How Often Should You Use Lactic Acid Peels?
By now, especially if you’ve been dealing with these topics for a while, you’re already well aware of what lactic acid is and how great it is for your skin. Today’s blog post focuses on the question of how often you should use lactic acid peels. Don’t let the name scare you, peels are a quick and effective way to get beautiful skin, but you’ll need to take some time to make sure you find the right formula and feel confident using it.
What is Lactic Acid?
Found naturally in sour dairy products like milk, its derivatives are used to make lactic acid in skincare products.
Effectively fights signs of aging and smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
Removes dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, debris, and other impurities that accumulate on the outer surface of the skin.
Targets areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage by preventing overproduction of melanin, making those areas more pigmented.
Boosts the production of collagen and elastin in the skin for a hydrated, plump complexion.
Lactic acid acts as a humectant, which means it draws moisture into the skin and locks in the protective skin barrier.
It is known as the gentlest acid and is suitable for all skin types, even mildly sensitive skin.
It helps rejuvenate the skin and reveal new skin cells for a brighter, more vibrant complexion.
How do chemical peels work?
Chemical peels use a peeling acid, such as lactic acid, on freshly cleansed skin. A thin layer is applied to the surface of the skin to remove the top layer of the epidermis. Dead skin cells, excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria can accumulate in the surface layer and, if not removed, can cause breakouts and spots, making the complexion appear dull. In some cases, chemical peels can penetrate deeper into the dermis layer of the skin to help open up pores and prevent the appearance of blackheads or acne.
The difference with lactic acid is that it is a milder alpha hydroxy acid and can be used by almost all skin types. Its benefits lie in its ability to fight hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and age spots, revealing a healthy, radiant layer of skin cells. You will also find that lactic acid has unique properties as a humectant, which means it attracts moisture and holds it in place. Not only does this keep your skin soft and hydrated, it also ensures that the lipid barrier is working properly and protects the skin from free radicals and other environmental influences.
If you want to learn more about lactic acid itself and its effects on the skin, read our dedicated blog post.
How often can I do a lactic acid peel?
Lactic acid peels are best done every few weeks. However, the acid content will affect whether you should use it more frequently. You’ll find that a 30% lactic acid concentrate is a good place to start when incorporating peels into your daily routine.
Before we go on, don’t be alarmed if the word “peel” sends a chill down your spine, as this doesn’t mean the skin is literally peeling off your face. Instead, you’ll find that the acid works on the underlying layers, clearing bacteria, dead skin cells, and other impurities from the skin. The “peeling” will look more like a fresh layer of skin coming to the surface. Please note that exfoliation can increase your risk of sun damage, so using sunscreen every day is an important step to protect your skin.
How often should lactic acid be used?
This depends largely on the formulation and strength of the lactic acid used. Weaker concentrates are often found in cleansers and face washes, both of which rinse off the skin and are gentle enough to be used daily, some even twice a day. These formulas are preferred by those with dry, sensitive skin, as they rarely cause much irritation.
For stronger formulas, like serums, it may need to be slowly incorporated into your routine, especially if you have sensitive skin. I also recommend using it only at night if the acid is at a higher concentration, as this avoids the risk of further damage to the skin from sun exposure.
Many people find that combining this acid with other ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide is an easy and effective task with few side effects. For stronger active ingredients, like retinol and salicylic acid, alternating each ingredient is recommended, as this gives the skin and pH levels enough time to rebalance in preparation for the next treatment.
If you’re unsure how your skin reacts to certain ingredients, a 24-hour patch test can help you determine if it’s okay to apply it to your face while avoiding side effects.
Can lactic acid peels be used daily?
As I mentioned earlier, lactic acid is one of the gentlest acids for the skin. But that doesn’t mean it won’t cause irritation or dry out the skin. You may also find that overusing exfoliating formulas (especially ones as potent as exfoliants) can strip the skin’s protective barrier of the right amount of water and oil, leaving it vulnerable to further damage.
Therefore, it’s important to make sure you use your product as directed on the packaging. If you’re concerned about using certain acids, I recommend consulting your doctor or dermatologist to make sure you’re using the best acid for you and your needs.
Here are some more tips on how often to use lactic acid peels. Don’t forget to visit our Instagram for more help and to stay up to date on our latest product launches, exclusive discounts, and skincare tips.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
