What To Use Lactic Acid For

In skincare products, lactic acid, a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is used to combat wrinkles, acne, and aging. Moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and masks frequently contain it. Because it is a gentle exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells without irritating your skin, lactic acid is one of the safest AHAs available. It can also help lessen the redness and swelling surrounding acne lesions because it has anti-inflammatory qualities.

By removing dead skin cells from the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of your skin, lactic acid is also a powerful keratolytic agent that doesn’t harm the healthy skin tissue beneath. It increases the formation of collagen and helps remove oil and debris, allowing you to gradually eliminate wrinkles and fine lines!

The specific uses of lactic acid include the treatment of age spots, hyperpigmentation, and other conditions that lead to an uneven and lifeless complexion. Additional advantages of AHAs, such as lactic acid, include better skin tone and less noticeable pores. However, lactic acid is a little milder than AHAs like glycolic acid. Continue reading to learn more about lactic acid cream and lactic acid for sensitive skin.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) cosmetic products contain the component lactic acid. In medical offices, it is also accessible in higher amounts. As a chemical exfoliator and antioxidant, lactic acid also aids in skin hydration.

Lactic acid is typically found in moderate products for home use, with concentrations of 10% or less. Products with over 10–15% must be applied professionally.

This page explains the definition of lactic acid, its effects on the skin, and its use. The possible dangers and adverse effects are also examined.

What is lactic acid?

Lactic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used in cosmetic products, including OTC chemical exfoliants and professional chemical peels. It is produced through fermentation using cornstarch or beet sugar, making some products suitable for vegans. Lactic acid is naturally found in dairy products, giving yogurt and soured milk a tangy taste. Dairy products have been used for centuries to soften and beautify the skin. Today, most lactic acid used in skin care products and peels is synthetic. Other types of AHAs include glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid.

Chemical peels containing AHAs, such as lactic acid, remove the top layer of dead skin cells. The FDA states that some potential benefits of using lactic acid on the skin include improving skin texture and tone, improving skin appearance or firmness, reducing dark spots, smoothing fine lines and surface wrinkles, and unblocking and cleansing pores.

How to use skin care products containing lactic acid safely depends on the specific product and its place in a person’s skincare regime. The FDA requires an ingredient declaration on all cosmetic products sold to end users. Milder peels that a person can use at home will contain lactic acid concentrations of 10% or less. People should check that lactic acid is one of the first ingredients on the list.

Professional lactic acid peels may be considered for a stronger formulation or more visible and immediate results. There are three levels of dermatologist-provided chemical peels: refreshing or lunchtime peels, medium peels, and deep peels. Medium chemical peels usually consist of 35-50% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and 70% glycolic acid. Jessner’s solution, which contains resorcinol, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and ethanol lactic acid, is used for pretreating the skin.

Side effects of products containing lactic acid are safe to use if the product has a concentration of 10% or less, has a pH of 3.5 or more, and is either formulated to protect the skin from sun sensitivity or instructs users to use daily sun protection. It is particularly important to wear sunscreen when using lactic acid on the skin, as the acids can cause the skin to be more susceptible to sun damage.

After using lactic acid peels, people may experience inflammation, mild swelling, mild discomfort, and flaking skin. After a medium or deep peel, people can expect skin inflammation, swelling, blisters, and crusting. A dermatologist will provide details on caring for the skin following these procedures.

Lactic Acid Cream

How to Use Lactic Acid Safely

Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic treatment for acne scarring, and their effectiveness is evident in the before and after pictures. However, it is important to follow the doctor’s guidelines carefully and avoid using lactic acid too frequently, as it can over-exfoliate the skin and mess with its natural barrier. Instead, consider using lactic acid every other night unless advised otherwise.

Retinoids and aggressive scrubs should be avoided at all costs, as they can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can take a long time to fade out. Sun damage is also a risk when using chemical peels, so it is essential to wear an SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply it every two hours when exposed to direct sunlight. Failure to protect extra-vulnerable skin from UVA and UVB damage may increase the chances of getting skin cancer.

After receiving a chemical peel, it is crucial to have a good aftercare plan to help the skin peel more evenly and heal quickly. Your treatment provider will discuss how to take good care of your skin post-peel, and highly qualified and experienced doctors at Evolution MedSpa Boston can provide valuable information about chemical peels.

To take care of your healing skin after a chemical peel, use cool water to cleanse your face, apply a good moisturizer, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, use an SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your more delicate skin from the aging effects of the sun, avoid strenuous workouts or visit saunas and steam rooms, and avoid exfoliating for a few days after the peel.

Choosing the best moisturizer for your skin post-peel depends on the strength and depth of the peel. Medium or thick moisturizers, such as zinc oxide creams, can provide gentle moisturization and speed up healing.

It is possible to use makeup after a chemical peel, but it depends on the strength of the peel and the duration of recovery. Skin typically takes 1-7 days to heal after a light peel, 7-14 days after a medium peel, and 2-3 weeks after a deep peel.

Chemical peels are effective for acne scarring, and the dramatic difference in results can be seen through before and after pictures. When choosing a treatment provider, ask to see before and after pictures of patients they have previously treated.

While there are weaker, superficial DIY chemical peels that can be performed at home, stronger peels should always be performed by a qualified dermatologist to ensure the most effective results and safest possible care. Your chosen dermatologist should assess your skin type and condition before deciding on your treatment.

DIY chemical peels are available for oily and breakout-prone skin, but if you have deep acne scarring or lots of scars, it is likely worth booking an appointment with a dermatologist for a deeper peel. The cost of a chemical peel treatment depends on the severity and extent of your scarring, and you can often combine your peel with other treatments, such as dermaplaning, at MedSpas.

Conclusion

Lactic acid is a type of AHA present in many exfoliating skin care products. It removes the top layer of the dead skin cells and can help improve skin texture, reduce dark spots, smooth fine lines, and cleanse pores.

A person can find OTC products containing lactic acid or visit a dermatologist to undergo facial chemical peels containing stronger concentrations.

Side effects can include skin irritation and increased sensitivity to the sun. Before using the product, people should perform a patch test and apply daily sun protection when using goods containing lactic acid.