Our skin has a low permeability, which blocks foreign substances such as toxins from penetrating through the skin and coming into contact with our internal organs. On the surface of the skin is a very fine, slightly acidic film that is secreted by the sweat glands. This layer is called the acid mantle because it has a pH of between 4.5 and 6.2 (any measure less than 7 is considered acidic. Above 7 is alkaline). The acid mantle acts as a barrier protecting your skin from the elements (wind and pollution) and from bacteria, viruses and other contaminants that might penetrate the skin or cause irritation. Apart from acting as a physical barrier the acid mantle helps to neutralize the chemical effects of contaminants, which are generally alkaline.

The daily barrage of pollution in the form of chemicals from the atmosphere, bacteria,  and commercial skin care such as sodium laurel sulphate based cleansers can cause the acid mantle to be disrupted or lose its acidity.  When this occurs, skin is more prone to damage, sensitivity responses (allergy like symptoms), irritation, infection and redness. Stress also plays a large role in the health of the skin pH.

Maintaining a healthy acid mantle and therefore pH is not only vital for skin protection but it also helps maintain healthier skin for longer. Other skin issues associated with a disrupted skin barrier include:

  • A greater risk of acne – the bacteria associated with acne (Propionibacterium acnes) are naturally found on the surface of the skin however, when the pH is disturbed and becomes more alkaline, the numbers of p. acne thrive. It is important to maintain a natural pH of no greater than 5.5 if prone to acne or skin problems. All cleansers are alkaline which changes the acid mantle and it can take up to 2 hours for the pH to return to normal. Over time daily cleansing with a harsh cleanser will leave the skin dry and sensitive. Ideally a cleanser pH for acne should be 4.5 – 5.5. Aiming for a squeaky clean feeling may actually be doing more harm than good in the long term.
  • Faster ageing – in our 40’s the skin responses are slower and natural skin processes such as oil and moisture renewal decrease. After cleansing, a return to normal pH can take up to 8 hours.

Once the acid mantle is damaged there are definitely ways of encouraging repair:

  1. Choose your cleanser carefully. The cleansers from Sophyto work to support the mildly acidic pH of the skin thereby protecting against the gradual decline over time. For more on cleansers click here
  2. Use oils to help create a protective layer and support the skin cell nutrition – for more information about what oil will suit your skin click here
  3. Try stress reduction – click here to read how stress impacts your skin
  4. Incorporate antioxidants and good fats into your diet- click here to read more

Find out about the new range to Vitale – Sophyto Organic Skin Care

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