A Beginner’s Guide To Lactic Acid For Skin
Over the last couple of years, we’ve been bombarded with various skincare actives. From retinols to niacinamide to hyaluronic acid, we’ve seen it all and definitely loved it all. The latest craze? Lactic acid for skin! An over-the-counter chemical exfoliant, lactic acid is derived from fermented lactose found in milk. Remember how Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk? Clearly, the use of lactic acid for skin dates way back before it was added to skincare products. Popular for its exfoliating, brightening, and hydrating properties, this ingredient is quite the hard worker when it comes to leaving you with healthy and glowing skin. The best part? It’s rather mild and therefore works well for sensitive skin types too. Scroll down as we plunge into the benefits of lactic acid for skin and how you can use it to achieve that glow.
What Is Lactic Acid
What exactly is the function of lactic acid for skin? Fun fact: it comes from the same family as glycolic acid and mandelic acid, in the sense that it is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). AHAs are known to be water-soluble and can help slough off the dead layer of skin cells on your face, while getting rid of dirt and grime that’s stuck within your pores. As opposed to its aggressive siblings, lactic acid also naturally hydrates the skin and doesn’t cause any sort of irritation.
Benefits Of Lactic Acid For Skin
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Like most AHAs, lactic acid for skin has many benefits. Since it is the mildest AHA and is very gentle on the skin, it works well for all skin types. But, don’t let its gentle nature fool you. Lactic acid is very effective—almost as effective as its stronger counterparts. Read on to find out more about all the lactic acid benefits your skin can soak in.
Exfoliates The Skin
Lactic acid is an AHA and therefore it is predominantly a strong exfoliator. It helps remove the layer of dead skin cells that sit on the top of your face, and also helps boost the regeneration of newer skin cells. This helps brighten the skin, even out skin tone, and also tackles inflammation like acne. Using lactic acid in your regular skincare routine, will ensure that you’re left with a glow like never before!
Moisturises The Skin
Contrary to its popular counterparts, lactic acid doesn’t dry out the skin or irritate it. Instead, you’ll find this AHA to be rather hydrating and moisturising. Research shows that lactic acid helps boost your skin’s natural moisture levels. This keeps skin looking and feeling plump and hydrated, and also prevents the appearance of premature skin ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.
Stimulates Collagen
Think of collagen as the building blocks to your skin. As you age, however, the production of collagen starts to decline resulting in loose, sagging skin. Along with skin cell regeneration, lactic acid also helps stimulate collagen production. This keeps skin youthful (and all the signs of ageing at bay).
Fades Hyperpigmentation
One of the benefits of lactic acid for skin is that it helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Thanks to its exfoliating properties, it helps reveal brighter skin by getting rid of the old and making way for the new. This leaves your complexion radiant and more even toned.
Acts As An Effective Antimicrobial
Did you know that lactic acid for skin can help with acne and inflammation? As a matter of fact, experts use lactic acid in lower concentrations to help improve skin texture and reduce redness or inflammation. It helps remove dirt and grime from within the pores, which in turn prevents future breakouts too. Its gentle nature makes it perfect for sensitive skin types, as well. It’s a great ingredient to have in your body wash, as it helps treat body acne too.
How to Use Lactic Acid Safely
Although lactic acid is a mild exfoliant, it should be used wisely. Like any other AHA, ensure that you’re not overusing it too frequently, as it will compromise your skin’s barrier. To safely use lactic acid for skin, make sure you pace it out in your daily routine. The key is to start slow with a lower concentration and use it only a couple of times per week. Work your way up to using it every other day, depending on how your skin reacts.
You can include the ingredient in several different ways, including a face wash, serum, mask, moisturiser, soap, or weekly exfoliating peel—therefore, it’s important to note what works best for your skin. Lastly, avoid mixing different active ingredients together (especially other AHAs, BHAs, and even retinols), as this may cause your skin to dry out and become overly sensitive. And as a rule of thumb, always wear sunscreen if you’ve applied lactic acid on your skin, the night before.
H2: MyGlamm Recommends Lactic Infused Products
MyGlamm Wipeout Clean Kill - Body Wash & Soap Combo
With 3% lactic acid, this body wash and soap combo is the perfect solution to kill germs, remove impurities, and nourish and moisturise the skin. The formula of the body wash is enriched with tea tree oil, chamomile oil, lavender oil, rosemary extract, and turmeric extract, all of which help soothe, calm, and nourish the skin. The soap contains cocoa butter that softens the skin, tea tree oil that acts like an antibacterial agent, and coconut extract that locks in moisture. Both are free from parabens and SLS.
MyGlamm Wipeout Naturally Beautiful - Lip Balm & Body Wash Combo
Formulated with 3% lactic acid, this body wash helps kill germs, remove impurities, while moisturising the skin. It has skin regeneration properties that give you soft and youthful skin. In addition, the formula also leaves you with a soothing and calming effect. The LIT pH Lip Balm leaves your pout super hydrated and adapts to your pH levels giving you a shade that is unique to you.
Clearly, lactic acid for skin has many benefits and including it in your skincare routine is always a good idea. From being a mild yet effective exfoliant, to hydrating your skin thoroughly, this new skincare acid is the perfect solution to many of your woes.
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