How To Use Lactic Acid For Face

Whether it’s a silky serum or luxurious cream, there are endless anti-aging products vying for your attention. From retinol to vitamin C to peptides, the ingredients make all the difference and there are plenty to choose from. But recently, you may have noticed another one fighting for shelf space: lactic acid.

But while it’s popping up in more products, lactic acid is not exactly new and has a unique history. “The ingredient was first isolated from sour milk, and it is thought that Cleopatra took advantage of its beneficial properties on the skin by bathing in milk,” says S. Tyler Hollmig, M.D., director of dermatologic surgery at UT Dell Medical School and Ascension Seton in Austin.

Read on to learn more about How To Use Lactic Acid For Face, what can i mix with lactic acid the ordinary
benefits of lactic acid for skin

More from prevention

Current lactic acid sources, including vegan ones, are synthetic and easy to create. Lactic acid, with its slightly larger molecular size, is gentler than glycollic acid and may be better for those with easily irritated skin, according to Dr. Hollmig. Intrigued?

1. Excellent exfoliator. Dr. Hollmig says lactic acid gently exfoliates the outer layer of skin. Removing dead skin cells reveals a brighter, smoother complexion, according to study.
2. It may reduce acne. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and excess oil, preventing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
3. Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles. Older skin needs exfoliating more often. Healthy outer-layer skin cells shed every two to three weeks. Ageing, dehydration, and other environmental stressors can impede this, resulting in rough, scaly, and dull skin, explains Dr. Hollmig. Lactic acid increases plumpness and brightness. According to Dr. Hollmig, a 5% lactic acid mixture used twice a day increased skin thickness and firmness, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The study suggests that a higher concentration of 12% yields better noticeable effects, but cautions that more potent solutions may cause discomfort, especially for sensitive skin.
4. It treats bumps. Lactic acid is commonly used in body lotions, in addition to facial products. Most commonly, it treats keratosis pilaris, or “chicken bumps” on the backs of the arms or legs. Although innocuous, the skin condition can be annoying. Dr. Hollmig believes lactic acid lotion can treat these blemishes, but you must apply it regularly. Unlike other AHAs, lactic acid is milder and more moisturising. According to Dr. Hollmig, it may be suitable even for those with sensitive skin. However, if the component leaves you red and itchy, choose a product with less lactic acid or skip it. Note: Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, regardless of whether you applied lactic acid the morning or night before, as all AHAs might increase sun sensitivity. Lactic acid is safe for pregnant women, adds Dr. Hollmig. Your dermatologist and OB/GYN may advise avoiding popular anti-aging compounds like retinoids, but lactic acid can be a suitable alternative. Mix Lactic Acid With What? The Normal Follow product instructions, but start gently with acids to build tolerance. If in doubt, use a lower-concentration solution (about 5%) a couple of times each week, moving up to every other day depending on skin response. Before using lactic acid products, conduct a patch test on the inner elbow or below the chin to check for any reactions. Stop using or visit your dermatologist if irritation is severe. Discover your hero product: Many skincare products contain lactic acid, including: Cleansers: Lactic acid face washes are ideal for acne-prone skin, as they provide advantages without causing irritation. Avoid eye regions. Use creams or lotions to incorporate lactic acid into your routine. These products contain moisturising elements including ceramides and hyaluronic acid, reducing the risk of dryness. Typically, serums provide a stronger dose of active substances to the skin. These should be used at night after cleansing and before moisturising. Masks are meant for fast exfoliation and may contain higher concentrations of lactic acid and other powerful substances. In general, experts recommend applying this mask weekly or as needed. Recipe for dark knuckles cream Therefore, you must take care of your hands to repair this damage and keep them healthy. Klinkel hyperpigmentation, or darker knuckles, is a common hand ailment that can occur at any age. Melanin production in knuckle skin increases. Dark knuckles can be lightened with these treatments and self-care tips. Benefits of Lactic Acid for Skin Benefits include: Changes in hormones or hormone disorders like PCOS Poor hygiene Cosmetic/fragrance-based chemical use Work or sports that rub knuckles, like boxing Eczema Psoriasis Black Acanthosis Diabetes Dermatomyositis Addison’s and other autoimmune diseases Vitamin B12 deficiency (1)(2) Drug reaction Malignancy Genetics

Treatment for Knuckle Hyperpigmentation

When to See a Doctor

Dark knuckles are rarely a cause for concern, but they can sometimes stem from health issues that need medical evaluation and treatment.

So, it’s best to get yourself checked by a doctor if the hyperpigmentation occurs all of a sudden or continues to darken even after the necessary skin care and preliminary treatment.

Plus, you must seek medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms, which can point to a more grievous cause: 

• Fatigue
• Itching
• Dizziness
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Oozing

Most-Asked Questions About Dark Knuckles

Can I whiten my black knuckles?

No. OTC bleaching creams like 1% hydroquinone or bleaching powder can burn or harm skin. Use hydroquinone only if your doctor prescribes it because certain nations ban it.

Can lemon juice help knuckle hyperpigmentation?

Vitamin C, which suppresses melanin synthesis, is abundant in lemon or lime juice. (30)

Lemon juice is acidic, so it might burn and upset your skin’s pH balance. Lemon juice can also make your skin more prone to solar damage, worsening hyperpigmentation.

Because of this, skin experts advise against applying this cure on dark knuckles.

Will orange peels brighten my dark knuckles?

No. Research indicates that Chinese orange peels are effective tyrosinase inhibitors, but only their alcoholic extracts are shown to have this function (31). Orange peels may not reduce knuckle hyperpigmentation when applied directly.

Dark knuckles harm

Dark knuckles can be caused by many things. It could be a medication reaction, hereditary, or a vitamin deficiency.

Most people link black knuckles with the powerful acidic component in skin creams that breaks down melanin. Known as bleaching creams.

Drug responses

Other than bleaching treatments, these medicines can darken knuckles.

These drugs:

Acid nicotine

Oestrogen treatment

Growth hormone treatment

inhibitors of proteases

Drugs with these ingredients darken knuckles.

Vitamin B-12 deficiency

The water-soluble vitamin B-12 helps make red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can darken knuckles.

Vitamin B-12 deficiency symptoms:

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Fatigue

Headache

Eggs, milk, cheese, and meat provide this vitamin to the body. When these nutrients are scarce, the skin loses its radiance and the knuckles and other pigmented parts darken.

Skin lighteners

Hydroquinone and Lipohydroxy acid, produced from salicylic acid, are used in many skin lighteners. These acids bleach the skin by reducing melanocytes, which generate brown melanin. These synthetic substances are advised for treating melasma, acne scars, eczema, and dark spots.

When these acids are utilised for other purposes, the skin reacts, especially hyperpigmented areas. Bleaching products have trouble reaching hyperpigmented knuckles.

Dark knuckles can be removed using natural products and easy methods:

Soy

Soy beans or milk can lighten knuckles. Apply to the knuckles and rinse after a few minutes or leave in longer. Soy nutrients prevent skin discolouration.

Ellagic Acid

This comes from cherries, pomegranates, and strawberries. Regularly eating and creating scrubs with these fruits brightens knuckles. The acid inhibits a skin melanin enzyme.

Olive oil, sugar

A scrape of sugar and olive oil removes dead skin from the knuckles. To get that radiance, sugar eliminates dead skin cells on the knuckles and olive oil moisturises.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a silky serum or luxurious cream, there are endless anti-aging products vying for your attention. From retinol to vitamin C to peptides, the ingredients make all the difference and there are plenty to choose from. But recently, you may have noticed another one fighting for shelf space: lactic acid.

But while it’s popping up in more products, lactic acid is not exactly new and has a unique history. “The ingredient was first isolated from sour milk, and it is thought that Cleopatra took advantage of its beneficial properties on the skin by bathing in milk,” says S. Tyler Hollmig, M.D., director of dermatologic surgery at UT Dell Medical School and Ascension Seton in Austin.

Not all cases of darkened knuckles warrant medical intervention, especially when there is no underlying illness at play. Even simple factors such as negligent hand hygiene, excessive exposure to sunlight and harsh detergents, or too much friction against the knuckles can make the affected skin darker.

In such cases, taking better care of your hands should be enough to bring your darkened knuckles back to their true color. This includes proper handwashing, regular moisturizing to keep the skin soft and hydrated, wearing gloves when handling chemical irritants, and applying sunscreen to block out solar radiation.

If your condition fails to improve, becomes worse, or is accompanied by new worrisome symptoms despite all these self-care efforts, you must seek medical consultation to identify the root of the problem and get appropriate treatment accordingly.