Lactic acid has been known since 19th century chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele and pharmacist Boehringer Ingelheim isolated the compound. One is made from sour milk, and the other is a byproduct of bacteria fermenting sugars and milk starch. Compared to its more potent cousins, lactic acid is gentler on the skin in many ways, including:
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 binds moisture into the skin, keeping the surface barrier healthy and strengthened.
Exfoliates the surface of the skin 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.
Gentle on the skin due to its large molecular size, which 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 this 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 get the benefits of all skincare ingredients, there are several ways to use them effectively, such as:
Option 1 – Change 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 saving the former for the evening. This allows enough time between applications for the skin’s pH to balance and stabilize.
Option 2: Once your skin has developed a 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 daily regimen.
These methods are considered the most effective and simple 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 primarily because chemical peels are a professional treatment that contains significantly higher levels than what is found in over-the-counter formulas. It is important to give your skin time to rest 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.
Can Lactic Acid be Used Daily?
Yes, you can use lactic acid daily, but be prepared for skin irritation if you overuse 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 the turnover of skin cells. 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 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 switch to a serum or other product that maintains a higher level on the skin.
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 detoxifier, removing the “gunpowder” that clogs your pores, such as excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and other impurities. These are pushed to the surface, causing blemishes and breakouts.
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, see your doctor or dermatologist, as you may need to look for another ingredient that better suits your needs.
If you want to learn more about chemical peels and the blemishes they cause, you can check out our dedicated blog post on lactic acid and skin cleansing.
How can I add lactic acid to my skincare routine?
Lactic acid is found in a range of skincare formulas, from toners to serums. How you incorporate lactic acid into your daily 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 created by a thick serum or moisturizer.
