What Is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is one of the most popular AHAs. It is a commonly used ingredient in over-the-counter skin care products. It is also utilized in more potent professional peels and treatments.
Lactic acid is naturally occurring in dairy products. It’s what gives yogurt and soured milk their characteristic, tangy flavor. Dairy products have been used for generations by people all over the world to soften and improve their skin.1
People continue to take milk baths, but the majority of lactic acid used in skin care products and peels nowadays is synthetic.
Using lactic acid for skin care will help you get a smoother and brighter complexion. Lactic acid, a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), dissolves dead skin cells, lightens dark spots, and smoothest fine lines and wrinkles on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Lactic acid is found in numerous over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products and professional treatments. It can also be present in many topical skin care products, as well as treatments for eczema and psoriasis.
Lactic acid may irritate some people’s skin or induce undesirable side effects. Consult your dermatologist to determine whether lactic acid-containing products are appropriate for you.
How to Use Lactic Acid on Your Skin
Lactic acid products sold over the counter (OTC) can contain quantities of up to 10%.1. Acne.org. How Lactic Acid Helps Acne.
Professional therapies provide a larger percentage, but more concentrated products can irritate your skin.
Lactic acid is typically regarded safe at low quantities. Begin with a product that contains around 5% lactic acid.
As long as your skin tolerates it, you may be able to use the products on a daily basis. However, utilizing them every few days should be sufficient to yield benefits. However, it may take several months to see any apparent improvements.
Lactic acid-containing products include the following:
Cleansers: Because they are rinsed off, they are an excellent choice for sensitive skin when used at night.
Moisturizing Creams:
Apply them at night rather than throughout the day to reduce sun damage. Even so, you’ll need to apply sunscreen each morning.
At-home peels and masks: These can be used once to three times per week, depending on the product.
Professional lactic acid peels These are performed at a spa, dermatologist, or cosmetic surgery clinic. These peels, which include higher concentrations of lactic acid, are more suited for addressing specific issues such as dark spots or blackhead removal.
Who Should Not Use Lactic Acid on Their Skin
Lactic acid is the mildest of the alpha hydroxy acids. The majority of people can use it safely. Nonetheless, some people should avoid goods containing lactic acid.
If you have really sensitive skin, lactic acid can cause irritation. Begin with a product that has only a tiny amount of lactic acid (e.g., 5%) and see how your skin reacts to it. If you have irritation, cease using the product.12
If you use topical retinoids such as Retin-A or Refissa, do not use lactic acid in your skincare routine. These products already exfoliate your skin, so combining them with lactic acid may cause your skin to become excessively sensitive.
If you are using any prescription skin care medicine, consult your provider before attempting any lactic
Side Effects:
Even while lactic acid is gentler on the skin than other AHAs, it remains a potent therapy. Here are a few potential adverse effects of using lactic acid to your skin.
Sun sensitivity
The most crucial thing to understand before taking lactic acid is that it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. As the acid removes skin cells, it makes your skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet light from the sun.
According to some research, sun sensitivity can remain up to four weeks after you stop using a lactic acid product or peel treatment—possibly longer.
To protect your skin from sunburn and UV damage, use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily.
Skin irritation
Lactic acid may also cause skin irritation. Look out for the following:
- Symptoms include redness and burning.
- Peeling and dryness
- Symptoms include itchy skin and swelling.
- When you initially start using lactic acid products, you may experience slight redness, burning, and itching. It’s not a big deal if it’s not too terrible and goes gone after an hour or so.
However, if the redness, burning, and itching are moderate to severe, or if you have swelling or a rash, wash the cream off immediately and do not reuse it. Consult your healthcare professional for information on how to care for your skin.
Lactic Acid for Acne
Lactic acid and glycolic acid often are used to treat acne. Products that contain lactic acid include cleansers, creams, and lotions. It is often used in at-home peels and masks. Research suggests that the time of exposure to lactic acid, as with the masks and peels, contributes to how effective it is.
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that is applied to the skin to exfoliate dead skin cells, eliminate dark spots, and soften fine wrinkles.
It comes in a variety of strengths and is commonly found in over-the-counter cleansers, lotions, and at-home masks. Professional lactic acid peels are also available at spas and dermatologists’ offices.
Start with a low-strength product, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Use sunscreen as well, because lactic acid makes your skin more susceptible to sunburn.