Lactic acid has been known since chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele and pharmacist Boehringer Ingelheim isolated the compound in the 19th century. One is made from kefir and the other is a byproduct of bacteria fermenting sugar and milk starch. Compared to its stronger cousins, lactic acid can be gentler on the skin in a number of ways, such as:
Fights signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production to leave skin feeling firmer, plumper and younger.
Helps lock in moisture. Due to lactic acid's moisturizing properties, it draws moisture into the skin and locks it in place, keeping the surface barrier healthy and strengthened.
Exfoliates the skin's surface to remove dead skin cells, dirt, debris and other impurities.
Fights impurities that increase the frequency of acne and breakouts while clearing pores of excess sebum and bacteria.
Due to the larger size of the molecules, it remains gentle on the skin and prevents it from penetrating deeply into the underlying layers.
Suitable for all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity and redness.
You can find out more about lactic acid in The Beauty Insider blog post. So check it out and immerse yourself in it while you can.
What should lactic acid not be mixed with?
Lactic acid can be used with several other powerful substances that are effective while avoiding unnecessary side effects. For best results, it's best to use them together.
To get the benefits of all skin care ingredients, there are many ways to use both ingredients effectively, such as:
Option 1: Vary the time of day you use each ingredient. If you decide to use ingredients like glycolic acid and lactic acid, try using the latter in the morning and saving the former for the evening. This allows enough time between applications for the skin's pH to rebalance and stabilize.
Option 2 – Once your skin develops a tolerance, you can allow about 10 to 15 minutes between applications. This ensures that the product formula is fully absorbed into the skin and prepares it for the next step in your daily care routine.
These methods are considered the most effective and simplest ways to combine lactic acid with other ingredients such as glycolic acid, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. However, if these ingredients are new to you and your skin, I recommend doing a patch test on the inside of your forearm. If there are no signs of irritation, it's a clear indication that you can apply the product to your face.
Can I use lactic acid after an AHA-BHA peel?
No, it is not recommended to use lactic acid after an AHA or BHA peel. This is mainly because chemical peels are a professional treatment that are available at significantly higher rates than over-the-counter formulas. It is important to give your skin time to rest after treatment. Avoid lactic acid or other exfoliants and strong ingredients like vitamin C or retinol. Instead, opt for hyaluronic acid, which soothes the skin and keeps it hydrated.
Is it okay to drink lactic acid every day?
Yes, it's OK to use lactic acid every day, but be prepared for skin irritation if you overuse it. Although it is considered one of the gentlest chemical peels, it is still an exfoliant that works on the surface of the skin and increases the rate of skin cell turnover. If you overuse ingredients that over-increase skin cell turnover, your skin can become irritated, red, itchy, and uncomfortable.
To get the most out of the lactic acid, I recommend using it once a day, in conjunction with an exfoliating toner or facial cleanser, as they contain a lower proportion of active ingredients. Once your skin develops a tolerance, you can switch to a serum or other product that maintains higher levels on your skin.
Can lactic acid cause acne?
Yes, lactic acid can cause breakouts, especially if you're new to this or other exfoliating ingredients. That’s because exfoliating ingredients promote detoxification, which means getting rid of blemishes and breakouts.
Purification is not a long-term problem and usually goes away on its own within a few days or two. If you've been suffering from acne and blackheads for longer than expected, talk to your doctor or dermatologist as you may need to look for another skin ingredient. will is more suitable for your needs.
If you’d like to learn more about chemical peels and the breakouts they cause, you can check out our dedicated blog post on lactic acid and skin clearing.
How to add lactic acid to your skin care routine?
Lactic acid is found in a range of skin care formulas, from toners to serums. How you incorporate lactic acid into your daily routine depends on the product's formulation. It's important to remember that the most effective way to use skin care products is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest. This allows active ingredients to be absorbed into the skin without having to compete with a physical barrier consisting of a thick layer of serum or moisturizer.
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