Our skin is the largest organ of the body charged with the task of protecting what it holds "inside" from the outside environment, helps regulate body temperature, eliminates byproducts of metabolism by sweating and lubricates itself with sebum from oil producing pores. A combination of oil and sweat from the skin produces a slightly acidic pH of about 5.5. This "acid mantle" is the body's first line of defense against invading bacteria because it provides a hostile environment for outside bacteria to propagate and helps keep the growth of normal body bacteria (p. acnes) under control.
The pH of normal, healthy skin is between 4.5 to 6. This varies with age and with the individual. A baby is born with a neutral pH of 7 but it soon turns acidic to protect them. At puberty, we produce hormones, develop more hair growth on the skin and sebaceous pores become more active. By the late teen and early 20's, our 'acid mantle' is well developed, providing protection against external invaders. Our skin looks great, repairs itself quickly when injured, taking care of itself and us. As we age, hormones dissipate, skin becomes more neutral and more susceptible to bacterial growth and thus more infections.
The acidity of the skin is further compromised by internal diseases (such as diabetes) and some skin diseases (eczema), allowing the pH to rise past 6. We further compromise the effectiveness of our 'acid mantle' by things we do and the products we put on our skin. Water is pH neutral at 7. Soap is alkaline at pH 9. Constant bathing, use of soaps and exposure to chemicals at work can severely alter the acidity of the skin, making it less effective as a protective armor and setting us up for bacterial infection. In this day of the "super bug" it is critical for us to be aware of how our behavior and activities compromise our body's natural defenses.
What can we do to allow our skin to do its job? While water is the very best moisturizer, it leaves us feeling dry after immersion because it removes lubricants from skin and is often used with alkaline soaps, severely altering the skin's acidity. When we are young, our bodies correct this imbalance quickly, but as we age, it takes much longer for the skin to replace its lubricating oils and adjust its pH. To counter this effect, reduce the amount, duration and heat of bathing, use mild, super-fatted soaps (Dove, Tone, Caress, ProKera Botanical Body Bars). Avoid deodorant soaps. Moisturize after every washing to replenish lubricating oils on the skin. When purchasing skin care products, look for labels indicating that they are pH balanced "for the skin" (that's lower than "pH balanced" at 7). If you're not sure about the pH of the products you are using, call the company.
Reduce exposure to swimming pools and spas which use harsh chemicals for safety. Shower thoroughly and moisturize after each immersion. Be aware of work related exposure that affects your skin such as contact with wood, cement, abrasives, chemicals, paper, fabric, dirt & dust, insulation, water, extreme temperatures, low humidity, wind, etc. Do what you can to reduce exposure such as wearing gloves or other garments, adjusting technique or using tools to eliminate direct contact. See the
Extreme Dry Skin Care Regime
At pH 3.5, ProKera helps maintain the skin's acid mantle by counteracting the effects of water and alkaline soaps. Each time you apply ProKera, you reduce the pH of your skin closer to its natural, ideal level. Most common bacteria (E coli, salmonella, staph aureus, p. acnes) flourish at pH 7 and, depending on other mitigating factors such as temperature and moisture, propagation can range from pH 4.5 to 9. Lab tests have shown that bacteria colony numbers injected in ProKera decrease over time. Application of ProKera (with a pH of 3.5) lowers the pH of the skin to create a hostile environment for bacteria to propagate. ProKera can be an effective deterrent to bacterial growth on the skin surface and be especially helpful for people who are susceptible to the drying effects of alcohol-based anti-bacterial aids/soaps.
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