How To Use Lactic Acid For Acne
Finding a treatment for acne that’s right for you can be difficult, but you’ve found a good one and the proof is these before and after photos. The lactic acid acne treatment has made your skin look smooth, supple and radiant once again.
Acne occurs when these glands become clogged with dead skin cells and grease (sebum), forming a blockage that prevents the natural release of oils. This results in the formation of painful lumps beneath the skin’s surface, commonly known as “pimples.” Read on to learn more about the best lactic acid for skin/the ordinary lactic acid purging.
Because of the way it gently but effectively exfoliates, lactic acid can be used to minimize pigmentation and congested skin, and it helps boost hydration.
And unlike the more intense glycolic acid and salicylic acid, lactic acid is well-known for being kinder to sensitive skin.
Here, a complete breakdown on what lactic acid does, the benefits and the best products you can buy in Australia.
What Is Lactic Acid?
According to the Skincare Clinic, “Lactic acid belongs to a family of acids called alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Produced naturally within our bodies and also derived from milk products, lactic acid is synthetically produced for skincare purposes.”
Due to it being derived from milk products, you might be thinking it’s related to lactose (which is a type of glucose found in milk). Or maybe you’ve been to the gym and heard your instructor mention lactic acid—it’s naturally produced by the body when you work out.
You’ll be pleased to know the lactic acid that goes into your skincare is not extracted from the thighs of fitness instructors and its relativity to milk won’t affect you if you’re lactose intolerant.
How to Use Lactic Acid Safely
Lactic acid is a milder AHA exfoliator; however, it should not be used too often. You run the danger of damaging your skin’s natural barrier by over-exfoliating it. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, think about applying this potent skin-resurfacing substance every other night.
Use caution while using vigorous scrubbing and retinoids. You may experience mild irritation if you use these treatments all at once. In extreme situations, you run the risk of causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which occurs when the skin naturally creates more melanin in reaction to stress. It may take a while for this kind of hyperpigmentation to go away.
Your skin is more vulnerable to UV damage if you use any kind of chemical peel. Regardless of whether you’re outside or not, always wear an SPF 30+. If exposed to direct sunlight, reapply it every two hours. You run a higher risk of developing skin cancer if you don’t protect your particularly delicate skin from UVA and UVB ray damage.
Pay close attention to the product’s instructions. Before using lactic acid or any other AHA exfoliant, you could consider the following precautions:
- Ensuring that the concentration of lactic acid is less than 10%.
- Searching for goods with a pH higher than 3.5.
- Searching for goods that alert consumers to the possible consequences of exposure to sunlight following the use of lactic acid.
Risks of Using Lactic Acid for Skin Care
Adverse responses might occur from any chemical peel. When experimenting with lactic acid for the first time, be aware of:
- Redness
- Swelling
- A burning feeling
- Excruciating itching
- Observable peeling
See your doctor right away if you experience any of these skin reactions. Additionally, stop using exfoliants completely. You don’t want to put your already wounded skin under any more stress.
Is Lactic Acid Safe For Skin?
Many chemical peels contain lactic acid but if you’re worried about them searing your skin, fear not, says Natalie Abouchar, founder of Privee Clinic in Bondi Junction.
“Modern peels are a lunchtime treatment due to the fact they only work on the surface of the skin.” So in terms of safety, they’re fairly safe but some caution is advised.
Skinceuticals who’ve been producing salon-strength cosmeceuticals since 1997, say, “Immediately after a chemical peel, skin becomes more photosensitive. It is absolutely necessary that a broad-spectrum sunscreen be applied daily post-treatment and that sun exposure be avoided or kept to a minimum.”
Is Lactic Acid Good For Acne-Prone Skin?
According to Abouchar, chemical peels containing lactic acid are beneficial for aiding in the control of pimples and acne, decreasing the appearance of pores and smoothing out rough skin.
People have even reported improved skin texture with acne scarring after using The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%.
Can You Use Lactic Acid Products If You’re Lactose Intolerant?
Yes, you can. Lactose intolerance occurs when your digestive system doesn’t produce the lactase enzyme. Lactic acid isn’t digested the same way and therefore won’t incur the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
So, the good news is, you can use lactic acid to help boost your skin’s brightness and get your skin bling on just in time for Christmas.
Best Lactic Acid For Skin
Lactic acid is a great ingredient for the skin. It’s considered to be one of the gentlest acids and is found naturally in our bodies.
Hydration – Skin that has been exfoliated will absorb moisture more easily, which will hydrate your skin better.
Aging – Lactic acid helps to slow down the aging process by reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
How does lactic acid work?
This helps cleanse clogged pores and remove excess oil that can lead to acne breakouts. It also evens out skin tone by reducing dark spots caused by sun damage or hyperpigmentation.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid Purging is a gentle but effective way to remove impurities from the skin and create an even tone for a brighter complexion. It uses lactic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion.
Conclusion
Lactic acid has several well-known benefits, just like its more aggressive siblings. It promotes cell turnover and aids in the removal of accumulated dead skin cells from the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer.
The skin becomes thicker and firmer when 12% lactic acid is used. Consequently, there are fewer deep creases and fine lines, and the appearance is generally smoother. These results demonstrate that lactic acid can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin at such high concentrations. The middle layer of the skin remains unaffected by lower concentrations of around 5%. On a more surface level, however, they have comparable impacts.
