What pH level defines an acid?

The correct understanding of pH levels and their relationship to acidity is essential in esthetics, as it influences product formulation and skin treatment. A substance is defined as acidic if its pH is below 7.0. This is based on the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, where lower numbers indicate higher acidity, a mid-neutral point at 7.0 (pure water), and higher numbers indicate basicity or alkalinity.

In practical terms, products or solutions with a pH below 7.0 are considered acids, which can be utilized in various skin treatments to exfoliate or adjust the skin’s natural pH. Recognizing this is vital for esthetic practitioners when selecting products to treat various skin conditions while ensuring the safety and efficacy of their treatments.