Is there a way to find out the pH of facial skin?
To find out the pH of your facial skin, there are several ways you can do. For example:
1. Use of pH measuring instruments
One way to find out the pH of facial skin is to use a pH meter.
A skin pH meter is different from a pH meter for saliva and urine.
PH measuring instruments for saliva and urine are usually used to determine the pH level of the body as a whole.
Meanwhile, a skin pH meter is a paper strip that aims to find out the pH level of your skin.
To use it, you simply stick a paper strip on the surface of the facial skin.
2. Make skin observations
You can also make observations on the skin as a way to find out the pH of facial skin.
If the face has a smooth, moist skin texture, without any signs of dryness and redness, it means that the pH of the face is classified as balanced.
Conversely, if the skin experiences irritation, acne, redness, and dryness, this is a sign that the pH of your face is classified as high or alkaline, or classified as acidic or low.
3. Go to a dermatologist
How to find out the accurate pH of facial skin, of course, by checking it out with a skin specialist.
The dermatologist may check the pH of the skin through the use of a certain liquid.
By consulting a doctor, you can also ask questions about skin care products that can be used to maintain the pH balance of the face.
How do you maintain the pH balance of facial skin?
Maintaining the pH balance of the face is very important so that you avoid skin problems.
Basically, how to maintain facial pH balance can be done by applying various stages of skin care.
Here are some beauty tips that can be done as a way to maintain the pH balance of facial skin.
1. Use a gentle face wash
One way to maintain the pH balance of facial skin is to use a face wash soap which contains a gentle substance.
You can use facial soap products according to the type or skin problem you are experiencing.
Using a face wash that is too harsh or not suitable for your skin type can cause irritation and even cause acne.
There’s nothing wrong with using a face wash with a pH level that matches facial skin. In general, the right pH of face wash is in the range 4.5-7.
Avoid using bar soap to wash your face as it is too harsh on facial skin.
In addition, use lukewarm water (warm water) or water at room temperature when washing your face.
2. Use a facial toner
After washing your face, it is recommended that you use a facial toner.
Regular use of facial toner can function to maintain the pH balance in the skin by maintaining the production of acidic substances in the skin.
The function of facial toner can also help neutralize alkaline exposure on facial skin so that the pH level can be balanced again.
In other words, using a facial toner can restore facial pH safely.
3. Apply a moisturizer
How to maintain the pH balance of facial skin also needs to apply moisturizer.
You can use a variety of moisturizing products in the form of lotions, gels, or creams. Always adjust the moisturizer texture to your skin type and problem.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose a moisturizer that is labeled noncomedogenic or not prone to clogging your skin pores.
4. Wear sunscreen or sunscreen
To protect your skin from sun exposure, you need to apply sunscreen or sunscreen.
The use of sunscreen aims to keep the pH level of the face in balance and prevent skin damage caused by sun exposure.
Always use sunscreen containing SPF regularly before traveling outside the house in the morning and during the day.
5. Use skin care products containing antioxidants
The function of antioxidants for the skin can strengthen skin cells to work properly.
Antioxidants are also useful for protecting the skin from sun damage, pollution, and oxidative stress.
You can get topical antioxidant intake through the use of skin care products containing vitamin C, such as vitamin C serum, which can maintain the pH balance of the face.
Generally, skincare products containing vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid tend to be safe to use, as long as you don’t use other acid-containing skincare products at the same time.
6. Be careful when using skincare products that contain acids
Skincare products contain acids, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acid (AHA / BHA) or retinoic acid, both for maintaining the acid balance of the skin.
However, if used inappropriately, they can actually damage the skin’s natural defenses. So, always use this skincare product according to the recommended usage rules.
If the skin feels dry, reddish, even sensitive, this is a sign that the skincare product is too harsh on the skin, so you need to stop using it immediately.
7. Exfoliate your face regularly
Regularly exfoliating your face or exfoliating your skin once a week can keep your skin healthy. Thus, the color of the skin You can appear brighter.
You can use skin exfoliating products, such as AHA / BHA, or perform exfoliating procedures directed by a dermatologist, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels.
8. Pay attention to diet
To maintain the pH balance so that the skin remains healthy, consume foods high in antioxidants, such as green vegetables and fruits.
Avoid consuming processed foods, foods high in sugar, caffeine, and alcohol because they can increase the acidity level in your body, which affects the pH level of the facial skin.
The balanced pH value of human facial skin is in the range 4-5.5 or is classified as acidic.
However, exposure to pollution and sunlight, oil that comes out on the face, use of make up or skincare products, or the food consumed can turn them too acidic or alkaline.
As a result, the appearance of skin problems, such as acne, dry and peeling skin, skin redness, and others, can occur.
Therefore, it is important to maintain the pH balance of your face so that you avoid these various skin problems.