Diseases that can cause an increase in skin surface pH include diabetes, chronic renal failure, and cerebrovascular disease. Studies show individuals with diabetes have a decreased level of skin lactic acid. An increase in skin surface pH encourages bacterial growth, making individuals with diabetes more prone to certain skin infections. Furthermore, the use of skin occlusive products, such as dressings and diapers, is known to raise skin pH and may be associated with skin infections. differences in the pH of skin cleaning preparations can cause irritation to the skin’s surface. The Unites States generally carries very low-pH soaps and cleansers and formulas that have a neutral pH (called “syndet”—chemically, they are not soaps, but rather synthetic detergent in a bar form). Other countries have a pH of 9.5 to 10.5, which is inherent to a sodium soap composed of fatty acids. Knowing about pH can also assist in understanding proper exfoliation techniques. One of the risks of exfoliant use is related to the pH of the product. pH values lower than 3.5 tend to strip the barrier function of the skin, removing protective lipids between the cells and leaving the skin dehydrated, red, and inflamed. In general, do not use products with a pH of less than 3.5. Learn to analyze the skin properly, and make sure the product is in the right base vehicle for the client’s skin. Do not use more than one exfoliant product at a time on a client, and make sure the plan of treatment proceeds at a steady, slow pace.
with erosion can also cause skin surface pH to shift from normal to 7.3 or 7.4, which constitutes a thousandfold increase in the pH shift—remember, pH is measured on a logarithmic scale. For people with atopic dermatitis, the pH of their entire skin’s surface is increased. Furthermore, an increased skin pH contributes to Staphylococcus aureus colonization, which can play a role in the formation of atopic dermatitis, discoid eczema, and infective dermatitis. Maintaining healthy pH levels Knowing which products to use – from cleansers to conditioners and other treatments – can help maintain healthy pH levels for your clients’ skin, hair, and nails. Cosmetologists must receive appropriate training in the safe and effective use of each system for care of the skin, hair, and nails. In addition, all products should be used in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations. Knowing your products will help you make the best decisions for the care of your clients. For example, there are three main types of cleaning agents: soaps, synthetic detergents, and lipid-free cleansing agents. Soaps typically make the skin more alkaline than synthetic detergents. Acidic cleaners are less irritating than neutral or alkaline ones, and people prone to dry skin are typically advised to use acidic cleansers. Agents with slightly acidic or neutral pH (nonionic) may be preferable for individuals who are at increased risk for irritating skin reactions. You may recommend to individuals with skin conditions that they choose a mild cleaning agent with a low pH. Even minor
CHEMICALS AND THE BODY
How our body chemistry interacts with outside chemicals
These changes can create health risks that a cosmetologist should be aware of, including allergic reactions, keloids (a type of scar that forms during healing), and infections (such as hepatitis). Allergic reactions to permanent makeup can also cause skin problems, such as rashes. These reactions are often immediate but can occur even years later. This irritation can be compounded when chemical products are introduced to that area, so cosmetologists must use caution when working with affected skin. Henna and hair dyes can also be used to stain the skin temporarily. Henna and hair dye have not been approved by the FDA for injection or topical use on the skin, and some people have reported serious skin problems resulting from the use of both henna and black henna. Some people will develop serious allergies to hair dyes and other chemical products, even if they have dyed their hair with no allergic reaction in the past. Any time a cosmetologist works with the skin, it is important to survey the skin for any breaks or signs of allergic reactions or rashes. This can affect that client’s ability to receive a skin treatment or other cosmetic services. Always be on the lookout for any sign of distress before beginning a treatment, and stay on the lookout for any adverse reactions after using chemicals on your clients.
The toxicity of a substance depends on many factors, including: ● Type and form of chemical. ● Dosage and length of time over which dosage occurred. ● Exposure route (type of exposure).
● Amount of absorption. ● Individual differences. ● Presence of other chemicals.
Our environment and habits can also affect our chemical makeup. For example, although our skin naturally changes as we age, increasing time and exposure to sunlight can cause rapid aging and other damage to the hair, skin, and nails. In addition, introducing chemicals through the form of smoking can take a toll on the body and increase wrinkling of the skin after prolonged use. In the case of sun or smoke damaged skin, the Food and Drug Administration has only approved a few products that are proven to revitalize the skin. There are various products on the market today that can soothe dry skin and reduce age spots. Learning more about these products can help you and your clients to combat the signs of aging. Modifications that people make to their skin (such as permanent makeup) can also change the chemical balance of the skin.
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Book Code: CFL1025
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