Effects of Lactic Acid on skin

These days, everyone is focused on their skincare. The market has offered a vast range of skincare ingredients. Selecting the best of the product can be overwhelming. Specially when words like “acid” are shown on the products, one can get really confused about using an acid on the skin- sounds scary!. But when it comes to lactic acid, no need to worry! This ingredient can give dull, dry, ageing, and irritated skin new life. This is not a regular acid, rather it is a very refined form of product for best suitability on skin.

Unhealthy skin conditions

Our skin is the most attention seeking part of our body. If not taken good care of, it can show various negative effects like drying out, itching and ageing. There can be a growth of pimples and black/white heads. The damaged collagen can make skin look extremely dull, discoloured and dehydrated, thus destroying the soul of skin cells and shattering the self confidence of the person. A good skin condition can boost the confidence of a person to a major level. Luckily, along with many homemade remedies, there are a numerous serums available to resolve skin issues, and lactic acid is one of them.

What is Lactic Acid?

Today we will discuss all the information you need to know about effects of lactic acid on skin. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the top layer of the skin. It is recommended by many certified dermatologists.Not only does it remove away dead skin cells and flakes (resulting in minimum appearance of blackheads and whiteheads), it can increase cell turnover and collagen production if taken in prescribed amounts. It also draws moisture into the skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines, resulting in smooth, hydrated and fresh skin. While you might think such an effective ingredient would be harsh on sensitive skin, it’s actually fairly gentle and suitable for most skin types when used properly, including melanin-rich skin. Lactic acid helps stabilise pigment production, which results in even skin tone. This acid is also safe for pregnant women to use on skin. Calling lactic acid a “miracle” serum would not be wrong at all since this alone has the power to resolve many skin issues.

Which Lactic Acid product to use?

Lactic acid is used in almost all the skincare product catagories; serums, masks, cleansers, moisturizers etc. Cleaners and moisturizers have a gentle effect on skin, while masks and serums tend to have a strong results and effects. That is why masks and serums are not advised to be used regularly, or for more than a few times per week.

The products come with the range containing 5% to 30% of lactic acid. It is preferred to use lower concentration to have a gentle yet effective results on skin, specially sensitive skin type. a product with concentration of 2% to 10% would be enough to use initially. The concentration to be used also depends upon the skin type. Higher percentages will give deeper exfoliation but may result in more irritation.

Following is a list of potential lactic acid products:

How to use Lactic Acid?

The best results of lactic acid are shown if the product is used at night. First, you should cleanse your skin thoroughly, next apply the lactic acid product you wish to use, and final step is to moisturize the skin. Repeat the process twice or thrice per week. It is better if the process is limited to three times per week at maximum, to avoid any harsh or strong effects on skin. Increase the application of serum gradually to the level where there is no irritation. If you are using the product with higher concentrations of acid, then you should limitize the use of the specific product. How often you ultimately use it depends on what your skin needs and what your skin type is. One should never overlap lactic acid with other exfoliating ingredients. Layering them with other products increase your risk of redness, rash, or pigmentation.

Side effects of Lactic Acid

Introducing any new product on the skin can increase the risk of rashes and irritation. Lactic acid is pretty gentle and easily tolerated by sensitive skin if a less. concentrated product is used and not more frequently applied. On the appearance of any form of rashes, redness or itchiness, you should alter and control the frequency and concentration of the product containing lactic acid. In case of melanin-rich skin, strong concentration can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion

As much as lactic acid is one of the best skin serums, it does have some limitations and should be used wisely. Otherwise, it may cause the damage of skin cells and other negative effects on skin health. But if used with care and prescribed conditions, it would have the best results on your skin.