HELT PLUS [pH 5.5]
pH is a short term for the Latin term "Potentia Hydrogenii" and translates to "hydrogen ion concentration."
The pH value allows us to differentiate acids and bases from each other and identify them according to their strength.
Anything that contains water also has a pH value. This value can be determined using an electronic pH meter or an indicator such as litmus paper.
Skin's pH [5.5]
Our skin can be assigned a pH value because the hydrolipid film on the skin's surface contains water.
The skin is slightly acidic. Modern measuring techniques have produced an average skin pH value of approximately 5.5, which is associated with natural acidic substances found in sweat, sebum and horny cells.
Sebum
An oily secretion produced by the sebaceous glands.
Horny cells
Cells forming the outer layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum.
The job of the acidic skin
The slightly acidic environment of healthy skin contributes to the skin's natural protective functions. It helps the skin respond to harmful microorganisms and environmental influences.
Protection
Helps protect the skin from infections, irritation and unwanted environmental influences.
Natural freshness
The acidic environment can help minimise bacterial breakdown of sweat associated with body odour.
Natural substances from the body contribute to the acid mantle that protects the skin from environmental influences. Maintaining this natural protective layer is therefore important for healthy skin.
Skin Microbiome
All the organisms that are located on our skin are collectively referred to as the skin microbiome. They include bacteria, fungi and mites.
These microorganisms live on the surface of the skin, between dead cells in the stratum corneum, in sweat and sebaceous glands and around hair follicles.
They interact with proteins, fats and sugar components from dead skin cells, lipids, sebum and sweat. Their abundance can vary depending on the region of the body.
Balance matters.
Skin health is not simply about eliminating every microorganism. What matters is maintaining an appropriate balance within the skin ecosystem.
Intensive and repeated attempts to remove all microorganisms through disinfection can be counterproductive and may disturb the natural balance of the skin.
Factors that influence the skin microbiome
Everything is interconnected. Genetics, gender, age, general health, hormonal status, nutrition and lifestyle can influence the skin microbiome.
Environmental factors such as climate, pollution, water quality and sunlight can also affect the skin's natural protective functions, especially its barrier function.
Too many or overly intensive changes can disturb the balance of the ecosystem and impair the skin's protective functions. Supporting the protective layer and microbiome balance can help the skin remain more resilient to internal and external influences.
The natural protective skin barrier, pH 5.5 and the microbiome
A healthy balance of the skin microbiome requires intact skin structures, normal skin functions and effective repair of minor damage and disruptions through natural regeneration processes.
When the skin has sufficient — but not excessive — moisture and lipids and maintains a strong protective barrier, it can support a diverse and relatively stable community of microorganisms.
Maintains the barrier function
The slightly acidic pH contributes to the skin's natural protective barrier.
Supports microbiome balance
Maintaining the skin's natural environment supports a balanced skin microbiome.
Supporting healthy skin balance.
The goal of medical skin care with HELT PLUS pH 5.5 is to strengthen and support skin health and microbiome balance by supporting the skin's natural barrier function.
The information presented in this journal is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.