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 one of the most common types of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used in cosmetic products. AHAs are present in OTC chemical exfoliants and professional chemical peels.

The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) notes that most lactic acid is produced by a fermentation process using cornstarch or beet sugar, meaning that some products containing lactic acid may be suitable for vegans.

Fermenting milk products can also produce lactic acid.

Other types of AHAs include:

• glycolic acid, which comes from sugar cane
• citric acid, which derives from citrus fruits
• malic acid, which comes from apples
• tartaric acid, which derives from grapes

Benefits of using lactic acid on the skin 

According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), some of the 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
• unblocking and cleansing pores

How can a lactic acid peel benefit your skin?

A chemical peel works by using a chemical — in this case, lactic acid — on bare skin. It removes the top layer of skin (epidermis). Some stronger formulas may also target the middle layers of skin (dermis).

Despite the name, your skin doesn’t noticeably “peel” off. What is noticeable, though, are the effects underneath the removed epidermis: smoother and brighter skin.

Lactic acid is specifically used to treat hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other factors that contribute to a dull and uneven complexion. Other benefits of AHAs like lactic acid include improved skin tone and reduced pore appearance.

However, unlike AHAs such as glycolic acid, lactic acid is a bit milder. This makes a lactic acid peel a better choice for sensitive skin. Lactic acid may also be an option if you’ve tried another AHA in the past and found the product too strong.

Lactic Acid For Sensitive Skin

Lactic acid is helpful for smoothing and softening rough or scaly skin. Products containing this exfoliating ingredient can be suitable for dry and sensitive skin because it is one of the gentlest alpha-hydroxy acids, and it offers hydrating benefits as well.

Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk. It’s a popular ingredient in numerous skin care products nowadays. But its use is nothing new. It dates back to ancient Egypt. It’s common knowledge that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to keep her skin looking more youthful. ‌

‌Like glycolic and mandelic acids, lactic acid belongs to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. AHAs are water-soluble organic compounds that, in cosmetic formulations, offer unparalleled benefits for the skin. Lactic acid presents an additional advantage that other AHAs don’t have. Besides its ability to significantly improve the skin’s appearance, it helps keep it naturally hydrated.

How to Use Lactic Acid Safely

Even though it’s a milder AHA exfoliant, you shouldn’t use lactic acid too frequently. You risk over-exfoliating your skin and messing with its natural barrier. Consider using this effective skin resurfacing ingredient every other night unless your doctor says otherwise.

‌Be careful if you’re using retinoids and aggressive scrubs. Avoid doing these treatments all at once, or you might see some irritation. In severe cases, you might cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which happens when the skin produces extra melanin as a natural response to stress. This type of hyperpigmentation can take a long time to fade out.

‌Using any chemical peel puts your skin at a greater risk of sun damage. Always wear an SPF 30+ whether you’re outdoors or not. Reapply it every two hours when you’re exposed to direct sunlight. Failing to protect your extra-vulnerable skin from UVA and UVB damage might increase your chances of getting skin cancer.

After receiving an intensive treatment, it is important to take good care of your skin. This is why it is essential to have a good aftercare plan following your chemical peel.

Your treatment provider will discuss how to take good care of your skin post-peel. This will help your skin to peel more evenly and to heal quickly. Our highly qualified and experienced doctors at Evolution MedSpa Boston can provide a wealth of information about chemical peels. Here they share some of their knowledge with you.

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.