pH, Teenage skin and why balance matters

Photo by @simoneschoemanprinsloo

Let’s talk pH. Ever found a face wash that worked wonders at first, but after a while your skin started feeling dry and tight? Or tried out a new mask and ended up breaking out? One secret culprit could be the pH of your skin. When your skin pH is balanced, your skin stays hydrated and keeps acne-causing bacteria (like Cutibacterium acnes) in check [1][5]. That is why pH balance is vital for anyone fighting breakouts.

What’s your skin’s pH, anyway?

Your skin isn’t neutral like pure water (pH 7). It is naturally a little acidic; most people’s skin sits around pH 4.5 to 5.0. This acidity forms part of the “acid mantle,” which acts as a shield, locking in moisture and nurturing the friendly bacteria or microbiome that help keep skin healthy [1][3].

What happens when pH goes rogue?

If your skin’s pH creeps above 5.5, that barrier starts to break down. You lose moisture faster, inflammation can occur, and breakouts can happen more frequent [2]. Your microbiome becomes stressed and Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria behind teen acne, thrives at higher pH levels [5].

Upenya can help you stay balanced.

pH-balanced formulas: Upenya’s products are pH balanced to optimise the efficacy of the ingredients, resulting in a stronger barrier and balanced skin microbiome [4].

Gentle AHA exfoliation: Upenya’s Exfoliating Cleanser uses lactic and malic acids to gently get rid of dead skin, without stripping away the natural barrier [6].

Botanical boosters: Ingredients like inulin, hydrolysed jojoba esters, aloe ferox, and marula oil hydrate and feed your skin’s beneficial bacteria, all at a skin-friendly pH.

Targeted blemish support: Upenya’s Blemish Care keeps your skin slightly acidic, thereby supporting your skin’s natural defences without disrupting them.

Everyday tips for healthy, balanced skin

Stick with pH-balanced cleansers. Avoid bar soaps and harsh detergents, which often have higher pH of 8 or more.

Do not over-wash. Twice a day is enough. Too much cleansing can raise skin pH.

Layer smart. Apply active ingredients while your skin’s still slightly damp and then finish with Upenya Moisturising Gel.

If you have been in the pool or washed with regular tap water, use Upenya Moisturising Gel to balance your pH and hydration back to normal levels.

Want to know more? Catch our Skin Talk videos with Dr Mathilda Mostert at upenya.co.za/skin-talk.

References

1.    Ali, S. M., & Yosipovitch, G. (2013). Skin pH: From Basic Science to Basic Skin Care. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 93 (3), 261–267. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-1531

2.      Schmid-Wendtner, M.-H. & Korting, H.C. (2006). The pH of the skin surface and its impact on barrier function. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 19(6):296–302. https://doi.org/10.1159/000094670.

3.      Lambers, H., Piessens, S., Bloem, A., Pronk, H. & Finkel, P. (2006). Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, beneficial for resident flora. Int J Cosmet Sci. 28(5):359–370. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x.

4.      Surber, C., Humbert, P., Abels, C. & Maibach, H. (2018). The acid mantle: a myth or an essential part of skin health? Curr Probl Dermatol. 54:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1159/000489512.

5.      S Fitz-Gibbon et al. (2013). Propionibacterium acnes strain populations in skin microbiome associated with acne. J Invest Dermatol. 133(9):2152–2160.  https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.2013.21.

6.      S G Brooks et al. (2025). The skin acid mantle: An update on skin pH. J Invest Dermatol. 145(3):509–521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2024.07.009.