Implications to Society

Implications on the skin

Introduction

Our skin has a thin protective layer on its surface which is known as the acid mantle. The acid mantle is made up of sebum mixed with lactic acid and amino acids from sweat to create the skin’s pH. The ideal pH of the our skin should be 5.5, which is slightly acidic. The ability of our skin to fight infection, environmental stresses, and prevent water loss is affected by the pH level. Thus, it is important to have a balanced pH for our skin.

There are many differences between skin care products that can affect the pH level of the skin. Skin that is too alkaline can be more susceptible to acne because a certain level of acidity is needed to inhibit bacterial growth on the skin. Skin that is too acidic tends to appear red and irritated.

Explanation

Having an unbalanced pH level can cause skincare to be less effective. Skincare benefits from products are usually tested on balanced skin, therefore, unbalanced skin reduces the effects of skincare. Similarly, mixing different skin care products with different acidity levels can render skincare ineffective.

In order to select a suitable pH cleanser, it is highly recommended that one check the pH of one’s skin. The low pH cleansers protect against acne-causing bacteria by keeping skin in its ideal pH zone and exfoliate the skin .High pH cleansers damage the moisture barrier that helps give skin resilience.

However, products containing excessive amounts of salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid, and retinoic acid can strip off the vital oils of the skin cause the skin to be dry over time. Most facial products tend to be alkaline. A higher pH that is unsuitable for the face will strip away natural oils from the skin causing dryness and irritation, making the skin sensitive.

References

  1. McClure, E. (2015, December 18). 7 Things To Know About Your Skin’s pH For A Healthy, Balanced Complexion. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from https://www.bustle.com/articles/99762-7-things-to-know-about-your-skins-ph-for-a-healthy-balanced-complexion
  2. Moore, A. (2017, January 24). Balancing Act! pH Balance of Skin. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://www.skincarerx.com/blog/concerns/balancing-act-ph-balance-skin/

 

Implications on the body

The pH of human blood should be around 7.35-7.45. A change in blood pH can affect the function of the cells. When the pH of body fluids drops too low, the body begins to suffer from acidosis and when it rises too high, the condition is called alkalosis. Acidosis or alkalosis can be caused by disease or diet.

Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis occurs when kidneys are unable to remove the excess acid in the body or when too much base is removed. There are three major forms of metabolic acidosis.

  1. Lactic acidosis occurs when too much lactic acid accumulates in the body. Activities that causes the buildup of lactic acid includes chronic alcohol use, liver failure, and prolonged exercise.
  2. Hyperchloremic acidosis results from a loss of sodium bicarbonate which keeps the blood neutral. Both diarrhea and vomiting can lead to hyperchloremic acidosis.
  3. Diabetic acidosis occurs in people with poorly controlled diabetes. If the body lacks enough insulin, ketones build up in the body and acidify the blood.

Factors that increases the risk of acidosis includes a high-fat diet that is low in carbohydrates, kidney failure, and dehydration.

Effects

Poor immune response could result from acidosis. Immune cells, such as macrophages, release inflammatory cytokines, which cause inflammation. Acidosis also weakens the ability of lymphocytes to fight pathogens. In addition, a slight change in the pH of spinal fluid and cerebral fluid causes a reduction in affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, reducing the oxygen supply to brain cells. Acute acidosis leads to lethargy and mental confusion.

Treatment

Depending on the types of metabolic acidosis, different treatments will be given accordingly. People with hyperchloremic acidosis may be given oral sodium bicarbonate. Acidosis from kidney failure may be treated with sodium citrate. People with diabetic acidosis can receive IV fluids and insulin to balance out their pH. Lactic acidosis treatment might include bicarbonate supplements, IV fluids, oxygen, or antibiotics.

Alkalosis

There are a few types of alkalosis.

  1. Metabolic alkalosis occurs when your body loses too much acid or gains too much base. Factors that increase the risk of metabolic alkalosis includes a large loss of potassium or sodium in a short amount of time, excess vomiting, which causes a loss of electrolytes, and chronic alcohol use.
  2. Hypokalemic alkalosis occurs when your body lacks the normal amount of the mineral potassium. Factors that increase the risk of hypokalemic alkalosis include kidney disease, excessive sweating, and diarrhea.
  3. Hypochloremic alkalosis occurs when there is a significant decrease in the concentration of chloride. Factors that increase the risk of hypochloremic alkalosis include prolonged vomiting or sweating. Chloride is an important electrolyte needed to maintain balance in bodily fluids.

Effects

Arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate. This can be caused by hypokalemic alkalosis due to the loss of potassium in the body. In addition, alkalosis results in constriction of blood vessels which causes confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures. This is because the constriction of blood vessels decreases the blood supply to the brain.

Treatment

Depending on the types of alkalosis, different treatments will be given accordingly. Medications and supplements can be prescribed if the cause of alkalosis is due to the loss of chemicals. Alkalosis resulting from electrolyte imbalance can be corrected by drinking plenty of fluids.

References

  1. Allen, S., Cherney, K., & Boskey, E. (2015, October 23). Acidosis. Retrieved March 28, 2017, from http://www.healthline.com/health/acidosis?m=2#overview1
  2. Blue, M. (2014, March 02). The Effects on Cells Because of Changes in pH of Body Fluids. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://education.seattlepi.com/effects-cells-because-changes-ph-body-fluids-5851.html
  3. Khan, A., & Cherney, K. (2015, November 19). Alkalosis. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://www.healthline.com/health/alkalosis