Lactic Acid in Skincare: A Gentle Yet Powerful Exfoliant for Radiant Skin

If you’re looking for effective skincare that suits even sensitive skin, lactic acid is your answer. A part of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family of exfoliants, lactic acid gently penetrates your skin to exfoliate and hydrate it all at once. So, if you’re trying to use lactic acid for skin care and get the best of its benefits, here’s all you need to know:

Keynotes:

• Lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs that exfoliates, hydrates, and supports your skin barrier.
• Ideal for sensitive and dry skin too, lactic acid benefits help reduce pigmentation, fine lines, and acne while promoting a smooth, radiant complexion.
• Start with low concentrations and use 1-3 times a week. Always patch test and follow up with sunscreen if used during the day.
• Lactic acid toners are another good way to incorporate the skin active into your regular regimen.

Lactic acid is a water-soluble alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliant. It dissolves the structures that hold your dead skin cells together, allowing the uneven, flaky dead cells to shed naturally. As far as AHAs go, lactic acid has a larger molecular size. This means it penetrates your skin more slowly than other AHAs, decreasing your chances of skin irritation. This is why lactic acid is especially useful for dry and sensitive skin.

Another lactic acid benefit for skin is its function as a humectant. Lactic acid tends to attract moisture from the surroundings and deeper layers of your skin to retain it in the epidermis. This helps you preserve the moisture content in your skin. Moreover, lactic acid also stimulates ceramide production, which strengthens your skin barrier. With both exfoliating and hydrating properties, lactic acid uses help you move towards clear, smooth, and hydrated skin.

• Gentle Exfoliation

  Using lactic acid for skin helps you remove dead cells from the skin's surface, revealing brighter, more even-toned skin. However, lactic acid uses do so gently, making it suitable for dry, combination, and sensitive skin as well. Compared to other AHAs, lactic acid has a large molecular size. This means that the exfoliant enters your skin very slowly and typically does not invoke harsh reactions like sensitivity, irritation, or inflammation. The gentle, pH-balanced nature of lactic acid makes it a suitable exfoliant for acne-prone skin, too.

• Hydration and Skin Barrier Support

  Exfoliation can be a tricky process, where over-exfoliation or usage of strong concentrations can compromise your skin barrier and induce acne, sensitivity, and dryness. This is where lactic acid uses come in as the safe choice. Lactic acid is known to increase the levels of ceramides in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of your skin, to enhance your skin barrier function. This lets the skin active exfoliate your skin without stripping it of its essentials. In itself, lactic acid is also a part of your skin’s acidic mantle, which keeps your skin safe from acne-causing bacteria and other harmful pathogens. It also enhances the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which supports the lipid barrier.

• Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

  Like many other AHAs, lactic acid stimulates collagen production and increases cell turnover, making it a key ingredient in anti-aging skincare. Collagen adds structure to your skin and gives it its turgidity. As you begin to age, your body naturally lowers its collagen production. Lactic acid benefits for skin stimulate collagen production and help you smooth out the appearance of any wrinkles and fine lines. Unlike strong exfoliants, lactic acid doesn’t completely dry out your skin. The presence of moisture and hydration also helps your skin appear smoother while blurring out any fine lines.

• Reduces Pigmentation

  Like all other effective exfoliants, lactic acid benefits skin cell turnover and helps you fade away any acne marks, sun spots, or other forms of pigmentation. The gentle AHA also gets rid of accumulated dead cells that may cause dullness or uneven tone and texture. For those who want to achieve radiant and hydrated skin at the same time, lactic acid in skincare does it all.

Owing to its adaptable nature, lactic acid uses can be incorporated into your skincare in several ways. You can start using lactic acid on your face in low concentrations as an exfoliant, or you can simply use it as a toner. Here’s how to do both:

• Start with a Low Concentration

  Begin with products containing mild concentrations of lactic acid, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. Higher concentrations and lactic acid peels should only be used after consulting your dermatologist.

• Frequency

  Depending on your skin type, start using lactic acid 2-3 times a week and increase gradually based on your skin tolerance. Use it only once or twice a week if you have dry or sensitive skin. Consult your dermatologist for the best exfoliation frequency and strength.

• Follow Application Guidelines

  When using concentrated lactic acid serums, it’s crucial to wash off the exfoliant within the directed amount of time. Do not pair it, mix it, or overuse it. Avoid layering it with strong skin actives like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.

• Exfoliate in the Evening

  Lactic acid benefits are best saved for your nighttime skincare routine. This is because exfoliants make your skin more photosensitive and vulnerable to UV damage. If you’re using lactic acid for skin in the morning, follow it with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ or higher.

• Layer before Moisturizers

  Apply lactic acid after cleansing and before heavier serums or moisturizers. This allows the exfoliant to reach the deeper layers of your skin.

• Always Patch Test

  Despite it being a very gentle ingredient, lactic acid use may still have certain side effects, such as swelling, itching, or burning. This is why conducting patch tests on your forearm is crucial before directly layering lactic acid on your face.

• Use Lactic Acid-infused Products

  If you don’t want to use lactic acid as a concentrated exfoliant, look for gentle, dermatologically-tested products that are infused with lactic acid. Toners and cleansers are great substitutes that can be used twice daily for your skin regimen.
  
  We Recommend: DermoPurifyer Toner - Face Toner for Oily Skin

Its gentle, multi-functional, and well-tolerated way makes lactic acid crucial for skincare. Using it consistently can help you tackle multiple skin concerns like aging, texture, and pigmentation all at once. Turn to Eucerin for science-backed, clinically researched, and dermatologically tested products with lactic acid.

1. Is lactic acid safe for sensitive skin?

   Yes. Lactic acid can be used for sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin in the right concentration and frequency. Talk to your dermatologist to create a skin regimen with lactic acid uses.

2. Can I use lactic acid with other exfoliants?

   Lactic acid can be used with other exfoliants in mild concentrations. However, it’s imperative to understand your skin type and concerns with a dermatologist before mixing two skin actives.

3. How often should I use lactic acid?

   You can use lactic acid between 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin type and tolerance. Start with a patch test and mild concentrations.

4. Does lactic acid help with acne?

   Yes. Lactic acid uses can unclog pores, remove buildup, and even strengthen your skin barrier to prevent acne and control it. Lactic acid benefits also include anti-inflammatory effects.

• Healthline – Lactic Acid Peel: Benefits, Side Effects, and Precautions
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (PMC) – Lactic Acid Stimulates Skin Regeneration and Barrier Function
• Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology (IJDVL) – Acid Mantle: What We Need to Know
• WebMD – Lactic Acid for Skin Care
• NCBI Bookshelf – Poly-L-Lactic Acid