As we venture further into the fascinating (and addictive) world of skincare, we begin to build our very own Beauty Bible. That sketchbook where we paste new terms, products we dream of trying, screenshots of blogs that inspire us, and, of course, #JessBeautyTips we collect along the way. A visual journal, full of notes, ideas, and discoveries we want to apply—and, of course, we can’t wait to share it with our friends.
Because skincare isn’t just a routine; it’s also an art that we learn and personalize, page by page and day by day.
One of the terms we definitely need to add and highlight in our notebook is pH. While it might sound a little technical (and we apologize for bringing back flashbacks from high school chemistry class), understanding it can make a world of difference in your skincare routine.
What is pH?
The pH measures how acidic or alkaline something is, and in the case of our skin, this value is crucial to keeping it in its best state. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14:
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0 to 6.9: Indicates an acidic environment.
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7: Neutral, like pure water.
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7.1 to 14: Indicates an alkaline or basic environment.
And what about the skin? Human skin has a slightly acidic pH, generally between 4.7 and 5.5. This is no coincidence; it’s what allows it to remain protected and healthy.
The acid mantle: our skin’s protector
The reason your skin’s pH is slightly acidic has to do with what’s known as the acid mantle. This natural barrier:
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Protects against bacteria and germs.
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Keeps environmental damage at bay.
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Supports the formation of essential epidermal lipids, such as ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol, which prevent dehydration and ensure the skin doesn’t become irritated, rough, or flaky.
When this balance is disrupted (whether due to harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, or even stress), the opposite happens: your skin can become dry, sensitive, or prone to breakouts.
Why choosing the right cleanser matters
Since cleansers can easily alter your skin’s pH, it’s crucial to choose them wisely. Opt for gentle, balanced cleansers (around a pH of 5.5) to avoid issues, and, if possible, look for those with lipid-replacement properties. This means they contain ingredients like ceramides and squalane, which mimic and replace your skin’s natural lipids.
This is where the Face Reset Cleanser becomes a key product for starting your routine. With its formula enriched with squalane, it helps maintain pH balance while strengthening your skin’s barrier. Additionally, its coconut-derived ingredients allow water to mix with oil and dirt particles, providing an effective cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
These types of cleansers are ideal for all skin types, as they respect the skin’s natural acid mantle without drying it out or disrupting hydration. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, these cleansers are practically a must. By including ingredients that replace lipids, they help restore your skin’s protective barrier, keeping it calm, soft, and irritation-free.
Understanding pH through daily examples
Let’s break this down into relatable, everyday examples since numbers alone can feel confusing. Here are some examples of pH levels in everyday items we use or know:
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Hand soap: Has a pH of 9 or 10, making it super alkaline. These soaps are often too harsh for the delicate skin on your face. It’s better to avoid them and opt for facial products specifically designed to respect your skin’s pH.
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Lemon juice: We love it in lemonade or as a salad topping, but on your skin, it can be extremely irritating with its very acidic pH of 2.
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Pure water: The ultimate hydration ally for your body, water has a neutral pH of 7.
Now imagine using a product with a pH of 10 on your face. This would dismantle the protective barrier your skin works so hard to maintain. Your acid mantle would go haywire, leaving your skin vulnerable, dry, and an open target for bacteria and environmental stressors.
That’s why it’s so important to choose products that respect your skin’s natural pH (remember: between 4.7 and 5.5), finding the perfect balance between hydration and protection. Because yes, we can love a good exfoliant, but we want it to work with our skin, not against it.
To maintain your skin’s balance, a great option is to choose a gentle chemical exfoliation like the PHAbulous Chemical Exfoliant. This product uses PHAs, such as gluconolactone, which not only gently exfoliates but also helps strengthen your skin’s barrier function. This means it protects against external aggressors and prevents moisture loss, all without disrupting your skin’s delicate natural pH.
#JessBeautyTip: For best results, include the Face Reset Cleanser, which cleanses and hydrates the skin, creating the perfect base for exfoliation.
Why pH balance is important for your skin?
To recap, maintaining your skin’s pH balance is crucial for several reasons:
✔ Protects your skin barrier
The acid mantle shields your skin from irritants and locks in moisture. If it’s damaged, your skin loses hydration.
✔ Prevents breakouts
A balanced pH regulates oil production and prevents bacteria from multiplying. In other words: goodbye, unexpected pimples.
✔ Reduces sensitivity
When your skin’s pH is balanced, it’s less likely to react with redness, irritation, or itchiness.
✔ Slows aging
A healthy pH strengthens your skin barrier, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
To sum up, your skin’s pH is the foundation of a good skincare routine: without a balanced pH, nothing works as it should.
What happens when your skin’s pH is off?
Now that we know why it’s important, let’s talk about what happens when your skin’s pH is unbalanced. Here are the most common signs that your skin needs a reset:
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Dryness and flaking
If the pH is too alkaline (above 7), your skin won’t retain moisture properly, leading to dry patches, tightness, and flaking.
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Breakouts and excess oil
On the other hand, if the pH is too acidic (below 4.5), your skin may overproduce oil to compensate, clogging pores and causing breakouts.
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Increased sensitivity
When the acid mantle is damaged, your skin becomes more reactive to external factors like weather, pollution, or even your favorite skincare products.
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Dullness and premature aging
Over time, an unbalanced pH weakens the skin’s barrier, leading to uneven texture, loss of radiance, and the appearance of wrinkles.
The good news? There’s no need to panic! Everything has a solution. With the right products and a routine designed to care for your pH, you can restore and protect your skin.
Ingredients that help balance your skin's pH
Incorporating the right ingredients into your skincare routine can make a big difference in keeping your pH balanced and your skin healthy. Here are our recommendations:
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Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
It helps restore the skin barrier, regulate oil production, and calm inflammation, all while maintaining your pH balance.
How to use it: Add a serum like the Shine Bright Serum, which combines the restorative power of niacinamide with deep hydration to keep your skin soft and protected against dryness.
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Hyaluronic acid
Hydration is key to maintaining pH balance, and hyaluronic acid acts as a magnet to draw water into the skin, keeping it hydrated.
How to use it: Look for products with hyaluronic acid, such as the Face Reset Cleanser, which ensures hydration from the first step, or the Timeless Skin Retinol Cream, which combines anti aging benefits with a brightening effect.
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Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5)
This soothing ingredient repairs the skin barrier and helps your skin retain moisture, making it ideal for dry or irritated skin
How to use it: You can include it in your routine with a moisturizer like our B5 Bomb Pro Vit B5, a versatile cream that works for both day and night, offering intense hydration.
Green tea is packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect the skin from environmental damage, while also naturally balancing pH levels.
Aloe vera is the multitasker of skincare. It soothes, hydrates, and helps restore pH balance. Plus, it’s incredibly refreshing!
A new chapter for your skincare bible!
We’ve got it: a new key concept to add to our ABC of skincare. Now we know that pH isn’t just a technical chemistry term but one of the most important foundations for maintaining radiant skin all year long.
The best part? Knowledge is meant to be shared. Send this article to your friends and help them build their very own Beauty Bible.
Now that pH is part of our notes, what concept will we add next to our list? Let’s find out together in the next blog!
