What do pH levels have to do with healthy skin?

MANILA, Philippines - We’ve all heard how certain products promise to be safe for sensitive skin, only to find out that it’s filled with harsh detergents. Having one or a few natural or “organic” components cannot ensure safety and efficacy. It takes rigid testing and a combination of essential ingredients to warrant a seal of approval. With the way our skin is affected by different environmental factors and how beauty products are manufactured, having sensitive skin can be very bothersome. But what does it really take to be called “safe for sensitive skin”?

We all have unique skin needs the same way we all have unique reactions to specific ingredients, or a cocktail of different ingredients, for that matter. What works for one does not work for all. This is why legitimate beauty products come with carefully labelled packaging, as well as detailed precautions inside (that tiny piece of paper you throw out is actually useful). There are rules however, that apply to most people who have sensitive skin or skin conditions. For those who have “skin asthma,” these requirements need to be met with utmost precision.

It is important to look for three key factors that prevent inflamed skin: a product should gently cleanse, moisturize or nourish skin, should be detergent or soap-free and lastly, should maintain skin’s pH balance. Sebamed, a new range of skincare has been checked for these and has been tested in 120 scientific studies to provide very good skin compatibility and competence for addressing skin sensitivity. It also maintains skin’s pH of 5.5 to keep it healthy.  pH levels in skin are measured on a scale of 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). 5.5 is the ideal skin pH, no matter your age, skin tone or ethnicity. It is at this slightly acidic level when skin barrier is healthiest, maintaining moisture, fighting off pathogens and more importantly, making skin no longer sensitive. At 5.5, skin has a lower risk of dehydration and thus less prone to dryness, irritation, infections and allergic reactions.

To prevent irritation and skin damage plus treat it at the same time, you can try Sebamed skincare. It maintains skin’s natural skin barrier to defend against allergens, germs and pollutants. Unlike regular soaps, it supports skin’s natural ability to protect itself through a complex of vitamins and amino acids, helping skin heal itself. There is no permanent cure for eczema or related skin diseases yet, but one can certainly manage and prevent the painful and annoying effects of it on skin through need- and care-specific products such as these.

Sebamed is available in PCX, Mercury Drug, Landmark Makati and TriNoma and select Watsons stores. Sebamed for babies is also available in Gymboree and select Baby & Co. stores.