Can Lactic Acid and AHAs be used together?
Lactic acid has been known since 19th century chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele and pharmacist Boehringer Ingelheim isolated the compound. One is made from soured milk, the other is a byproduct of bacteria fermenting sugars and milk starch. Lactic acid is known for its gentler approach to benefiting the skin than its more potent cousins, and it does so in a variety of ways, such as:
Fights signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production for skin that feels firmer, plumper, and more youthfully elastic.
Helps bind moisture. Due to lactic acid’s hydrating properties, it attracts and locks in moisture to the skin, keeping the surface barrier healthy and strengthened.
Exfoliates the skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and other impurities.
Effectively fights impurities that increase the frequency of acne and breakouts while clearing excess sebum and bacteria from pores.
It remains gentle on the skin as the large molecular size prevents it from penetrating deeply into the underlying layers.
Suitable for all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity and redness.
You can learn more about lactic acid in The Beauty Insider blog post. So check it out if you can. Now let’s get into the details.
What shouldn’t lactic acid be mixed with?
Lactic acid can be used with several other powerful substances while avoiding unwanted side effects. It’s best to understand how to best use them together for the best results.
To reap the benefits of all skincare ingredients, there are several ways to use them effectively, such as:
Option 1 – Alternate the time of day you use each ingredient. If you choose to use ingredients like glycolic acid and lactic acid, try using the latter in the morning and leaving the former for the evening. This allows enough time between applications for the skin’s pH to become balanced and stable again.
Option 2 – Once your skin has built up tolerance, you can wait about 10 to 15 minutes between applications. This ensures that the product formula is fully absorbed into the skin and is ready for the next step in your routine.
These methods are considered the most effective and easiest ways to use lactic acid with other ingredients like glycolic acid, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. However, if these ingredients are new to you and your skin, I recommend doing a patch test on the inside of your forearm. If there are no signs of irritation, it’s a clear indication that you can apply the product to your face.
Can Lactic Acid be Used After an AHA-BHA Peel?
No, it is not recommended to use lactic acid after an AHA or BHA peel. This is mainly because chemical peels are a professional treatment that contains significantly higher levels than over-the-counter products. It is important to give your skin the rest it needs after the treatment. Avoid using lactic acid or other exfoliants with strong ingredients like vitamin C or retinol. Instead, use hyaluronic acid to soothe your skin and lock in moisture.
Is It OK to Drink Lactic Acid Every Day?
Yes, it is OK to use lactic acid every day, but be prepared for skin irritation if you overdo it. Although it is considered one of the gentlest chemical peels, it is still an exfoliant that works on the surface of the skin and speeds up skin cell turnover. If you overuse ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover, your skin can become irritated, red, itchy, and uncomfortable.
To get the most out of lactic acid, I recommend using it once a day at first, in conjunction with an exfoliating toner or cleanser, as they contain a lower percentage of active ingredients. Once your skin develops a tolerance, you can then switch to a serum or other product that stays on the skin at a higher level.
Does lactic acid cause rashes?
Yes, lactic acid can cause rashes, especially when you first use it or other exfoliating ingredients. This is because exfoliating ingredients act as a detox, removing pore-clogging “gunpowder” such as excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and other pollutants that are pushed to the surface, causing spots and rashes to break out.
Detoxification is not a long-term problem and usually goes away on its own within a day or two. If you suffer from pimples and blackheads for longer than expected, you should seek help from your doctor or dermatologist, as you may need to find a different skin ingredient that better suits your needs.
If you want to learn more about chemical peels and the rashes they can cause, you can read our dedicated blog post on lactic acid and skin cleansing.
How to Add Lactic Acid to Your Skincare Routine?
Lactic acid is found in a range of skincare formulas, from toners to serums. How you incorporate lactic acid into your routine depends on the product’s formulation. It’s important to remember that the most effective way to apply skincare is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest. This allows the active ingredients to penetrate the skin without having to compete with the physical barrier formed by a thick serum or moisturizer.
Below is more information on using lactic acid and AHAs together. Don’t hesitate to visit our skin experts on the Procoals Instagram, they’ll be happy to help you!
