Luna’s Daily Guide on pH: Understanding Your Intimate Skin

If you’ve heard of pH in relation to skincare but are not sure what it means or why it matters, don’t worry - you’re not alone. Understanding the basics of pH can help keep your skin healthy and prevent issues like irritation, infection, and even odour. So, let’s take a look at the science together…

What is pH? 

pH stands for “potential hydrogen” and refers to the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. When it comes to skincare specifically, many products (such as body wash) have a certain level of acidity or alkalinity that must be maintained in order to preserve the natural balance of your skin. 

 

How pH affects skin 

Our skin is home to thousands of different bacteria and microorganisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome. The balance of these organisms is essential for healthy skin functioning and protection from infection. A healthy skin microbiome helps keep the pH level balanced, which in turn keeps the natural oils and moisture on our skin intact. The optimal range for most skin types falls between 4-5 on the pH scale. This is important for maintaining healthy skin because if your skin’s natural balance gets thrown off due to an incorrect product or too much exposure to water, it can lead to dryness, redness, itching, and other uncomfortable symptoms. 

Using high pH products 

Traditional body washes typically have a high pH and can disrupt your skin's delicate balance. They may also lead to long-term damage such as sensitivity as well as premature ageing due to loss of moisture in the skin cells. Additionally, when it comes to intimate areas like your vulva, using harsh products with too high a pH level could result in gynaecological troubles like thrush.  The reality is that so many washes are a much higher pH than your skin, so your whole skin would probably be better off with a wash that’s a lower pH.

Cleansing your intimate area 

You never need to wash inside your vagina (your internal passage) as it’s cleverly self-cleaning. Your vulva skin is very similar to that of your underarms (covered in apocrine glands), so it is totally fine to wash with just water.  However, if you would like to use a product, that’s where Luna Daily’s washes come in. Developed with dermatologists and gynaecologists, they are created to be at a pH that suits all the skin on your body, even your most intimate including the vulva. 

Every body is different 

Everyone's individual chemistry varies so what works well for one person may not be best for another. Freedom of choice is at the basis of every self-care routine, so Luna Daily is here to support you at every stage of womanhood. That’s why we offer different ranges that suit every age, skin type, and time of life…

Everyday - Our original Everywhere formulas are natural and cleansing with our unique [HYDRA-BIOME+™] complex that balances, nourishes and protects.  Our prebiotic actives and vitamins ensure nourishment and help strengthen the skin. 

Motherhood – During pregnancy, mothers may experience hormonal changes that can affect skin during pregnancy, and post birth skin is often as its most sensitive. Thankfully, our Fragrance Free range is here to care for sensitive and allergy prone skin. Plus, its Fragrance Free formula ensures newborns are able to smell their mother's natural scent, which is especially important with skin on skin contact.

Menopausal - Our Hydrating range is ideal for those experiencing peri-menopause and the menopause. Not only does it add moisture to dry skin to maintain balance thanks to added Omega 3 and 6, but our Spray-To-Wipe is also the perfect relief for hot flushes or night-time sweats. 

However you choose to wash your vulva, we hope you do it with care, and above all confidence in your choice.

 

Sources:

  • https://www.healthline.com/health/whats-so-important-about-skin-ph
  • https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/skin-ph-yours-healthy-why-it-matters-how-tell
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