Learn about your skin

The skin is the largest organ in the human body.

About Skin

The skin is made up of 3 main layers and the skin's barrier, also known as the acid mantle, which protects the skin against bacteria, viruses, pollution and dehydration. This acid mantle is composed of the stratum corneum and the hydrolipid film. Where the stratum corneum protects the dermis layer of skin from trans epidermal water loss and external factors, the hydrolipid film is the key to the skin's protective barrier. This film is a thin, oily acidic layer mainly made of sweat, water, sebum, and other lipids. Should this layer get damaged, the acid mantle is broken, and the skin barrier becomes vulnerable to infections, dryness, dehydration, inflammation, and irritation.

What is ph5.5

Determined by a simple litmus test, it has been identified that the skin has a value of pH5.5, with the exception of babies at birth, hair and the female intimate area.

pH5.5 has been clinically and dermatologically accepted as the ideal pH for healthy skin. pH5.5 of the skin is slightly acidic due to the natural acidic substances in sweat, sebum and horny cells.

When the pH level of the skin is too alkaline or too acidic, this can damage the acid mantle and lead to skin problems. Regular use of traditional soaps and skincare products with a pH level that is too alkaline or acidic, can lead to dryness, irritation and inflammation of the skin.

The benefits of pH 5.5

  • Soap-free formulations with pH 5.5 allow ultra-mild but thorough pore-deep cleansing without irritation and disturbance of the acid mantle.
  • Supports the skin’s natural barrier function against dehydration, irritation and allergies.
  • Inhibits harmful micro-organism (pathogens) that cause skin infections and body odour-producing bacteria.
  • Soap-free formulations with pH 5.5 also support the skin’s natural pH level to promote healthy skin.
  • Supports the restoration of the deficient barrier function and helps to limit further dehydration as well as the penetration of exogenous allergens or irritants.
  • Soap-free formulations with pH 5.5 limits the negative effects of medication-induced side effects.

what is our microbiome and why is it important?

'skin microbiome' means microorganisms on our skin. It consists of billions of different microorgansisms, living in dynamic balance, including:

  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Fungi

For natural skin protection balance is crucial... A slightly acidic pH balance of pH5.5 supports the healthy balance between "good" & "bad" microorganisms. A healthy balance of the skin's microbiome protects the skin from harmful microorganisms and environmental influences.

The influence of various internal and external factors can disturb the balance, such as inadequate skincare, improper nutrition, mental stress and environmental influences.

If many harmful influences combine, the skin microbiome loses its balance. If the skin microbiome is imbalalnced, the protective acid mantle is disturbed. This means the risk of irritations, infections and allergies increases.

sebamed with the pH of 5.5, protects your skin and supports and preserves the skin microbiome.

WHAT COULD DAMAGE YOUR SKIN BARRIER?

There are many influences that could cause damage to the skin’s barrier, resulting in reduced defence against harmful microorganisms, viruses and allergens. If the skin barrier is damaged, it can lead to a variety of skin conditions and increase the risk of infections.

INFLUENCES THAT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE

  • Cleaning your body with standard soaps or skincare products can strip away the skin’s natural oils and disrupt the skin’s pH balance.
  • Environmental factors, such as cold weather, pollution and over exposure to sun.
  • Psychological or biological factors, such as stress, anxiety or hormonal changes can cause damage to the skin’s barrier function.
  • Ageing - as we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and loses its ability to produce as much oil as it used to.
  • Hot water can strip away the skin’s natural oils and disrupt the skin’s pH balance.
  • Treatment of medical conditions with medication can also damage the skin’s barrier function.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SKIN CORRECTLY?

There are many influences that could cause damage to the skin’s barrier, resulting in reduced defence against harmful microorganisms, viruses and allergens. If the skin barrier is damaged, it can lead to a variety of skin conditions and increase the risk of infections.

Clean acid balance
Skin cleansing is an indispensable part of daily life. It removes dirt, sweat, sebum, dead skin cells, numerous microorganisms and their sometimes foul-smelling and at times even harmful metabolic products. Cleanliness and freshness make us feel good and protects against diseases. But the sensitive balance of the skin must not be disturbed, or this may lead to dryness, irritation, allergies and susceptibility to skin infections.

The rule is: Do not cleanse your skin too often, too long, too hot or with aggressive products. Soap-free skin cleansing with a pH of 5.5 with the sebamed products not only protects the skin's barrier function against drying out and irritation, it also maintains the balance of the healthy skin microbiome.

The skin's protective layer requires regular care.

Skin care adjusted to skin type and the skin's individual and current needs support the natural protective functions, compensates for fat and moisture deficits, neutralises harmful environmental influences and helps maintain the microbiome balance. For all of this, a pH of 5.5 has been proven to be important, as shown in many scientific studies.

Do not wash, shower or bathe too often, too long too hot or with aggressive products.
Dry air from heating and air-conditioning stresses the skin's protective layer - support it with pH5.5.
Peelings make the skin smooth, but weaken the skin's protective layer - do not use too often and apply intensive care and protection afterwards.

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