Importance of pH for cleansing and care of sensitive skin

The more intact the protective acid mantle, the hydrolipid film and the epidermal barrier are, the lower the risk of skin reactions and damage from environmental influences. Cleanse sensitive skin with mild products that maintain the skin's physiological balance. Use moisturizing products that protect and regenerate the skin.

The horny layer, unlike the nearly pH-neutral underlying tissue, has an average pH of 5.5. This acidic pH plays a key role in the functional balance of the horny layer by activating enzymes to synthesize epidermal lipids needed for the cohesion of the horny layer and the barrier function of the skin. The functional, lamellar arrangement of the barrier lipids is also promoted by an acidic pH. A neutral pH of the horny layer inhibits lipid synthesis and weakens the skin barrier. Washing with cleansing products with a neutral (pH 7) or alkaline pH (>pH 7) can disturb the protective acid mantle. Skin care has an even greater influence on the protective acid mantle because a cream or lotion stays on the skin for hours. If its pH is too high, this can have a lasting effect on barrier function. Skin irritations may result. An acidic pH promotes regeneration of the barrier after damage from mechanical or chemical stress and also supports the enzymatic processes of dead skin cell removal (desquamation). The acidic pH of the skin surface also helps protect against pathogenic microorganisms.

Eucerin® cleansing and skincare products with Enzyme Protection help stabilize the physiological pH of the skin.