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A unique biologically mediated pH property that often generates costly frustrations for adolescents revolve around skin or epidermis pH regulation. As skins normal pH ranges from 4-6, slightly acidic, or what we refer to as the skins “acidic mantle zone,” it only fluctuates slightly in this range to help uphold the bodies homeostatic barriers, maintain healthy skin enzymes, deter bacterial and fungal growth and retain moisture. The phospholipid bilayers found in the subcutaneous(SC) regions rely on hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions which are kept constant and functional at a slightly more acidic skin pH. As skin pH increases with alkyl or neutral products/interactions, such as when the skin comes in contact with bar soaps or water, skin serine and protease levels increase causing an increasing in cytokine mediated inflammation and an overall decrease in SC layer cohesion properties and skin permeability. This makes it very difficult for the skin to aerate and rid itself of various metabolic waste, causing the skin pores to clog and dry, making it more susceptible to infection and inflammation. Products high in Salicylic acid, Zinc Oxide and retinol tend to help preserve the slightly acidic environment and protect the skins surface.
For example, Sailcylic Acid C7H6O3 has a pH of 2.4 and a subsequent dissociation constant (pKA) of around 2.97. With the two high proton molecular donor groups around the oxygens, this stable/naturally strong acid compound will easily react to form its conjugate base.
Question is that although we now understand the molecular and biological basis for the harmful effects alkyl environments and high pH levels can have on skin, do you think think there is a molecular basis surrounding potentially harmful affects of having too much of acidic, or low pH, concentration on skin homeostasis?
