The Skin’s Protective Barrier

The slightly acidic pH value of the surface skin wards off pathogens that cause disease. The balance of the ecosystem of the surface of our skin promotes harmless microorganisms to be well-adapted to humans which are found in thousands on every square centimeter of the skin. Harmful bacteria and fungi do not tolerate the acidic pH value hence the mildly acidic pH of the skin.

In addition, the acidic pH value also stabilizes the skin’s function as a barrier. It ensures that lost fat in the horny layer is replenished quickly through reproduction. Another effect of the pH value of pH 5.5 is that the lipids in the horny layer retain their structure. This prevents water loss from the inside and penetration of pollutants or irritants from the outside. Thus the skin’s acid mantle perform an important protective function.

Changes in the pH value of the skin weaken the protective function of the acid mantle. This promotes skin infection, dehydration, skin irritations and allergies. Not only skin contact with strong acids or bases but even simple tap water has an effect on pH. Wrong usage of daily skin care can damage the protective acid mantle when soap or other care products whose pH value does not correspond to the skin’s natural pH value of 5.5 are used.