Before we begin, let’s define what pH level means, because most of us are in the dark here. PH stands for “potential hydrogen.” It determines how acidic or alkaline our body is. Acidity and alkalinity range between 0-14 , 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline. Like with everything in life, we want to find a proper balance. That goes the same with our skin’s pH level. Our skin performs and looks its best at a pH balance of 5.5 – slightly acidic. The reason it’s more acidic is because, when closer to alkaline, the skin becomes dry and sensitive. Overly alkaline skin can cause wrinkles, sagging skin and skin conditions like inflammation.
How to Determine Your Skin’s pH Level
There’s a simple questionnaire found on womenshealthmag.com that you can answer. It will help you roughly determine your skin’s pH level. You should seek a dermatologist to seek your exact pH level. If you can’t see a dermatologist and who would use a pH meter on you, their recommendation is examine your skin’s behavior. In many ways, that’s why this questionnaire is so helpful. Simply answer the following questions to the best of your ability:
-
How does your skin feel after cleansing?
a) Soft and smooth
b) Tight and dry
c) Still slightly oily or not thoroughly clean -
How often do you moisturize your face?
a) At least morning and evening
b) Once a day
c) Never -
Has your skin become sensitive to products you regularly use, including makeup and creams?
a) No, it feels normal, like always.
b) Once in a while
c) Yes. It seems like it reacts to everything I put on it lately. -
How often does your skin have dry, flaky, rough patches?
a) Never
b) Sometimes
c) Usually -
Do you notice that your skin looks duller and has more lines in the morning?
a) No
b) Yes, usually
c) It’s a very rare occurrence. -
Is your skin excessively oily and prone to breakouts (whereas it wasn’t in the past)?
a) No
b) Occasionallyc) Yes -
Does your skin often look red and feel irritated?
a) No
b) It stings only after applying products.
c) Yes -
Does your skin look plump, moist, and dewy?
a) Almost always
b) Rarely
c) It’s plump, but more greasy than dewy
Results
You scored mostly A: This means you have the perfect balance of 5.5. This doesn’t come naturally. You clearly know what you’re doing and you’re using the correct products at the right time.
You scored mostly B: This means your pH is too high (alkaline) which exposes your skin to pollutants, harsh products, the sun’s UV rays and more. Look for products that clearly label their pH level.
You scored mostly C: This means your pH is, naturally, too low (acidic) which isn’t entirely common. Ease off of chemical exfoliations and other acidic products that can cause breakouts and sensitive skin.
If you didn’t score an A, don’t despair. There are many products and brands, such as Drunk Elephant, that can help you find your balance. Find out how to correctly balance your skin’s pH level.
