In the ever-evolving realm of skincare, finding a solution that addresses your skin concerns can feel daunting. Whether you’re battling acne, navigating the desert of dryness, wrestling against uneven skin tone, or trying to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lactic acid can be a potent ally in your quest for radiant and healthy skin.
A Secret Weapon
Lactic acid belongs to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. It’s one of the least irritating of the AHAs due to its larger molecule size, meaning it does not penetrate as deeply. Products containing AHAs exfoliate or shed the dry skin on the surface, by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells. The depth of exfoliation depends on the concentration of lactic acid and other ingredients in the product, as well as the type and pH of the product. Lactic acid also boasts antimicrobial properties, helping to create a balanced skin microbiome and a healthier skin barrier.
Addressing Your Skin’s Needs
If you struggle with your skin or aren’t happy with its texture or appearance, you should know you’re your skin’s ability to change is still possible. If you recognize some of your own skin problems below, see how a cream or lotion with lactic acid can help.
- Acne-prone skin – Gentle exfoliation from lactic acid helps to get rid of dead skin cells, unclog pores, and help balance your skin’s microbiome. Over time, this can help reduce acne breakouts.
- Dry skin – Whether your skin gets dry during certain seasons or you struggle with dryness year-round, lactic acid is one ingredient that can help hydrate your skin. As a humectant, lactic acid attracts and retains moisture within the top layers of skin, reducing dryness when used regularly.
- Fine lines and wrinkles – The hydrating effect lactic acid has on skin also help improve skin elasticity, enhancing skin firmness and suppleness for a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Dull, rough skin – If your skin has lost its glow, lactic acid’s exfoliating properties can help. By helping to increase cell turnover, and stimulating the removal of dead skin cells, continual use of lactic acid-based skin products can lead to the appearance of softer, smoother, radiant skin.
- Keratosis pilaris or bumpy skin – Whether you have bumps from under exfoliated skin or keratosis pilaris (which causes bumpy “chicken-like skin”), the gentle exfoliating properties of lactic acid help loosen dead skin cells and smooth the appearance of rough and uneven skin areas.
Seamless Integration into Your Routine
Lactic acid’s versatility makes it a valuable addition to your skin care routine. Whether you have a minimalist routine or a multi-step ritual, incorporating lactic acid can be seamless because lactic acid plays well with other ingredients, such as vitamin C. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to start your journey with a 5% lotion and ease your way toward the optimal percentages of 12-15%.
Also, because lactic acid is an AHA and exfoliates the skin, your skin will burn more easily in the sun, so please wear sunscreen (at least SPF 30) when outdoors. For anyone who wants beautiful, healthy skin, wearing sunscreen is an important step in every skin care routine.
