Acid mantle

The acid mantle is a very fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of human skin acting as a barrier to bacteria, viruses and other potential contaminants that might penetrate the skin.[1] Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous gland and when mixed with sweat becomes the acid mantle. The pH of the skin is between 4.5 and 6.2, slightly acidic.[2][3] Since blood is slightly alkaline (7.4), pathogenic bacteria that become adapted to the pH of the skin and are able to reach internal tissues will encounter an environment to which they are less well adapted. This combination of acidic exterior and alkaline interior is one of the body's non-specific host defenses against bacterial pathogens.

References

Monika-Hildegard Schmid-Wendtner; Korting Schmid-Wendtner (2007). Ph and Skin Care. ABW Wissenschaftsverlag. pp. 31–. ISBN 978-3-936072-64-8. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
Zlotogorski A (1987). "Distribution of skin surface pH on the forehead and cheek of adults". Arch. Dermatol. Res. 279 (6): 398–401. doi:10.1007/bf00412626. PMID 3674963.
Schmid MH, Korting HC (1995). "The concept of the acid mantle of the skin: its relevance for the choice of skin cleansers" (PDF). Dermatology. 191 (4): 276–80. doi:10.1159/000246568. PMID 8573921. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-03-01. Retrieved 2012-06-20.

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[Schmid-WendtnerSchmid-Wendtner2007-1] Monika-Hildegard Schmid-Wendtner; Korting Schmid-Wendtner (2007). Ph and Skin Care. ABW Wissenschaftsverlag. pp. 31–. ISBN 978-3-936072-64-8. Retrieved 19 June 2012.

[2] Zlotogorski A (1987). "Distribution of skin surface pH on the forehead and cheek of adults". Arch. Dermatol. Res. 279 (6): 398–401. doi:10.1007/bf00412626. PMID 3674963.

[3] Schmid MH, Korting HC (1995). "The concept of the acid mantle of the skin: its relevance for the choice of skin cleansers" (PDF). Dermatology. 191 (4): 276–80. doi:10.1159/000246568. PMID 8573921. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-03-01. Retrieved 2012-06-20.