Can lactic acid and AHAs be used together?
Lactic acid has been known since it was isolated by chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele and pharmacist Boehringer Ingelheim in the 19th century. One is made from sour milk, the other is a byproduct of bacterial fermentation of sugars and milk starches. In many ways, lactic acid is gentler on the skin than its stronger counterparts, such as lactic acid. b.
Fights signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production for skin that feels firmer, plumper, and more youthful.
Helps bind moisture. Due to lactic acid’s hydrating properties, it attracts and locks moisture in the skin, keeping the surface barrier healthy and strengthened.
Exfoliates the surface of the skin, removing dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and other impurities.
Fights blemishes that can increase the frequency of acne and breakouts while clearing excess sebum and bacteria from pores.
Due to its larger molecular size, it is gentle on the skin and prevents it from penetrating too deeply into the underlying layers.
Suitable for all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity and redness.
For more information on lactic acid, check out this Beauty Insider blog post. So check it out and dig deeper into the matter if you can.
What shouldn’t lactic acid be mixed with?
Lactic acid can be combined with several other powerful substances without causing unwanted side effects. For best results, they are best used together.
To reap the benefits of all skincare ingredients, there are a variety of ways to effectively use both ingredients, such as:
Option 1: Change the time of day you use each ingredient. If you choose ingredients like glycolic acid and lactic acid, try using the latter in the morning and leaving the former until the evening. This allows enough time between applications so that the skin’s pH can balance and stabilize again.
Option 2: Once your skin has developed a tolerance, you can leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes between applications. This ensures that the product formula is fully absorbed into the skin and that it is ready for the next step in your routine
treatment.
These methods are considered the most effective and simplest ways to combine lactic acid with other ingredients such as glycolic acid, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. However, if these ingredients are new to you and your skin,
I recommend doing a patch test on the inside of your forearm. If there are no signs of irritation, it’s a clear indication that you can apply the product to your face.
Can Lactic Acid be Used After an AHA-BHA Peel?
No, it is not recommended to use lactic acid after an AHA or BHA peel. This is primarily because chemical peels are a professional treatment that contains significantly higher amounts than what is found in over-the-counter formulas. It is
important to give your skin the rest it needs after treatment. Avoid using lactic acid or other exfoliants along with strong ingredients like vitamin C or retinol. Opt for hyaluronic acid, which soothes the skin and locks in moisture.
Is It OK to Drink Lactic Acid Every Day?
Yes, it is OK to use lactic acid every day, but be prepared for skin irritation if you overdo it. Although it is considered one of the gentlest chemical peels, it is still an exfoliant that works on the surface of the skin to
increase the rate at which skin cell turnover occurs. When ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover are overused, the skin can become irritated, red, itchy, and uncomfortable.
To get the most out of lactic acid, I recommend using it once a day in conjunction with an exfoliating toner or cleanser, as they have lower levels of active ingredients. Once your skin develops a tolerance, you can switch to a serum or other product that leaves a higher percentage on the skin.
Does Lactic Acid Cause Acne?
Yes, lactic acid can cause breakouts, especially if you are new to this or other exfoliating ingredients. This is because skin exfoliating ingredients can cause a detoxification, i.e. skin blemishes and breakouts.
Detoxification does not cause long-term problems and usually goes away on its own within a day or two. If your acne and blackheads persist longer than expected, see your doctor or dermatologist. Because you may need to look for another ingredient that is better suited to your skin’s needs.
If you want to learn more about chemical peels and the acne they cause, you can read our dedicated blog post on lactic acid and skin cleansing.
How to Incorporate Lactic Acid into Your Skincare Routine?
Lactic acid is found in a range of skincare formulas, from toners to serums. How you incorporate lactic acid into your daily regimen depends on the product’s formulation. It’s important to remember that the most effective way to apply skincare is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest. This allows the active ingredients to be absorbed into the skin without having to compete with the physical barrier of a thick serum or moisturizer.
You can find more information about using lactic acid and AHAs together. Don’t hesitate to find one of our skin experts on Procoal’s Instagram. They’ll be happy to help you!
