Skincare is more than just a matter of beauty—it is essential for maintaining overall skin health. Growing research underscores the importance of the skin microbiome, a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea that reside on the skin’s surface. This invisible ecosystem plays a crucial role in protecting against environmental stressors, supporting immune functions, and preserving hydration. But how do low-pH cosmetic products impact this delicate balance?
The skin microbiome acts as a primary barrier against external aggressors. When balanced, it contributes to overall skin health by regulating hydration, enhancing immune responses, and protecting against harmful microorganisms. However, disruptions in the microbiome can lead to various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
The Role of ph in Skin Health
One crucial factor in maintaining a healthy skin microbiome is the skin’s pH level. The skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH of around 4.8, forming a protective layer known as the “acid mantle.” This acidic environment helps regulate beneficial microbes while preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. However, many commercial skincare products have an alkaline pH, which can disrupt the skin microbiome and lead to skin conditions.
Recent studies have examined the impact of low-pH skincare products (pH ≤ 4.5) on skin hydration and barrier function. While these studies have shown that lower pH products effectively maintain skin pH levels, their impact on the microbiome remained unexplored (Brinke et al., 2021).
New Clinical Study on Low-pH Skincare
To bridge this gap, a new clinical study was conducted to analyze the relationship between low-pH skincare products and the skin microbiome. The study focused on participants with a baseline skin pH of 5.5 or higher, investigating how products with a pH below 5 could influence the microbiome.
The study involved 28 Portuguese-speaking female participants aged 50–60. Each participant applied four different reveel by MedSkin Solutions low-pH products—Vitamin C Concentrate, Resveratrol Concentrate, Professional Smoothing (Collagen) Mask, and Professional Marine (Algae) Mask—to designated areas on their forearms over a 28-day period. Participants were instructed to follow strict usage guidelines and avoid using any other skincare products on the test areas.
To assess changes in the skin microbiome, researchers collected metagenomic samples before and after the study period. These samples were analyzed using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to measure bacterial diversity, skin pH levels, and Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).
Five Key Findings
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All four products increased microbiome diversity, with no significant disruptions to the skin microbiome, over the 28-day period.
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The Marine Mask led to a significant decrease in the potentially harmful Corynebacterium genus, known for contributing to skin barrier dysfunction and dryness.
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A slight decrease in Staphylococcus was observed after applying the Marine Mask and Collagen Mask, while the Resveratrol Concentrate serum increased Pseudomonas levels.
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Skin pH decreased across all products, with the Marine Mask showing the most significant reduction.
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TEWL increased for all products, indicating no major improvements in skin hydration levels.
Low-ph Cosmetic Products Positively Influencer the Skin Microbiome
The study demonstrated that low-pH cosmetic products positively influence the skin microbiome without causing harmful disruptions. These products supported a balanced microbiome and induced beneficial microbial shifts, reinforcing their potential for promoting skin health.
As research in microbiome-friendly skincare advances, low-pH products may emerge as essential tools for maintaining a resilient and thriving skin ecosystem.
Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
