Acid Mantle and Eczema

The skin--by a secretion of sweat and oil glands--makes a protective film on the skin's surface that inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.  How is the acid mantle made? The acid is produced when enzymes break down fat-like molecules in skin cells, called phospholipids, into smaller acid-tipped fat molecules called fatty acids; i.e., the skin generates the acid as it converts phospholipids into fatty acids. It is a natural defense barrier and is called the acid mantle, and the normal pH should range from 4.5 to 6.5.pH (potential of hydrogen) refers to the degree of acidity or alkalinity. 

The pH scale goes from 0 to 14

Most soaps are alkaline (9.5-11), and these alkaline substances remove our acid mantle.  Eczematous skin tends to have raised pH and cannot easily return to an acid pH after washing with soap, so cleaning substances that are almost neutral (pH 6-7) are best for the skin.   Here's a very interesting article on the pH of different soaps and their effects on the skin.

Alkaline hair products are one reason people have scalp and ratty hair issues, but see the Hair web pages in this site for more on that ...

More information about pH and using water externally is found in The External Water Web Page.

See: Science Daily: "The Skin's Acid Coating: Researchers Explain Its Origin And How It Maintains Skin Integrity."