Lactic acid is an ingredient commonly found in skin care products. It is an alpha hydroxy acid and humectant that helps treat anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, and acne. Lactic acid is keratolytic, which means it exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. It is the best AHA for sensitive skin. Using lactic acid face cream or exfoliation with lactic acid reduces fine lines and wrinkles, fades hyperpigmentation, and clears acne.
In addition to hydrating dry skin, it also increases the penetration of other skincare ingredients, making other skin care products more effective. Lactic acid may cause mild stinging, redness, and burning until your skin becomes accustomed to it. But you should take care of such things and immediately see a physician who can help you. Alternatively, you may not feel anything, but that doesn’t mean it’s not working. It is just because your skin is less sensitive.
Using lactic acid products at night and applying sunscreen the next day is the best way to protect your skin from UV rays. Here are a few more skin benefits of using lactic acid products.
Smoothes And Brightens The Complexion
Exfoliation with lactic acid eliminates dead skin cells by destroying the material that holds them together. As a result of this process, dead skin cells are shed, revealing a new layer of healthy, glowing, smooth skin.
Efficacious For Reducing Wrinkles And Fine Lines
Through deep exfoliation, lactic acid is able to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. In addition to accelerating skin cell renewal, it increases collagen and ceramide production and hydrates newly exfoliated skin. Refreshed skin cells and improved hydration are both essential to reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This also helps prevent the formation of new ones. The epidermis became thicker and firmer after applying lactic acid concentrations of at least 5%. As a result, skin became less wrinkled, and fine lines appeared to disappear.
Enhances the Lipid Layer
In addition to stimulating skin cell regeneration, lactic acid exfoliation also renews the lipids between your skin cells. Lipids are the healthy, fatty ceramides that form the skin’s barrier function. Your skin’s barrier function can be thought of as the physical, elastic barrier that separates you from the rest of the world: it keeps the bad stuff out and allows good stuff in. Lactic acid stimulates the production of ceramide, which leads to a stronger lipid layer and an improved ability of your skin to retain moisture.
Mild Hyperpigmentation Disappears
Lactic acid fades various forms of hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots, age spots, freckles, and acne scars. Additionally, lactic acid is an agent for treating melasma. Dark spots fade with lactic acid because hyperpigmentation is the darkest on the surface of the skin. Hence, the skin underneath is less pigmented. With lactic acid exfoliation, dead skin cells are removed from the surface of the skin, revealing fresh skin with a more even tone. Regular use of lactic acid can effectively fade hyperpigmentation.
Effortlessly Fights Acne
Lactic acid exfoliates dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Lactic acid is keratolytic, which means that it can dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and open any blocked pores. In addition to calming existing acne, lactic acid has anti-aging properties. Moreover, topical application of lactic acid is a preventive treatment for acne vulgaris. As a result, lactic acid will calm your acne today and prevent it from coming back tomorrow.
Another keratolytic that may be of interest to you is benzoyl peroxide which is good for moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Azelaic acid is good for cystic acne. If your skin is sensitive, then you can use salicylic acid serum to reduce acne.
AHA For Skin Hydration
AHAs such as lactic acid are the most hydrating and nourishing. As a humectant, lactic acid chemically draws moisture to itself. Basically, lactic acid acts as a sponge that attracts water molecules to your skin. Studies have shown that lactic acid is more hydrating than glycerin or any other popular humectant. In addition to promoting healthy lipids, these ingredients improve the skin’s natural ability to retain hydration. Hence, it is one of the most popular moisturizers for dry skin, making it an excellent choice for people. Additionally, products containing this acid absorb water more readily when their pH is lower.
Lactic Acid Has The Gentle AHA
The larger molecule size of lactic acid makes it milder than other AHAs. This is because a skincare ingredient with a larger molecule size does not penetrate the skin as deep as a smaller molecule size which sinks further into the skin. Due to this, lactic acid is gentler than other AHAs since its molecular weight is higher. Lactic acid is, therefore, an ideal choice for people with dry or sensitive skin or those seeking a starter-level AHA product.
Ingredients Penetrate More Deeply
Exfoliating with lactic acid accelerates skin cell regeneration while also allowing deeper penetration of other skincare ingredients. After all the dead skin has been removed, other skin care products will penetrate the skin better, perform more effectively, and give faster results. Ultimately, lactic acid boosts the effectiveness of your other skin care products.
Final Words
Lactic acid occurs in the human body as well as in many fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, soy sauce, beer, pickles, etc. Although you can find lactic acid naturally in a wide variety of foods, you won’t receive its skincare benefits unless you use a product containing lactic acid. The best way to get healthy and acne-free skin is to use lactic acid products like lactic acid face cream and serum.
