Variability of skin pH after the use of different collagen gels.
BACKGROUND
Skin pH is an important parameter indicating the condition of the skin because imbalance can contribute to the development of skin problems and earlier aging. Individual skin pH depends on many factors such as hydration, sweating, sebum excretion, genetics, sex, and age. Additionally, it can be affected by exogenous factors such as cosmetics.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to compare different collagen gels and determine whether and to what extent they change the pH of the skin.


METHODS
Baseline skin pH was measured in 49 women aged between 19 and 23. It was measured again 20 and 60 minutes following of the application of four collagen gels.


RESULTS
The mean physiological pH values of the forehead and cheek were 5.67 and 5.76, respectively. The analysis of variance and post hoc test revealed that gel no. 1, gel no. 2, and gel no. 3 (but not 4) significantly changed the skin pH.


CONCLUSIONS
Collagen gel should be neutral for the skin barrier; however, most collagen skin care preparations significantly changed skin pH. Methods of processing and stabilizing the collagen may account for the difference in effect between gels, but further research is required.
Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of Physical Education in Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland.
Agnieszka
A
Ciszek
D002610:Cheek; D003094:Collagen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005546:Forehead; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration / Q000187:drug effects; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D005782:Gels; D003094:Collagen
barrier function; fish collagen; skin care; skin pH; skin protective barrier