Acne sucks. It’s embarrassing, it can be itchy, and sometimes it just plain hurts. So when you find a product that can help clear up your skin, you want to latch onto it like a life preserver in the middle of the ocean. Luckily for you, lactic acid in skin care is one of those ingredients, as it can help remove dead skin cells and gunk from your pores, which in turn helps to clear up and brighten your skin.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using lactic acid in your skincare routine. We’ll start by discussing what lactic acid is and what benefits it offers, then we’ll give you a breakdown of how to add it into your skincare routine. Finally, we’ll share our top seven favorite lactic acid-based products. Keep reading to learn more!
What is lactic acid and what are its benefits for the skin
Alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid, are chemical exfoliants that work to remove the build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This can help to unclog pores, brighten skin, and even out skin tone. Lactic acid is particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin, as it is gentle and hydrating.
Some additional benefits of lactic acid in skin care include:
-Reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
-Improved skin texture
-Evened out skin tone
-Reduced acne breakouts
How to use lactic acid in your skin care routine
If you’re interested in adding lactic acid to your skincare routine, here are a few tips to help you get started:
-Start by using a lower concentration of lactic acid and gradually work your way up to higher concentrations if needed.
-Make sure to use sunscreen when using any products that contain lactic acid, as it can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
-Test the product on a small area of skin before applying it all over, just in case you have a reaction.
Now that you know how to use lactic acid in your skin care routine, let’s take a look at some of our favorite products that contain this ingredient!
The top 7 lactic acid skin care products: For brighter, smoother skin
Here are our top seven favorite lactic acid-based products for brighter, smoother skin:
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#1: Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is ideal for those who want to target both wrinkles and acne breakouts. It contains a gentle form of lactic acid, as well as glycolic and salicylic acids, to exfoliate and brighten skin.
#2: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads are ideal for those with sensitive skin and suitable for all skin types, as they are alcohol-free and fragrance-free. These exfoliating pads contain lactic acid to help brighten and even out the skin tone. They also contain glycolic acid and licorice extract, feverfew extract, and hyaluronic acid to help fight inflammation, hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
#3: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Solution
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Solution is a budget-friendly serum that is ideal for those with sensitive skin. It contains a low concentration of lactic acid with mild exfoliation properties, and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump the skin.
#4: Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is suitable for all skin types, except for those who are sensitive to Glycolic Acid or Salicylic Acid. This serum contains 10% AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic, citric, tartaric acids) and 1% BHA (salicylic acid) to help exfoliate the skin while you sleep. It also contains raspberry fruit extract, which is rich in antioxidants, to help soothe, brighten and protect the skin.
#5: Paula’s Choice Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA
Paula’s Choice Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA is a leave-on exfoliating treatment that is suitable for all skin types. It contains glycolic and lactic acids to help smooth and brighten the skin. It also contains green tea and chamomile extracts, which are rich in antioxidants, to help calm and soothe the skin.
#6: First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion With 10% AHA
First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion With 10% AHA is a body lotion that is ideal for those with keratosis pilaris (KP) or rough, dry skin. It contains 10% lactic acid to help exfoliate and smooth the skin. It also contains urea, colloidal oatmeal, and ceramide to help hydrate and protect the skin.
#7:. Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask is a leave-on mask that is suitable for all skin types. It contains lactic acid, glycolic acid, and malic acid to help exfoliate and brighten the skin. It also contains bakuchiol, which is a natural alternative to retinol, to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it is made with willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid) and grapefruit extracts (which are rich in antioxidants) to help fight inflammation and protect the skin.
With so many lactic acid products on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. But we hope this list has given you a better idea of some of the best products out there!
Bonus tips for getting the most out of your lactic acid products
If you want to get the most out of your lactic acid products, here are a few bonus tips:
– Use a gentle exfoliator every day. An exfoliator with lactic acid can help gently slough off dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin. But it’s important to use a gentle exfoliator every day, especially if you have sensitive skin.
– Use a moisturizer afterward. Lactic acid can be drying, so it’s important to use a moisturizer afterward to help hydrate and protect the skin.
– Avoid direct sun exposure. Lactic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to avoid direct sun exposure when using these products. If you must be in the sun, be sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF.
– Start slowly. If you’re new to lactic acid products, it’s important to start slowly and increase usage gradually. This will help your skin get used to the product and avoid any irritation.
following these tips, you can help ensure that your lactic acid products work effectively and safely to give you the best results.
FAQs about lactic acid and skin care
Q: What are some of the best lactic acid products on the market?
A: Some of the best lactic acid products on the market include Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, Paula’s Choice Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA, and Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask.
Q: How often should I use a lactic acid product?
A: How often you use a lactic acid product will depend on your individual skin type and tolerability. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with using it once a week and increase frequency as your skin gets used to it. For those with normal or oily skin, you may be able to use it every day or every other day.
Q: Will lactic acid products make my skin more sensitive to the sun?
A: Lactic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to use sunscreen when using these products. If you must be in the sun, be sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF.
Q: How can I get the most out of my lactic acid products?
A: Some tips for getting the most out of your lactic acid products include using a gentle exfoliator every day, using a moisturizer afterward, avoiding direct sun exposure, and starting slowly.
Conclusion
Lactic acid is a great choice for those looking to add alpha hydroxy acid to their skincare routine. It is affordable, widely available, and gentle enough for multiple skin types. When used correctly, lactic acid can help exfoliate the skin and give it a brighter, smoother appearance. Just be sure to use sunscreen when using these products and start slowly if you’re new to using them. Following these tips, you can help ensure that your lactic acid products work effectively and safely to give you the best results.