Skin care

Skin Care for Maintaining the Skin's Acid Mantle

Proper skin care focuses on maintaining and enhancing the skin's natural protective mechanisms. The beneficial and healthy microbes living on the skin prevent harmful microorganisms from spreading unchecked. Furthermore, a fine layer of sebum and its metabolic products form a barrier against intruders. This film covers the entire skin surface, keeping it supple.

The slightly acidic pH value between 5 and 6 inhibits the proliferation of harmful germs. This protective mechanism of the skin is known as the acid mantle. Cleansing with soap, which has a pH value of 9 to 12, disrupts the acid mantle. This does not harm healthy skin, as the acidic protective layer is restored within one to two hours. However, for sensitive, damaged skin or in elderly individuals, cleansing with mildly acidic cleansers may be better. They are gentler on the acid mantle and prevent the skin from swelling as easily.

Essentially, every washing process removes oils and moisture from the skin. Therefore, dry, sensitive skin should be treated with a moisturizer or lotion after washing.