What To Use Lactic Acid With

Lactic acid is a natural ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. It has many benefits and is often added to other ingredients to enhance those benefits. It can be used on the face, body, and hair, as well as in skincare products. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is derived from milk and other dairy products but also occurs naturally in grapes, watermelons and other fruits. Lactic acid is used in cosmetic products because it helps exfoliate the top layer of skin by dissolving dead skin cells. This process can reveal younger-looking skin underneath.

When applied to the face or body regularly, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Because lactic acid has a low pH level (3-4), which makes it chemically stable when exposed to air or sunlight, it is also used in skincare products designed for sensitive skin types because it won’t irritate sensitive areas like lips or eyes as much as other acids would.

Lactic acid is great for those looking to create a smooth and creamy texture. Lactic acid can be used in the brewing process, but it is rather expensive and the beer produced tends to be sour. This has led many brewers to experiment with adding lactic acid after the beer has been brewed (post-fermentation). Read on to learn more on can i use lactic acid with niacinamide/how to use lactic acid the ordinary.

What are the skincare benefits of lactic acid?

1. It’s a top-notch exfoliator.

Lactic acid works by gently exfoliating the outer layer of your skin, explains Dr. Hollmig. Sloughing off the dull, dead cells makes way for the brighter, smoother complexion underneath, research shows.

2. It may be helpful in reducing acne.

This exfoliation also helps keep pores clear by sloughing away dead skin cells plus excess oil, preventing pesky pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads from forming.

3. It can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Often, aging skin can especially use some help in the exfoliation department. “Normal, healthy skin cells in the outer layer of the skin shed every two to three weeks. This may slow down due to aging, dehydration, and other environmental stressors, which can appear as rough, scaly, and dull-appearing skin,” Dr. Hollmig says.

In addition to revving up your radiance, lactic acid can boost plumpness. Past research shows that a 5% lactic acid formula applied twice a day improved skin thickness and firmness, says Dr. Hollmig, which translates into smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. This older but often-cited study showed that a greater concentration of 12% resulted in even more visible benefits, but he cautions that more potent products may make you more prone to irritation (like redness, itching, or peeling), particularly for sensitive complexions.

4. It can treat bumpy skin.

Beyond the face, lactic acid is often incorporated into body lotions. Most notably, it’s used to treat keratosis pilaris, a.k.a. “chicken bumps” that appear on the backs of your arms or on the legs. The skin condition is harmless but is often bothersome. Lactic acid can take care of these little bumps, says Dr. Hollmig, but you have to apply the lotion regularly long-term for best results.

Are there any negative side effects of using lactic acid on your skin?

Lactic acid is known to be gentler and more hydrating compared to other AHAs. For that reason, it may be suitable even if you have sensitive skin, says Dr. Hollmig. That said, if you find that the ingredient makes you red and irritated, consider using a product with a lower percentage of lactic acid or skipping it entirely.

Important note: Since all AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, always apply sunscreen before you head outdoors, whether you applied lactic acid that morning or the night before.

If you’re pregnant, lactic acid is a safe option, says Dr. Hollmig. Your dermatologist and OB/GYN will likely suggest skipping popular anti-aging ingredients, like retinoids, so lactic acid can be a good substitute during this time.

How to add lactic acid to your skincare routine

✔️ Start slow: Always follow the product’s instructions, but it’s better to start slowly with acids and build up a tolerance. When in doubt, use a lower-concentration product (around 5%) a couple of times per week, working your way up to every other day depending on your skin’s response.

✔️ Test it out: Before you use a lactic acid product, do a patch test on the inner portion of your elbow or just below your chin to see if you have any type of reaction. If you experience any extreme irritation, discontinue use or consult your dermatologist for next steps.

✔️ Find your hero product:  Lactic acid can be found in a wide variety of skincare products, including the following:

• Cleansers: Great for acne-prone skin, a face wash containing lactic acid is a great way to reap the benefits of the ingredient without too much time on your skin, reducing the potential for irritation. Be sure to avoid the areas around your eyes.
• Creams or lotions: Creams and lotions are a great way to introduce lactic acid into your routine because they’re often formulated with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, mitigating potential dryness.
• Serums: Serums typically deliver a more potent shot of active ingredients to the skin. It’s best to use these at night after cleansing and before moisturizing.
• Masks: These products are designed to give a quick hit of exfoliation, meaning the concentration of lactic acid and other potent ingredients may be higher. In general, experts recommend using a mask like this once per week or as needed.

✔️ Avoid mixing: Unless a product is specifically formulated with multiple acids (like the ones mentioned above), avoid pairing your lactic acid product with another product that contains AHAs, BHAs, or retinol at the same time of application to avoid excessive dryness.

✔️ Don’t forget sunscreen: Again, always use SPF in the morning if you use a lactic acid product the night before. This can help protect the new, healthy skin from UV damage

What is Lactic Acid?

Lactic Acid is an ingredient that can help combat wrinkles, age spots and hyperpigmentation. Lactic Acid comes from milk and is in the family of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Your skin could experience peeling effects from Lactic Acid, but it is still technically considered a mild AHA. This ingredient can help the skin to look brighter and have a more even tone.

Lactic Acid can help with the overall tone and texture of your skin and reduce pore size. Using Lactic Acid is not typically recommended if you have very sensitive or damaged skin. You should also use caution if you experience rosacea or eczema. Although Lactic Acid can help with texture, it can be harsh on more sensitive skin.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B-3 that can help the skin in many ways. One of the main ways Niacinamide can help is by minimizing the appearance of blemishes.

Here are just a few other benefits of using Niacinamide in your skincare:

• Minimizing redness or discoloration
• Maintaining balanced oil production
• Supporting the skin during sun exposure
• Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Most products that include Niacinamide are serums, but this ingredient can be found in other products as well.

Although Niacinamide can be considered more gentle, it can be smart to try it out in small amounts at first, especially if you have more sensitive or blemish-prone skin.

Can I Use Lactic Acid With Niacinamide

Niacinamide and Lactic Acid can be used together, but it is wise to try very small amounts of each ingredient to begin with. Since Niacinamide and Lactic Acid can both be harsh on some skin types, the two together could be harmful, especially if you have sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema.

Lactic Acid and Niacinamide are some of the most potent, effective skincare ingredients on the market — but can they be used together? Read on as we explore how these ingredients work and whether or not you can use them together.

products at urban skin rx® to try

Products Containing Lactic Acid

Here are a few products that we offer that contain Lactic Acid! If you are looking for more products that contain Lactic Acid, simply search “Lactic Acid” in the search bar on our website!

• LacticGlow Micropolish Resurface Brighten Cleanser- This product contains a particular blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, such as Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, and Malic Acid, as well as Jojoba Beads, which gently cleanse and polish skin without causing irritation, revealing a brighter, fresher, and healthier-looking complexion.
  
  This hydrating and brightening solution is moderate enough to apply twice a day and helps the appearance of rough texture and blemishes. To clarify skin tone, exfoliate, and speed up your skin’s natural renewal process, use this cleanser daily.
  
• HydraBalance Brightening Moisture Infusion- This cream is light and moisturizing at the same time. With Hyaluronic Acid, a deep moisturizing ingredient, and a brightening peptide combination with Oligopeptide-68, this moisturizer is your daily (or more often) hydration boost for a youthful glow. Also decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves the appearance of aging skin!

So you’ve decided to get a chemical peel. Before considering a chemical peel, it’s best to have a consultation to ensure that you are a good candidate for this treatment. If you are lactating, pregnant or think you may be pregnant, chemical peels are contraindicated. For those of you who are on autoimmune therapies or products, we caution against the use of these medications for 2 days prior to treatment. It is important that you speak to your specialist regarding pausing the use of autoimmune therapies or products for 2 days. It is also extremely important to inform the doctor or the skincare professional of any medication or ingredient allergies you have.

Pre-Chemical Peel: 

• Discontinue use of tanning beds at least two weeks prior to a chemical peel. In fact, we advise that you stop using tanning beds altogether because they increase your risk of skin cancer and accelerate visible signs of aging.
•  Avoid extensive sun exposure, especially in the 10 days prior to your scheduled chemical peel.
• No facial waxing for 7 days prior to treatment.
• For those of you who are on an acne treatment regimen, you need to stop the use of Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo or Ziana five days prior to treatment.
• If you are using Retinol products, stop the use of Retin-A (retinol) products or applications for 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel. High-percentage alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) products should be stopped five days before treatment.
• Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30 or higher) and avoid the gym 24 hours prior to a chemical peel.
• Do not use aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (ex. Advil) for at least 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel.

Post Chemical Peel

Once you have undergone your chemical peel, expect to see some changes with your skin prior to getting your final results. Just as there are some instructions you should follow before your chemical peel, there are instructions you should follow after your chemical peel to ensure the best possible results

• On post-peel day 3, you may experience mild to moderate shedding depending on the depth of the chemical peel, the number of layers applied and the depth of the chemical peel. There can be dryness and tightness of the skin. Flaking and peeling three days post-peel is not uncommon, unless you had a superficial peel. Superficial peels have little to no downtime, so you may not experience shedding.
• You may develop small whiteheads, but please note that this IS NOT A BREAKOUT.
• If you have a lighter skin complexion, you may notice mild redness after a chemical peel.
• Do not peel or pick at the peeling skin. You must allow the skin to flake off naturally. Picking at the peeling skin can cause hyperpigmentation.
• To minimize the side effects of the peel, please use the post-procedure kit provided by the doctor or skincare professional for 3-5 days or until flaking has stopped.
• Do not apply ice or water to the areas that have been treated. Also, avoid applying makeup on the day of your treatment because the skin needs time to stabilize and rest.
• For the first 48 hours after your chemical peel, do not participate in activities that increase body heat and sweat, such as drinking alcohol, exercise/working out, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, hot shower spray, swimming or directing a hair dryer to the treatment area. Internal heating can cause hyperpigmentation.
• Golden Rule: Make sure that you are also avoiding direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Continue to use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher just as you were prior to your peel.
• Make sure to keep your skin well-hydrated with a protective moisturizer. Apply it twice daily or more often if needed to reduce the appearance of flaking.
• For five days after your chemical peel, do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories.
• Avoid using retinols and glycolic acids for 10 days post-peel.
• Do not use scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges or other means of mechanical exfoliation on your face for 7-10 days.
• Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post-procedure.
• If you are on an acne regimen, delay the use of tretinoin, Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo, or Ziana 5 days post-procedure. However, it is fine to resume using a vitamin C serum five days after your treatment.
• It is extremely important that you DO NOT have another chemical peel until your clinician advises you to.
• If you notice increased redness, increased hyperpigmentation or crusting of the skin, contact your doctor or skincare professional.
  Now that you have some information on pre- and post-chemical peel care, you are now ready for peel season.

Chemical peels for acne

While it would be comforting to see my fair complexion in the mirror, certain insecurities, such as acne scars, contradict this notion. That being said, I know there’s nothing wrong with acne scars; in fact, women have been embracing these so-called “flaws” rather than feeling ashamed by them.

Still, for those of you who are interested, or maybe just a little bit curious, I’ve researched and checked in with top skincare professionals on all there is to know about how to treat acne scars. While there are preventative measures we can take to keep acne scars from forming—like washing our faces daily, controlling oil buildup in our pores, and not picking at blemishes once they appear—the most effective tool for diminishing and even vanishing acne scars from the skin’s surface may be a chemical peel.

It’s gentle on the skin but tough on scars.  Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about using chemical peels to treat acne scars.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment in which acids with exfoliating properties are applied to the skin—typically the face. The chemical solution removes dead skin, oil, and debris to reveal newer, smoother, and clearer skin.¹

According to NYC plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, MD, chemical peels are a strong form of chemical exfoliation in which “an acid solution” does away with dead skin and pore-clogging impurities on contact.  Doft says that they “cause a controlled injury to surface skin cells.” It sounds a lot scarier than it is, but remember these injuries are on a cellular level (kind of like microneedling). “The strength of the peeling solution will determine the level of injury to your skin,” Doft says. “After the skin is injured, it will peel off and new cells will replace the old ones.  Stronger peels will cause a deeper injury and thus require more downtime to heal.” Since brand new cells replace the old, expect the skin to look more even, glowy, and fresh.

Benefits of a Chemical Peel

If trying to decide whether a chemical peel is right for you, consider the benefits, which, according to Jennifer MacGregor, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, are many:

• Brightens pigment
• Smooths skin
• Evens skin tone
• Unclogs pores
• Reduces acne
• Improves the penetration and efficacy of your other skincare products³

Not too shabby if you ask us. She adds, “If you use a peeling agent regularly for four to six weeks or more (or opt for a stronger peel), you can also smooth texture by building new and healthier collagen and elastin and even boost skin’s own internal hyaluronic acid, which gives it that plump, luminous quality.”

As for the pros of peels, if you have acne-prone skin, “The improvement in comedonal acne—the type where pores are blocked and skin is oily—is significant and there can be a mild improvement in texture for shallow-depth boxcar scars over time,” says MacGregor. She continues, “More aggressive peeling can improve acne scars significantly, but these have fallen out of favor due to the recovery profile as it compares to laser and energy devices (the latter having a better ratio of improvement to downtime).  Occasionally, we place a stronger peeling agent just into the center deeper scars, which is a spot treatment often called the cross method.”

How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel

“If you have routine skincare, stick to your regimen before the peel. If you use any new and active cosmeceuticals that irritate you before your peel, it could cause even more irritation, unnecessary recovery, and uneven peeling,” says MacGregor.

When it comes to retinoids, she explains, “If you use [them] regularly, just inform your physician and don’t change anything leading up to the peel. Some people disagree on this point since retinoids are also peeling agents that thin out the outer dead cell layer, so a peel will be stronger; however, retinoids can also thicken the epidermis. The outer healthy cell layer of skin is thicker in retinoid users, not thinner. Just don’t start new retinoids a few weeks before and don’t go to have a professional peel without informing them of your retinoid use and strength.”

Lastly, “Definitely don’t get waxed before a peel. If you are doing peel pads or solutions at home, start very gently and gradually build to more frequent use. If it’s a new product, always test a small area first,” advises MacGregor. 

What to Expect During a Chemical Peel

Since there is not just one type of chemical peel, MacGregor says, “[Expectations] vary so widely based on the treatment and formulation.” However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, when you arrive for your peel, you will receive a thorough cleansing of your skin. Deep peels will require general anesthesia to put you to sleep and therefore must be performed in a surgical setting.  Once you’re prepped and ready to go, your dermatologist will quickly and evenly apply the peel and then carefully remove it once ready.

As for how soon you can expect to see results, it depends on a couple of different factors, namely, the type of peel, how often you use it, and your specific skin type. Celebrity esthetician Shani Darden, who works with the likes of Jessica Alba and Emmy Rossum, says, “Generally, I recommend having a peel every four to six weeks for best results.”

At-Home vs. In-Clinic

Darden uses chemical peels in her studio, using safe-for-skin acids like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic. Doft lauds the powers of a chemical peel for reducing acne scars and acne in the first place. “Both at-home and in-clinic chemical peels can be helpful in treating acne,” she says.

“The peels that are used in a doctor’s office are stronger than those available at home. When applied, they remove the top layer of skin, unclogging pores and improving skin texture by increasing skin turnover. They are also helpful in removing hyperpigmentation and darkening caused by acne flares.” In her office, she uses the VI Peel for acne-prone and aging skin. “It is a medium-strength peel that is excellent for hyperpigmentation and superficial acne scars.”

How To Use Lactic Acid The Ordinary

Apply a thin layer once daily in the evening, after toners and before moisturizer. If you’ve not used an acid before, we recommend using this three times a week and gradually building up to daily.

The Ordinary lactic acid serums are two The Ordinary products that provide rather quick visible results and can be purchased at very low prices (see my complete review here).

The Ordinary offers two different strength lactic acid serums: one at a 5% concentration and the other at a 10% concentration. Since exfoliating acids can be irritating to the skin, you might be wondering how to use lactic acid serums from The Ordinary.

Today we’ll be discussing how to use The Ordinary lactic acid serums and how to easily incorporate them into your skincare routine.

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Lactic Acid: Great for Most Skin Types

Lactic acid is a popular skincare exfoliant because it works well for most skin types. It helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles on aging/mature skin.

Lactic acid can help open clogged pores and help reduce acne lesions, making it a good choice for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Lactic acid also has moisturizing properties, which makes it a good option as a mild exfoliant for those with dry skin.

Depending on the concentration, it can also be gentle enough for those with sensitive skin types.

Lactic Acid Concentrations

Lactic acid can be effective at different concentrations. This study had participants apply either 5% or 12% lactic acid concentrations twice a day for three months.

While both concentrations improved epidermal firmness and thickness and skin smoothness, lines, and wrinkles, the 12% concentration of lactic acid also improved dermal firmness and thickness.

The dermis is located beneath the epidermis, so the study indicated that the higher 12% lactic acid was able to penetrate the skin better than the 5% lactic acid concentration.

How To Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

The first thing to note about these lactic acid serums is that you should not use them on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin.

So if your skin is sensitive, easily irritated, or damaged in any way, you should not use these serums.

Alpha hydroxy acids can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so it is important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher while using lactic acid (and all alpha-hydroxy acids) and for a week after.

These lactic acid serums may be diluted with other skincare treatments to reduce their concentration until your skin can tolerate them undiluted.

An easy way to dilute them is to mix a drop or two into a few drops of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum.

How Often To Use Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

First, choose a lactic acid concentration: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA or The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA.

If you are new to acids, start out using The Ordinary lactic acid serum once a week. See how your skin responds and slowly increase usage as your skin builds a tolerance.

While you can use the lactic acid serum daily, most can get good results using lactic acid 2 or 3 times a week. Try to use it in the evening if possible.

When To Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid Serums in Your Skincare Routine

These water-based lactic acid serums should be applied during the treatment step of your skin routine, which is after cleansing and toning but before other serums and moisturizers.

What Not to Mix with The Ordinary Lactic Acid Serums

Since lactic acid is potentially sensitizing, you should not use it at the same time as other direct acids like salicylic acid or azelaic acid, other AHAs like glycolic acid or mandelic acid, or other actives like benzoyl peroxide acne treatments.

You should also avoid using lactic acid with strong actives like pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Ascorbic acid works best at a pH of 3.5 or under.

The Ordinary lactic acid serums are formulated at a pH of 3.6–3.8.

While the lactic acid pH should be close enough not to compromise the effectiveness of ascorbic acid, you may experience redness, stinging, peeling, or irritation if you use both ascorbic acid and lactic acid at the same time.

Your best bet is to use ascorbic acid in the morning and lactic acid in the evening or use them on different days.

Retinol and retinoids increase cellular turnover and remove dead skin cells.

Since lactic acid also works to sweep away dead skin cells, you may overdo it, causing irritation and redness if you use both simultaneously.

Additionally, the pH of retinol is higher than that of lactic acid, so using them together may render both much less effective.

At home, Darden recommends using Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads, which use a combination of acidic ingredients meant to target uneven tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and enlarged pores through cell turnover.

Skinbetter Alpharet® Exfoliating Peel Pads $110.00

Although MacGregor says, “No at-home peel products will work for acne scars,” she recommends using “Skinbetter Alpharet peel pads one to two times weekly for blackheads, pigment, smooth texture, and glow.”

Topix Glycolix Elite Treatment Pads 20% (60 count) $32.00

MacGregor is also a fan of these peel pads, which happen to come in a variety of strengths. They promise to address skin concerns like large pores, acne, blackheads, and whiteheads by gently exfoliating and moisturizing.

Editor’s note: If you’re in between chemical peels and you aren’t gearing up for one or healing from one, retinol is a good idea for reducing acne scarring.  Darden says, “For reducing the appearance of acne scars and the chance of new scars from forming, I recommend using Retinol Reform. It stimulates cell regeneration, which reduces the signs of aging, scarring, and acne.” This retinol is a Byrdie editor favorite for its effective yet gentle formula, which promises to brighten and even your complexion.

Side Effects

Don’t panic if you experience slight irritation or even some actual peeling. According to Doft, “All peels are different as they contain varying acid combinations, which penetrate the skin at a unique level. Superficial peels may leave you slightly dry that evening. Medium-strength peels will cause your skin to peel and blister two to three days after the peel is applied. During this time, your skin may feel dry and tight. It is necessary to keep your face moist using products like Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($5)”. It’s after you pass these stages that the real results appear. “If you are prone to cold sores, then medication can prevent an outbreak,” adds MacGregor. Just make sure to consult your doctor.

Aftercare

Post-peel, the new skin cells may be more susceptible to sunburn. MacGregor advises, “Generally speaking, [aftercare] depends on the peel type, strength, and formulation, but the common theme for most is: Sun protect the area with a hat or other physical cover and good zinc, titanium-based sunscreen—the sunscreen in your makeup is not sufficient—also, do not apply retinol or retinoids of any kind or benzoyl peroxide (The number of days you skip depends on the peel strength and how sensitive your skin is).”

If you decide to wash the first 24 to 48 hours after your peel, she recommends, “using a gentle cream or milky cleanser, not a foam-based product. Also, do not wax and avoid abrasives or physical scrubbing modalities (Think: loofah mitts or rough paste cleansers) and other irritating ingredients. Instead, stick to a gentle cleanser, physical sunscreen, and hydrate well with a bland, plumping, soothing moisturizer like Skinmedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream ($72) or Cerave Moisturizing Cream ($15). Some mild active topicals may be allowed the day after, but these should be tested on compromised or lasered skin before considering. Examples would include Skinbetter Alto Defense Serum ($160) and Skinceuticals C E Ferulic ($169)”. 

MacGregor notes, “Intense peeling may call for ointments until the outer layer of cells recovers (epithelialization) and has a whole other list of post-care requirements.” Again, it’s best to reach out to your doctor.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a silky serum or aluxurious 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.

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a class of chemicals that gently exfoliate the skin, which also includes glycolic, citric, tartaric, mandelic, and malic acids.

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.

Nowadays, lactic acid comes from a variety of sources, including vegan ones, that are typically synthetic and easier to formulate a complete product with. Compared to its ultra-potent cousin, glycolic acid, lactic acid is milder (thanks to its slightly larger molecule size) while delivering similar results, meaning it may be more suitable for those who have easily irritated skin, Dr. Hollmig says. Intrigued? Read on to find out what lactic acid can do for your skin.

While in-clinic chemical peels can work to fade the appearance of acne scarring over time, at-home treatments offer other benefits for skin, whether it’s acne-prone or not. Chemical peels vary in strength and it’s best to consult your doctor when deciding which treatment would work best for you—that can even mean deciding to flaunt your scars and forgo peels altogether.