Acidification In Atopic Dermatitis

The skin is a complex organ that may not look that important, but when you experience any skin conditions, then you realize how important it is and how much work it does to protect you.

What Is Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)?

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as Eczema, is a chronic skin condition. It causes the following symptoms to appear

• Dry skin
• Itching
• Redness (red or pink skin on lighter skin tones and brown or purple skin on darker skin tones)
• Rashes
• Scaly skin
• Raised bumps
• Cracked and bleeding skin (in severe cases)

It usually appears on the cheeks, outside of elbows, and knees in babies. Older children may also experience it on the inside of the knees and elbows, on the wrists and ankles. In adults, it is more common on the wrists, ankles, legs, arms, neck, and eyelids.

The pH Level Of Skin

The word pH refers to the ‘potential of hydrogen’. The pH level of the skin helps us know how acidic the skin is. The skin’s pH level plays an important role in developing and managing atopic dermatitis, which is why it is important to understand it. The pH scale ranges between 1 to 14. 7 is considered to be the neutral level. 

• The pH level of adult skin ranges between 4 to 6.
• Newborns have a neutral pH, which means it is 7 on the scale.
• The pH level in old age drops down from the neutral level.

What Is Acidic pH Level?

When the acidity in the skin is between the number range of 0 to 6 it is considered acidic.

What Is Alkaline Or Basic pH Level?

If the skin acidity ranges between 8 to 14, then it is considered as alkaline or basic pH level.

What is the best pH Level For Skin?

You may be wondering if 7, neutral, is the pH number your skin should have. But in reality, the optimal pH value of skin ranges between 4.7 and 5.7–in this range, it is considered pH Balanced. Having an acidic pH on the skin is important for its proper functioning.

When the skin is acidic, its antimicrobial properties are optimal. But when the skin becomes too acidic, the pH level decreases below 4, or when the pH level increases above 7, then the skin becomes too sensitive and prone to developing different skin conditions.

This is why newborns and older people are more prone to experience skin conditions like atopic eczema, as their pH level is beyond the normal skin’s pH level. Adults who experience less acidic skin are also vulnerable to developing it.

Acidification In Atopic Eczema

What Makes The Skin Acidic?

There are certain factors and processes that make the skin or stratum corneum acidic. An enzyme called secretory phospholipase A2 breaks down lipids to produce fatty acids that help in lowering the skin’s pH level. 

Another process that occurs on the skin is a protein present in the skin known as NHE1 –it moves protons to the skin’s surface to make it acidic.

Filaggrin, a very important skin molecule that helps the skin form its “barrier,” is another factor that affects the acidity of the skin. Filaggrin breaks down to form acids. Even if the skin is missing filaggrin, it can still be acidic due to other mechanisms mentioned before.

Why Acidic pH Is Important For Skin

If you are wondering why acidification is important for your skin. Then, let me make it clear to you that acidity on the skin helps maintain antibacterial activity. It helps fight against outside irritants, keeps the skin barrier strong, and makes sure that the stratum corneum stays structured.

When there is a change in the acidity of the skin, and it becomes either too acidic or too basic (alkaline), it can cause the skin to become inflamed and cause common skin issues like irritant contact dermatitis, atopic eczema, sensitivity, candidiasis, and acne vulgaris.

The acidification of the skin is what determines the pH level of the skin. A skin that is more acidic will have a lower number on the pH scale.

pH Level And Atopic Dermatitis

The pH level of the skin of people who experience atopic eczema is often increased into the neutral or the basic range. To appropriately manage atopic dermatitis, it is important to maintain normal skin pH levels.

The skin’s pH level may differ on the areas of the body exposed. The lesser exposed areas are more acidic, such as genitals, buttocks, and armpits. The more exposed areas, such as the face, hands, and feet, are more alkaline.

The reason why the skin’s pH level increases during atopic dermatitis is not clearly known, but it is believed to be caused by the changes in phospholipase A2 and NHE1 and the mutation of filaggrin, causing it not to function properly. Other external factors that can affect the pH level of the skin and make it prone to atopic dermatitis are

• Age
• Skin type
• Chemicals in skin care products
• Sweat
• Harsh soaps

Treating Atopic Dermatitis

The best way to manage eczema is by following a proper skincare routine that includes

Cleansing

The first step in taking care of the skin is cleansing. Use a gentle cleanser that is free from harsh chemicals like fragrances, sulfates, parabens, to clean the skin.  Clean the skin at least twice daily. Once in the morning and once before going to bed.

A daily cleanser that is specially formulated for sensitive, eczema-prone skin is the best for managing atopic dermatitis. It helps in maintaining the skin’s pH level. Happy Cappy Daily Eczema Shampoo And Body Wash is infused with natural ingredients that help soothe irritated skin and hydrate it. Happy Cappy’s lack of irritating ingredients makes it hypoallergenic–these are features that dermatologists recommend in a cleanser. 

Moisturizing

Moisturizing is essential for all skin types. Whether you are experiencing atopic dermatitis or not, remember to keep it moisturized. Moisturize the skin at least twice daily to keep it hydrated. If you suspect that your skin is becoming dry, increase the frequency of use.

Moisturizing the skin right after taking a bath when the skin is a little damp can be very beneficial. The skin absorbs more moisture from the moisturizer at that time. It is important to choose the right moisturizer when you are experiencing eczema.

Products like Happy Cappy Eczema Cream contain natural ingredients like licorice root extract and glycerin that help hydrate the skin and protect and restore the delicate skin barrier.

Maintaining Skin’s pH Level

The normal pH level of the skin is important for keeping it healthy. Especially if you are experiencing atopic dermatitis. When one is experiencing eczema, their skin pH level increases, but this can be controlled and maintained with the help of

• Choosing the right skincare products
• Bathing properly
• Moisturizing the skin

What Is The pH Level Of Happy Cappy Products?

Choosing the right skincare products, such as soaps, cleansers, and moisturizers, is important to maintain the skin’s pH level and manage atopic dermatitis or eczema. Many soaps and cleansers have a high pH level, worsening the skin condition.

This is one of the reasons why skincare products trigger eczema flare-ups. If you are experiencing atopic dermatitis or are prone to an eczema flare-up, then it is best to choose a cleanser and moisturizer that has a pH level between 4.5 to 5.5.

Products that have a pH level between 4 and 5 are known as pH-balanced products. These products are safe to be used on sensitive, eczema-prone skin. 

Products like Happy Cappy’s Daily Eczema Shampoo, Body Wash and Face Wash, and Happy Cappy Eczema Moisturizing Cream are acidic. This means that these products have a lower pH level that helps bring the skin’s pH level back to a healthy acidic level and enhance the skin barrier function.

Conclusion

The acidity of the skin or the pH levels of the skin plays an essential part in keeping the skin healthy. The pH levels help maintain the skin’s structure and its barrier function and protect the skin against outside microbes.

When one is experiencing atopic dermatitis, the skin’s pH level increases; this is why maintaining the skin’s pH level can help in managing eczema. 

The skin’s pH level can be maintained by bathing properly, moisturizing the skin, and using the right skincare products.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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