right cleanser for your skin is important. If you’re struggling with acne-prone skin, you want to find a slightly acidic cleanser, or around a pH of 5. This will help to balance your skin pH, preventing sebum over-secretion and reducing the risk of breakouts.

Conclusion

The pH level of your cleanser — also called its acidity or alkalinity — has a huge effect on the balance of microorganisms on your face, which in turn has a big impact on the efficacy of your skincare— especially if you struggle with breakouts. That’s why finding the right cleanser for your skin is important. If you’re struggling with acne-prone skin, you want to find a slightly acidic cleanser or around a pH of 5. This will help to balance your skin pH, preventing sebum over-secretion and reducing the risk of breakouts.

FAQ

What happens when skin pH is too high?

When the skin’s pH is too high, it becomes more alkaline. An alkaline environment can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and infection. An imbalanced pH may also lead to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, causing acne, inflammation, and other skin problems. Additionally, a high pH can slow down the skin’s natural exfoliation process, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells and a dull, uneven complexion.

How do I reset my skin pH?

Resetting your skin pH involves taking steps to restore its natural balance. Here are some tips to help you reset your skin pH:

Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers that strip away the skin’s natural oils, as these can disrupt the pH balance.
Opt for gentle, pH-balanced cleansers and products designed specifically for your skin type.
Incorporate a toner into your skincare routine. Look for alcohol-free and pH-balanced toners containing ingredients like witch hazel or aloe vera.
Exfoliate regularly with gentle, non-abrasive exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and promote a healthy pH balance.
Keep your skin hydrated with a pH-balanced moisturizer. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin.
Protect your skin from environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution by using sunscreen and antioxidant-rich products.

Is 5.5 pH good for skin?

Yes, a pH level of 5.5 is considered to be ideal for maintaining healthy skin. The skin’s natural pH ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic. This acidic environment, known as the acid mantle, helps protect the skin from harmful bacteria and supports its barrier function. Using skincare products with a pH of around 5.5 can help maintain your skin’s natural balance and promote optimal skin health.

How do you know if your skin is acidic?

While it’s difficult to determine your skin’s exact pH without professional testing, there are some signs that may indicate your skin is acidic. If you experience the following symptoms, your skin might be more acidic than it should be:

Excessive oiliness
Acne breakouts
Inflammation or redness
Increased sensitivity or irritation
Flaky or peeling skin
If you suspect your skin is too acidic, consider using pH-balanced skincare products and following the tips mentioned earlier to help restore your skin’s natural pH balance.