Heloooo everybody!
I`m very happy to come back to my posts! Let`s start with a simple question. Do you remember what does pH mean?
In simply words means "potential of Hydrogen". How much hydrogen could be present in a water soluble substances. Water in solution it`s found as H+ and OH- ions. If you have more H+ than OH- your solution could be acid. Otherwise, when you have more OH- than H+ your solution could be alkaline. When the amount of H + and OH- is equal we called this substance as neutral.
And how is it important to our skin? Let`s figure out...
SOAPS
Soap is made from a type of reaction called
saponification. In other words, is a reaction from an animal fat (neutral) which
splits into a fatty acid reacting with alkali carbonates (base), forming a salt
that we call soap.
So… The most of soaps are … alkaline.
Alright, so far so good, but now I ask, what about the skin? What is the skin`s pH? Could you guess?
SKIN
One of the function of the skin
is protect our body and promotes the wound healing. However, all this hard work
is reliant under an appropriate pH and thickness or health of the stratum
corneum cells, or better saying died cells.
The point is, the most of cleansers soaps increases skin surface pH and when it happens
the died cells antibacterial capacity and barrier function is compromised. And, as consequence, you can see not only the increase of bacterial colonisation, but also the swelling
of the stratum corneum which could affect its barrier function through the loss
of natural humectants or the natural moisturing factor that holds water in the
skin. This effect disrupts the skin`s barrier function, leading to
dry, rough, red, scaly skin.
Beside that, the surfactant in
both soap and non-soap skin cleansers, they also damage cell structure and
disrupt the waterproofing function of sebum leading to dryness.
And what about the infant skin?
Infant skin is clearly more
sensitive than adults in terms of composition, structures, function and its
susceptibility to infections. It is also has indispensable functions for their
developments. It acts as a protective barrier, helps thermoregulation,
exchanges gases, maintains hydration, and contributes to innates immunity. And
guess what??? Its mildly acidic pH provides additional protection against
pathogens.
This slightly acid pH it`s an important factor in protection
against microorganisms, considering that their skin continues to develop for up
12 months after birth.
The whole of the bath
It keeps the skin free of irritant such as saliva, nasal
secretions, urine, feces and fecal enzymes, dust and microorganisms.
The concern is soaps and water pHs. The repeated use of
cleaning agents can alter the skin surface pH in the long term. Traditional
soaps have an alkaline pH, which can destroy the skin lipid layer and elevate
skin pH, causing dryness and irritation.
Ok, how could we balance it? How could I help my skin?
Have your heard about “syndets”?
It`s a term derived from “synthetic detergent” formulated
from synthetic surfactants which have good detergent effect, with neutral or
slightly acid pH, and cause less irritation. Taking a bath with this type of
soap is better than take a bath with only water and the combination of water and regular soaps.
So the next time that you will look for a great bath soap for
your skin you may have to look for syndets. They are mostly called as “cleasing
bars” or dermatological bars. They also use the term soap free or soap without
soaps.
But pay attention, small part of population could get some
irritation from syndets. In this case, it`s recommended that you use a
traditional soap.
Let us know if you have more question!
Cheers!
References:
Duncan, C N, et al. The effect of an acidic cleanser versus soap on the skin pH and micro-flora of adult patients: A non-randomised two group crossover study in an intensive care unit.
Giusti M.D., et al. Skin Barrier, Hydratation, and pH of the Skin of Infant Under 2 years of Age.
