Our hands are often a part of our body that is always forgotten when it comes to skincare. We invest time, energy and money into making sure our faces are protected with multiple layers of serums and daily SPF. Yet, when it comes to our hands, a quick smear of moisturizer every now and then seems to be the solution.
But today we want to share with you our best tips to help you stop neglecting your hands. This also leads to a question we’ve seen recently: Can I use a lactic acid peel on my hands, too? Well, don’t wait any longer because we’re going to explore this further and by the end of today’s blog post, we’ll have a better idea of how to use lactic acid to pamper your hands.
What is Lactic Acid?
Derived from sour milk, lactic acid is one of the gentlest members of the AHA family.
It’s suitable for all skin types and is included in professional treatments such as peels and facials.
Due to its very large molecular size, it can’t penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin. This makes this acid a favorite for people with dry skin who are prone to redness and sensitivity.
It removes dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin, which can cause acne and blemishes if not removed.
Fights signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Helps restore a dull, lackluster complexion.
Has moisturizing properties, or H. It draws moisture from the air around the skin and locks it in place.
Lactic acid is known to work effectively, alone or in combination with other active ingredients.
If you want to learn more about lactic acid and its benefits for the skin, read our dedicated blog post.
Now that you know a little bit about lactic acid and its effects on the skin, you may be wondering how it can benefit your hands and whether you should use it.
As we age, our hands lose oils and elasticity, causing the skin to become translucent, sometimes grey, and to develop wrinkles, with dark spots and wrinkles appearing on the surface of the skin. This is common and somewhat unavoidable, but there are ways you can incorporate into your daily routine to reverse some of the damage and prevent your hands from aging further. Here are some of the most popular ways to ensure your hands look youthful.
Moisturize – When your hands become dry, they look worse. Moisturizing them will make you feel more comfortable and reduce dry or flaky skin.
Exfoliate – By exfoliating your hands, you can target dark spots that form on the skin and reduce pigmentation. Exfoliation is also another way to minimize dry skin.
Wear sunscreen – Our hands are one of the first parts of our bodies to show signs of aging. Using a hand cream with an SPF of 30 or higher can protect the skin from overexposure to harmful UV rays.
Can lactic acid be applied to your hands?
Yes, you can definitely apply lactic acid to your hands. If you want to combat signs of hyperpigmentation or rough skin, a gentle chemical peel with lactic acid can remove dead skin cells and reduce dark spot pigmentation.
You can find lactic acid in many over-the-counter formulas and mixed into medical-grade formulas.
You may find that the best way to benefit from applying lactic acid to your hands is to apply it at night. This is because hands have limited exposure to free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors, so the lactic acid can work undisturbed and work quickly.
Does lactic acid burn the skin?
Yes, lactic acid can burn the skin. Although this may be surprising since the popular chemical acid is known as one of the gentlest AHAs. But you shouldn’t forget that lactic acid is still an exfoliating acid and can cause itching, burning, redness and rashes if not used correctly.
If you’re unsure whether to incorporate lactic acid into your daily routine, talk to your doctor or dermatologist to find the best product for you and your skin’s needs.
Do I need to wash lactic acid off?
This depends a lot on the product formulation. Lactic acid is used in a wide range of products, from face cleansers, toners, serums to moisturizers. These all have different consistencies and are applied to the skin in different ways. The beauty of lactic acid is that you can rinse it off your skin or leave it on overnight, especially when formulated in over-the-counter skincare products. The latter may require initial tolerance, especially if you have an allergic skin type. To avoid unnecessary irritation, do a 24-hour patch test. You can apply a 10p-sized amount to the inside of your forearm and leave it on overnight. In the morning, check if the skin in the area looks inflamed, itchy or red. This is a clear sign that the product is not suitable for your skin.
Here you can learn more about lactic acid and whether you can use acid peels on your hands. As mentioned above, don’t forget to consult your doctor to make sure you’re not using products that are not suitable for your skin. You can also find us on Instagram if you have any further questions.
