Skin's Acid Mantle
The acid mantle refers to the thin film on your skin's surface composed of amino acids from sweat and lipids from oil glands. When this careful balance of skin pH is disrupted, your skin barrier can become compromised, leading to dryness and irritation. So, what can you do to maintain a healthy acid mantle? First, use skincare products designed to provide hydration to the outer layer of your skin's surface. That means opting for gentle, hydrating cleansers instead of products that strip your skin of its natural moisture. And if you think you've already disrupted your skin's acid mantle, slightly acidic toners can be helpful. Just don't overdo it, as skin pH that's too low can lead to peeling.
