You know that feeling when your CGM patch just won’t stay put – or worse, your skin flares up after wearing it?
Sometimes it’s the weather. Sometimes it’s sweat. But here’s one thing people don’t talk about enough: your skin’s pH.
That’s right – the acidity or alkalinity of your skin could be making a big difference to how well your patch sticks, how long it lasts, and whether it feels good on your skin.
Let’s unpack what that really means, and why it could be the missing link if your patches haven’t been playing nice.
First up – what even is skin pH?
Your skin has a natural pH level, which usually sits somewhere between 4.7 and 5.5. That’s slightly acidic – and that acidity helps protect your skin barrier, fight off bacteria, and keep moisture in.
If your skin shifts too far from that range (say it gets too alkaline), that protective layer breaks down. And when your skin barrier’s off balance? Adhesives don’t stick as well. They can also irritate your skin more easily.
How it affects your CGM patches
Your skin’s outer layer – called the stratum corneum – is what your CGM adhesive sticks to. But if that layer is compromised by a pH imbalance, two things usually happen:
- Poor adhesion – patches don’t stay on as long, or lift at the edges sooner
- More irritation – your skin gets red, itchy, or inflamed after removal
Think of it like this: a healthy skin pH creates the ideal landing pad for your patch. If the pH is too far off, your patch is basically trying to stick to a surface that’s either too dry, too irritated, or too broken down to hold it.
Signs your skin pH might be out of balance
It’s not always obvious, but there are a few red flags to watch for:
- Your patch lifts after only a few days – even if it used to last longer
- You notice skin redness, itchiness, or dry spots where your patch was
- Switching patches or rotating sites doesn’t solve the issue
- Moisture or sweat seems to ‘undo’ your patch faster than usual
If that sounds familiar, your skin might be telling you it’s struggling to stay in balance.
What messes with skin pH?
Plenty of everyday things can shift your pH without you even realising:
|
What changes skin pH |
How it affects you |
|
Harsh soaps or sanitising wipes |
Raise pH, strip skin barrier |
|
Excess sweating |
Builds up over time, changes surface pH |
|
Frequent washing or over-cleansing |
Wears down your acid mantle (your skin’s natural protection) |
|
Cold, dry air |
Dehydrates skin and can trigger pH imbalance |
|
Existing skin conditions |
Eczema, acne, or allergies often come with higher pH |
The trick is catching it before it causes a chain reaction – irritated skin makes patches harder to wear, and struggling patches irritate your skin more. It’s a cycle.
How to support your skin’s pH before applying a patch
If you’re struggling with patch performance or irritation, try adjusting your prep routine:
- Switch to a pH-balanced cleanser (aim for one around pH 5.5)
- Rinse off sweat and let your skin fully dry before applying your patch
- Avoid strong alcohol wipes unless advised by your care team
- Give your skin a rest between patch placements – rotating isn’t just about insulin absorption, it also lets your skin recover
- Don’t exfoliate or use scrubs near patch sites – it weakens your skin’s defence
Still getting flare-ups? You might be reacting to the adhesive too. We’ve got a whole blog on that here: How to Tell If Your CGM Patch is Causing a Reaction
Products that work with your skin – not against it
At Type Strong, we’ve worked hard to create patches that stick when they should, and come off without taking half your skin with them. All our patches are:
- Latex-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Designed to last 10+ days, even with moisture and movement
If you’re wearing a Dexcom G6, try these G6 adhesive patches.
Using Freestyle Libre? Our Libre patches come in skin-friendly options for longer wear.
For Medtronic or infusion sets, this patch pack gives reliable coverage without extra bulk.
Universal tips for better patch days
Whatever patch or prep you use, these tips work for just about everyone:
- Always clean and dry your skin before patching
- Skip moisturiser on the area beforehand – it messes with adhesion
- If sweat is a concern, apply before bed when your skin is cooler
- Rotate patch sites every time – even if you have a favourite spot
Want more in-depth tips? Check out our blog on patch irritation and what to do – it’s packed with real-world advice from the Type 1 community.
The bottom line
Look, your skin is more than just a canvas for your patch – it’s an active part of the whole system. Keeping your skin pH balanced doesn’t need to be complicated, but it can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and staying power.
If you’re after patches that actually stick and don’t wreck your skin in the process, our shop is packed with options that won’t let you down.
Head to the Type Strong patch collection to find your match.