Skin pH and the ‘Acid Mantle’: What Active People Should Know
Skin has a complex surface environment that changes with age, location, products and surroundings. One measurement researchers study is pH, a measure of acidity and alkalinity. It is useful science, but one number is not a complete picture of skin health.
Why do researchers study skin pH?
A review of the outer skin barrier discusses the relationship between its acidic surface, natural moisturizing factors and barrier lipids. Researchers also study differences in skin pH among people with atopic dermatitis. These relationships are complex; a pH number alone cannot diagnose eczema or predict how an individual will react to a product.
In a six-week randomized half-body study, researchers compared a pH-modified moisturizer with a standard moisturizer in people with stable atopic dermatitis. The study involved those specific formulations and did not evaluate skin hydration. Its results cannot be transferred automatically to #003 or another product.
| Question | What to know |
|---|---|
| pH | A measure of acidity or alkalinity, not a direct measurement of moisture. |
| Skin hydration | A separate property that can be measured with appropriate instruments. |
| Water loss | Transepidermal water loss is a different barrier-related measure. |
| Personal comfort | Product ingredients, individual allergies and tolerance matter alongside any pH claim. |
A practical routine beats a homemade experiment
Do not put acids, alkalis or homemade mixtures on irritated skin to change its pH. Choose a gentle routine you tolerate, rinse after activity when appropriate and consult your clinician about persistent symptoms.
Read more about hydration and water-loss measurements and filaggrin and the skin barrier.
Dr. Arsy Hydration Recovery Moisturizer #003 is a fragrance-free moisturizer for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Follow the label and your skin's tolerance; it is not a substitute for individualized medical care.
Sources and further reading
- Review: Skin acidification and eczematous barrier function; PubMed.
- Randomized six-week moisturizer pH trial; PubMed.
- Review: pH in atopic dermatitis; PubMed.
Educational information from Dr. Arsy, not individual medical advice. Cited organizations and researchers do not endorse this product.