The pH of oily skin typically ranges from 4 to 5.2.
This slightly acidic pH is crucial for maintaining the skin's natural barrier function, which protects against bacteria, pollutants, and other environmental stressors. The acidity also helps to keep the skin's sebum production balanced.
Here's a breakdown:
- Normal Skin pH: Generally, healthy skin falls within a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5.
- Oily Skin's Slight Acidity: Oily skin tends to be on the lower end of this range (4 to 5.2), contributing to its ability to combat certain types of bacteria and maintain its protective barrier.
- Importance of Maintaining pH: Using skincare products that are too alkaline (high pH) can disrupt the skin's natural acidity, potentially leading to dryness, irritation, and increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate.
Therefore, when choosing skincare products for oily skin, opt for those that are pH-balanced to help maintain this slightly acidic environment.