Acne and the Body's pH

The Body's pH may be the first line of defense against acne

Acne the most common skin disorder in the United States today. 40-50 million people visit the dermatologist for just this disorder every year, according to a study by the American Association of Dermatology. This begs the question, WHY? Even experts haven't whittled it down the exact answer to this question, it is apparent that the balance of pH both inside the body and on the skin is a very important factor.

What is "pH"

"pH" stands for "potential of hydrogen". This "potential of hydrogen" is what determines the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. The pH of a substance is measured on a scale of 1-14. Substances with values lower than 7 are considered acidic and those above 7 are considered alkaline or basic. A value of 7 is a perfect neutral.

The human body is a fairly neutral entity coming in at about 7.4. Small fluctuations are normal and of course every body is different. The skin on a human body measures in at an acidic 4.5-5 though. This is a very important factor regarding acne and many other skin disorders.

pH and Bacteria

Of course, it has been proven that acne is caused by the Propionium bacteria become trapped beneath the skin. As it begins to multiply and grow, as bacteria does, it of course becomes an infection. This infection, then begins to show above the skin's surface and becomes a comedone or "pimple". Of course, when the skin is at its natural optimum acidity of 4.5-5, it is better able to protect itself and the rest of the body from bacteria, allergens and other pollutants in the environment. This pH factor alone would greatly reduce the amount of bacteria on the surface of the skin, as more alkaline environments are a favorite breeding ground for bacteria.

There are many ways to balance the pH of the skin to its normal pH value. From diet to skin care, pH levels are affected both positively and effectively. For instance, when a person has a bladder infection is normal to advise them to drink cranberry juice. The reason for this is that cranberry is a very acidic berry and quickly changes the pH of the body, especially the urinary system of the body. After a short time, the person suffering the bladder infection feels relief, as the acidic environment stopped the growth of the bacteria causing the infection and is flushed away. It is exactly the same idea that protects our skin from bacteria and other environmental factors.

How to Normalize pH

Inside the Body
Eating foods that normalize the inside of the body and using skin care products that return the acidic pH to the skin is the first step to healthier skin. There is a layer of protection on the skin called the "acid mantle". Here is where most of the warfare on bacteria and allergens is taking place. The acid mantle is built by the functions of the body and skin and for that structure to be built correctly, the building blocks must also be correct.

Diets comprising foods that are processed, artificial sweeteners, heavy meats and dairy products are considered acidic. These are foods that are considered a Western diet. It is not at all uncommon that many people include these foods in their daily diets. By eating foods that are more alkaline such as dark leafy greens, cucumbers, green beans, garlic and even lemons and limes you will balance the inside of your body. This will turn allow it to function properly and part of that function is to create an acid mantle for the skin. As the acid mantle is returning to normal, there will be a healthy change in the skin. Skin care products can completely cancel this improvement if not chosen properly though.

On the Skin
Most bar soaps (even those labeled as "facial bars") are extremely alkaline. They usually measure in on the scale around a 10-11! Even though the skin feels oil free, fresh and clean after using these soaps, the truth is, they have stripped away the acid mantle. It takes about 16 hours for the body to replace the acid mantle completely, but by then, the face has already been washed again and the cycle can never really complete, leaving the skin vulnerable to the environment and bacteria as well as either over or under producing oil in order to compensate for the stripping away of its own natural moisturizing factor. Over produced oils and sebum is again, a breeding ground for bacteria.

Choose skin care carefully for acne conditions. Look for products that will balance the pH of the skin after cleansing and exfoliating. Even look for full lines of products that are pH balanced for the skin. These products will promote the healthy construction of an acid mantle to protect your skin from further bacterial infection. It will also cause the skin to relax and not have the need to over produce oils in order to protect itself. Healthy skin will begin to prevail over acne and healing can begin.

Although there is much research and many articles on this avenue of fighting acne, it is still not well known. As dermatologists and skin care researchers become more and more convinced of its importance though, there will be a surge in importance among skin care manufacturers as well. Knowing the truth about pH and realizing its effects on the skin may be the next battle to be won in the war against acne