Lactic acid and its fellow AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids: glycolic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid, etc.) are all water-soluble acids. Water-soluble acids means that they do not penetrate the skin, but rather cleans the surface and removes the dead skin cells bonds that hold them together.
This in turn increases your cell turnover rate and helps it produce the fresh, new layer underneath. It is the process by which your skin sheds old or dead skin cells and replaces them with newer ones.
The result is a fresh layer = fresh and glowing new layer of skin
Derived from milk and other dairy products. It is what gives sour milk and yogurt that tangy taste when you eat it. Dairy products have actually been found to be used all over the world for anti-aging treatments and products.
Lactic popular is found to be the best AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) for sensitive and acne prone skin because it so gentle and has a larger molecular structure therefore its less likely to cause irritation.
It also works even better at improving skin texture than glycolic or mandelic acid because it aids in helping improve your skins natural moisture factor (the way your skin naturally hydrates itself).
If you’re looking for anti-aging benefits, there’s a reason people did and still do take milk baths. When it is used regularly, lactic acid has the ability to improve the signs of aging by stimulating renewal collagen and in turn this keeps the skin plump and firm.
It can also aid in treating:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Age spots
- Sunspots
- Skin Texture
- Hyperpigmentation
Although lactic acid does provide these benefits, I must warn that with any use of exfoliating acids, sunscreen is a must because it does increase your sensitivity to the sun. This is because, as explained earlier, it gets rid of the dead layer of skin. This can make it more sensitizing to the sun and does increase the likelihood of getting a sunburn. SPF30 or higher is required.
Also getting a sunburn will actually reverse the progress you’re trying to make on your skin.
Lactic acid can be found in:
- Face wash
- Toners
- Serums
- Lotions
- Face creams
Basically, it comes in all skin care forms. Quite a few people do prefer a cleanser or face wash over the other options for it is less sensitizing because it is being washed off vs. left on the skin.
I personally have not experienced any sensitivity with my Cos De BAHA LS 12.5% Lactic acid serum. I have just started using this serum a few months ago. I’ve been enjoying it very much and have seen such an improvement in my skins texture since I’ve added this to my routine. More on this serum here.
What to look out for when using lactic acid are these signs:
- Swelling
- Itchy Skin
- Redness
- Peeling
- Dryness
- Burning sensation
Now minor side effects are not anything to worry about like slight redness or a tingling sensation. To prevent these bad reactions, start off with a low percentage of 5% and see how your skin reacts to it.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% Serum is a great starter lactic cid serum.
With all acids, never start at the highest percentage, that’s how you destroy your skin or possibly get an acid burn, yikes!
Lactic acid is worth trying but start slowly and you’ll be amazed at the results you see!