Skincare products work at different levels of the skin
“It is important to know how deep within the layers of the skin a product will work. For example, following a cleansing routine, products that work within the deeper layers of the skin should be applied first to ensure you receive the maximum benefit from that product’s ingredients.”
The Epidermis
The epidermis is the upper most outer layer of the skin and contains a number of other sub-layers. It is the layer that is responsible for the production of keratin which helps to give skin its protective function. Cells take approximately 28 days move from the bottom to the top of the epidermis although this can sometimes take longer with older skins. This process is called cell renewal.
The Dermis
The dermis is the lower part of the skin that can be found underneath the epidermis. It is made up connective tissue and contains the sebaceous glands, collagen and elastin fibres, sweat glands, hair follicles and capillaries. Blood is supplied to the dermis via a network of veins and arteries. The Dermis also contains nerves that respond to heat, cold, pain, pressure and touch which may react whenever they are stimulated.
Why is the correct skin Ph. level important?
What is Ph. level?
Firstly, the Ph. scale is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Acids have a Ph. balance less than 7 and alkalis have a Ph. balance greater than 7. Substances with a Ph. of 7 are neutral.
Our skin is naturally slightly acidic because it has an acid mantle.
What is the acid mantle?
The acid mantle is a protective layer found on the surface of the epidermis. It acts as a barrier stopping harmful substances affecting the health of or entering the skin. It is the skin’s own way of protecting itself. The acid mantle is made up of:
- Sebum (oil)
- Sweat (perspiration)
- Keratin (protein)
With all of these elements combined, it creates an acidic coating over the skin giving it a Ph. value of 5.4-6.2.
Therefore, healthy skin has a Ph. value of between 5.4-6.2. Skin in the areas of the body that have sweat glands, e.g. under-arms, groin and toes have a higher Ph. level of 6.7 due to the increased levels of sweat and sebum. Other factors that can affect the skin’s Ph. level are age, sex, condition of health and skin condition.
Want to know more?
For more information regarding skin types including symptoms, causes, treatments and specific skin care information, I have produced a guide. It will help you to identify your skin type and recommend what products to use in relation to your symptoms.