Hydrolats, the skin and the acid mantle

Though composed of water hydrolats have a natural ph of 4-5, the same as that of the skin.  Making a moisturiser with hydrolats creates a natural ph balanced moisturiser cream.

Why is the skin naturally slightly acidic?  Skin has a protective layer of acidic oils on it, called the acid mantle. Disturbing this acidic mantle may cause many problems. That is why, we hear so much about pH balanced products. Before we proceed, let us understand what pH is.

pH is measure of acidity or alkalinity of any product. Water is neutral and has a pH of 7. Acids have pH below 7 and alkalis have pH greater than 7 up to 14. The pH of any product will be between 1 and 14. If it is acidic, its pH will be less than 7. If it is basic/alkaline, its pH will be between 7 and 14. The lower the pH of an acid the stronger it is and the higher the pH of an alkali, the stronger. it is. 

Acid mantle is a mixture of secretions of the skin on the surface of the skin. Sweat and sebum form the acid mantle. The normal skin pH is between 4 to 5.5, so it is acidic. This mixture which is acidic is called acid mantle. The acid mantle protects the skin from bacteria. Bacteria get inhibited and killed by the acid and cannot damage the skin. If you strip the skin of its acidic mantle by using strong alkaline soaps/cleansers, bacteria will find it easy to attack the skin.

Removing the acid mantle disturbs the distribution of dead cells on top of epidermis. This is called stratum corneum. The structure of cells in the dead skin cells layer gets disturbed and the bacteria find an easy passage through to the epidermis. These dead cells protect the skin against such damages. We have to arrive at a fine balance in maintenance of the skin. 

Maintaining acid mantle

• Avoid using harsh soaps.
• Moisturize skin frequently with a slightly acidic moisturizer.
• Protect yourself from the sun.
• Use pH balanced skin care products.

Post by Shirley Price Aromatherapy.