Lactic Acid / Lactic Acid

If there is one thing you need to know about ingredients in cosmetics, it is that for every skin problem there is an acid to solve it. Glycolic acid adds radiance, salicylic acid exfoliates and unclogs pores.

Even the lesser-known acids, such as the antioxidant-rich phytic acid, find their place in the skincare arsenal.

But there is one ingredient whose extremely gentle action will delight even the most sensitive skin. Lactic acid may be milder in intensity, but that does not stop it from boasting some incredible benefits for the skin. What they are, we answer in the following lines.

What is lactic acid?

Before we unravel what it is and what its benefits are, you should know that it is part of our body – it is found in muscles and red blood cells and regulates the skin’s pH.

It is naturally produced by our body through the lactate enzyme when we exercise or when our body cannot get enough energy from oxygen. Its accumulation is also responsible for the pain of muscle soreness that each of us has experienced at least once in our life.

When it comes to cosmetics, however, you will often find it among the most used ingredients. It belongs to the group of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) – these are non-toxic natural acids found in many fruits, vegetables, and various natural sources.

Lactic acid is naturally derived from the fermentation of milk, sugarcane, apples, grapes, or through the fermentation of glucose syrup obtained from corn.

Its strength depends directly on several factors:

• the size of the molecule
• its concentration, as well as its combination with other ingredients and the resulting overall pH of the formula

Advantages of lactic acid

In the cosmetic world, it is used as a powerful moisturizer that helps not only with skin regeneration but also with eliminating facial spots, reducing wrinkles and the first signs of aging.

Here are more details about its undeniable qualities:

• Its main advantage is its keratolytic property, which helps remove dead cells from the top layer of the epidermis. With this, lactic acid accelerates cell renewal and slows down skin aging. Cells regenerate, and the skin visibly looks younger.

Thanks to its exfoliating effect, lactic acid supports the release of sebum on the skin’s surface, preventing it from remaining in the pores – they stay clean and the appearance of pimples is prevented.

This is also why this ingredient is widely used in creams for acne treatment, as well as in cleansing gels and creams for oily skin.

Exfoliation also improves the effectiveness of other skincare ingredients by facilitating their absorption and allowing them to penetrate the skin better. Additionally, regular use of keratolytics can increase blood flow, which in turn helps the skin look healthier.

• The main difference between other AHA acids and lactic acid is its softening effect. This makes it suitable for very sensitive skin and a great substitute for glycerin. The acid is also very suitable for dry skin as it improves its lipid barrier, prevents moisture loss, and attracts water.
• Lactic acid, like salicylic acid, effectively fights the reproduction of bacteria that damage the skin and cause acne.
• It is beneficial for almost every skin type, but you need to be careful with its concentration. If your skin is sensitive, you can apply the ingredient in lower concentrations to restore your complexion’s radiance.

If you have pigmentation spots or acne scars, rough skin, or fine lines, then opt for higher percentages. They will help smooth wrinkles and even out the complexion.

• The acid penetrates the deepest layers of the skin, stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin – essential natural proteins that keep the skin elastic and smooth. Their main benefit is that they help improve the skin’s structure and tone, and also affect pigmentation – ceramide content increases, and sun spots disappear.
• Very often lactic acid is used in cosmetic products as a pH regulator. It helps restore the skin’s optimal pH balance and thus protects it from attacks by fungi and bacteria.

How can you benefit from lactic acid in your daily routine?

Since it is not a very strong acid, it is a common ingredient in most cosmetic products – usually in creams and serums, but very often also in cleansing products.

It can also be used as a supplement to treatments for skin problems – in pure but reduced and concentrated content, applied before or after the active product.

The key to achieving visible results with lactic acid, despite its large molecular size, is to add it to your evening routine in the form of a toner or serum. If you have sensitive, dry, or normal skin, lactic acid will prove to be a good friend.

Experts recommend introducing it gradually and at lower concentrations at first in the evening, so it does not irritate or pigment the skin when exposed to the sun. Start applying it 2-3 times a week, and once you get used to it, you can increase its concentration.

On days when your skin rests from the acid, it is good to use nourishing, hydrating, and soothing ingredients to properly care for the newly formed skin.

It is advisable not to combine lactic acid simultaneously with other exfoliating agents such as retinol, vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide to avoid injury or excessive exfoliation of the skin. And finally, do not forget to use SPF products – daily and regularly.

It is important to remember that this is an acid – if it irritates your skin too much, causes burning or redness, stop using it and look for another product suitable for you.