The Significance of pH for Skin: How Alkaline Foods Contribute to Better Skin Health

By Sarah Knowles of Botanical Falls Skincare

Good skin care is about more than just washing your face and applying moisturizers. The pH level of your skin plays a crucial role in skin health and appearance. The pH scale ranges from acidic to alkaline (basic). Our skin's natural pH balance is slightly acidic, between 4.7 and 5.75, which helps protect it against harmful bacteria and allergens. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of pH for skin and how alkaline foods can contribute to better skin health.

Acidic pH is essential for maintaining the skin's protective barrier, reducing moisture loss, and minimizing the growth of harmful bacteria. However, several factors, such as stress, pollution, and diet, can disrupt the skin's natural pH balance, leading to skin problems like acne, dryness, eczema, and inflamed or irritated skin.

Consuming alkaline foods can help regulate the skin's pH and promote better skin health. Alkaline foods are those that have a pH value above 7, and they can neutralize the excess acid in the body. Alkaline foods include leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. On the other hand, acidic foods like meat, dairy, and grains and wheat can increase the acidity of the body and disrupt the skin's pH balance.

Adding Greens to your daily routine can be instrumental in changing the pH of the skin. By consuming these ingredients you can help to balance the gut which helps improve the overall functions of the skin contributing to better skin health. This is especially helpful if you have any skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis or other inflammatory skin conditions.

Additionally, alkaline foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and lead to premature aging. By consuming alkaline foods, we can reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy, youthful-looking skin.

Moreover, drinking alkaline water can also benefit the skin. Alkaline water has a higher pH than regular tap water, typically above 7. It has been claimed to have numerous health benefits, including improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and acting as an antioxidant. When applied topically, it can help regulate the skin's pH and improve skin hydration, elasticity, and texture.

Besides dietary changes, incorporating alkaline skincare products can also help improve the skin's pH. Alkaline skincare products are those that have a pH of 7.0 or higher. Citrus based products help to restore the skin's natural pH balance, prevent moisture loss, and reduce inflammation. They can also help to improve the absorption of other skincare products and enhance their effectiveness.

In conclusion, maintaining the optimal pH level is vital for healthy skin. Eating alkaline foods, drinking alkaline water, and using alkaline skincare products can help regulate the skin's pH and promote better skin health. By incorporating these simple yet effective changes into our skincare routine, we can achieve healthy, glowing skin inside out.