some skin creams claim that they are "pH balanced" and yet do not have a pH of 7. what do they mean when they say pH balanced?
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When skin care products claim to be "pH balanced," they mean that the product has a pH level that is similar to the natural pH of the skin, which is around 4.5 to 5.5. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. pH levels below 7 are considered acidic, and pH levels above 7 are considered alkaline.
The reason these skin creams are not pH 7, despite being labeled as "pH balanced," is because the pH of the skin itself is slightly acidic. This acidity helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier function and protect it from harmful bacteria and environmental factors. Therefore, a pH-balanced skin cream will aim to mirror this slightly acidic pH to support the skin's natural balance.
To determine the pH level of a skin cream, you can use pH testing strips or a pH meter, which are easily available online or at some pharmacies. To test the product's pH, you would apply a small amount of the cream onto the strip or place the pH meter probe into the cream. The resulting color on the pH strip or the digital reading on the pH meter will indicate the approximate pH level of the cream.
If the product claims to be pH balanced and the pH level falls within the range of 4.5 to 5.5, then it can be considered pH balanced according to the standards set for skincare. However, keep in mind that minor variations in pH levels are common, and the important factor is to maintain a pH range that is compatible with the skin's natural pH to avoid disrupting its delicate balance.