Lactic acid is known for it's exfoliating and hydration properties. Part of the AHA family, lactic acid helps to assist the skin's natural exfoliation process, increasing skin cell renewal helping with fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Gentle on the skin, lactic acid is found in a lot of skincare products and is suitable for most skin types. This skin blog discusses lactic acid, it's benefits and how to incorporate this active ingredient into your skincare routine.
Lets get started.
WHAT IS LACTIC ACID
The benefits of lactic acid have been used for centuries. The Egyptians, and in particular Queen Cleopatra, were famously known to bathe in milk to improve the look and texture of the skin. Lactic acid is a naturally occurring AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) found in sour milk due to the fermentation of sugar and starch, though can be synthetically produced.
See Related: WTF are AHA's and BHA's
Lactic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products and professional treatments due to its exfoliating benefits. Like all AHA's, lactic acid helps to dissolve the bonds between the dead skin cells assisting the skin's natural exfoliating process.
With increased exfoliation, lactic acid helps to increase skin cell renewal revealing a healthier and brighter complexion. Increased skin cell renewal also assists the skin by removing pigmentation, evening skin tone and stimulating collagen and elastin production helping to heal the skin faster and reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
Lactic acid is known to add hydration to the skin and is suitable for most skin types. Due to it's large molecular size, lactic acid cannot penetrate the skin deeply therefore is considered a milder AHA that can be tolerated by a wider range of skin types.
BENEFITS OF LACTIC ACID
Exfoliates the skin helping to reduce unwanted congestion and breakouts
Increases skin cell renewal helping to remove pigmentation and evening out skin tone
Increased skin cell renewal results in collagen and elastin production healing the skin faster and reducing fine lines and wrinkles
Adds hydration to the skin
WHICH SKIN TYPE IS LACTIC ACID BEST SUITED TO
Lactic acid is best suited to normal, combination and dry skin types due to its moisturising properties. As lactic acid has a larger molecular size it can be used on some sensitive skin types as it cannot penetrate the skin deep enough triggering a reaction. It is recommended to use a small concentration and slowly introduce lactic acid into your skincare routine if you have a sensitive skin type.
HOW TO INCORPORATE LACTIC ACID INTO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Cleansers
Lactic acid cleansers are not only hydrating for the skin but introduce a small concentration of lactic acid to the skin on a regular basis to mildly assist the skin's natural exfoliating process. Lactic acid cleansers are used as you would your regular cleansers. Be careful to avoid using lactic acid around the eye area though as it can sensitise the delicate skin around the eyelids. Depending on your skin type, lactic acid cleansers can be used everyday or as a treatment cleanser a few times a week. The concentration of lactic acid in most cleansers is generally low and the lactic acid doesn't stay on the skin for any length of time before its washed off making it a suitable cleanser for most skin types.
Serums + Lotions
Lactic acid serums and lotions are an option for leave on treatments to enhance the exfoliating and hydrating benefits of lactic acid. Used after cleansing, active serums and lotions are used to penetrate the skin to create change at a cellular level. Due to lactic acid's exfoliating benefits, it is recommended to use these options at night to minimise sun damage, and a sunscreen is recommended everyday regardless of the weather. With any product, if your skin begins to show signs of irritation or sensitivity, reduce frequency of use to a couple of times per week. If irritation or sensitivity continues, reduce use altogether.
At Home Exfoliants
At home exfoliants come in forms such as peels and masks and are designed to deliver a higher concentration of lactic acid to the skin for a stronger exfoliation. Due to the high concentration of lactic acid compared to daily use products, it is recommended to only use these products 1-3 times per week depending on the product, your skin type and/or skin concern.
See Related: Exfoliating Do's and Don'ts
Professional Chemical Peels
Professional lactic acid peels can be done in clinic on a regular basis for an even stronger exfoliation enhancing skin cell turn over. These chemical peels should only be applied to the skin by a qualified skin therapist. Lactic acid chemical peels generally range in concentration from 10% up to 80%. Your qualified skin therapist will decide which strength of peel is appropriate for your skin and may increase the strength over time depending on your skin's needs. Usually, a series of chemical peels is recommended to achieve your desired skin goals.
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