Those
with sensitive skin should watch pH value of cosmetics
GERMANY
- Scientists advise that people with sensitive skin should
pay attention to the pH value of the cosmetics and skincare
products they use.
The pH
value measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH
value of less than 7 is regarded as acidic, while greater than
seven is alkaline.
A pH
value of 5.5 corresponds to the approximate pH value of the skin
itself, says Dr. Anita Ruetter of the University of Muenster in
Germany. The slight acidity of the skin serves to form a
protective barrier.
“The
skin is protected from external germs and harmful substances,”
she explains.
When
the pH value of a cosmetic product is greater or lower than 5.5,
the skin is forced to constantly readjust its own pH balance.
”This can lead to irritation,” says Dr. Ruetter.
Use of
such products over a prolonged period of time can result in the
skin’s pH balance being permanently altered. This can
sometimes be the explanation behind an outbreak of dry, itchy or
irritated skin, or even the onset of dermatological conditions
such as eczema.
Product
descriptions using words such as “mild” or “gentle” do
not give any true indication of the pH value, Dr. Ruetter
insists. However products described as “skin-pH-neutral”
should have a pH value of 5.5..
Dr. Ruetter, an expert in the dermatological field,
advises people to be aware of their own skin type.
“If
you know that you have dry or sensitive skin it immediately
narrows down the choice of skincare products available to
you,” she says.
DPA
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