Why does the pH of the skin matter?

Skin pH is different in different parts of the body.

When we talk about “skin pH” we mean the acidity of the thin surface film made of sweat, oil, dead skin cells and small amounts of water.

The moisture holds onto “hydrogen ions”. Sorry to be so medical here but these ions can be measured for acidity.

Why does acidity matter?

The skin’s surface tends to be slightly acidic, often noted by a pH of 4.5-5.5.

This mild acidity comes from sweat, oil breakdowns and microbes (bacteria, yeast, viruses).

Acidity control enzymes that keep the skin barrier healthy along with the microbes.

Different areas of the body are more sweaty, dry and oily.

Certain products, like soaps and creams, can change the skin’s local pH that can lead to future discomforts.

Make sense?

Here’s the skin body pH breakdown

• Face pH 4.5-6
• Body’s pH 4.5-5-5
• Genital skin PH 3.8-5.5
• Vagina’s pH 3.8-4.5

The difference between the pH of genital skin and all other parts of your body makes this delicate area more prone to dryness, irritation and infection if the pH becomes imbalanced.

Using products created and designed for genital skin can help maintain the sensitive pH balance and prevent the risk of irritation or infection that may result from using regular soaps or lotions.