Can 5% Lactic Acid be used on the body?
Lactic acid is a chemical peel with a long and slightly gaudy history. Queen Cleopatra is known to have bathed in sour yak milk and honey to keep her skin youthful, soft and radiant.
Lactic acid has continued to rise in popularity over the centuries. Many product formulas often contain AHAs because it can produce impressive skin results while being gentle on the skin. However, as with all acids, its percentage plays a major role in its effect on the skin. With this in mind, we can now take a closer look at whether 5% lactic acid can be used on the body. Stay tuned if you want us to figure this out for you, but before we get started, let’s quickly review what lactic acid is and how it benefits the skin.
What is Lactic Acid?
Derived from fermented carbohydrates found in milk, lactic acid is one of the gentlest acids in the broad alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. As a water-soluble skin ingredient, lactic acid absorbs quickly to provide balance and moisture to dry skin. This unique property gives the acid a distinct advantage over similar products such as the popular glycolic and salicylic acids.
In over-the-counter formulas, you’ll often notice a 5% to 10% difference in lactic acid concentration. For professional use, you’d expect a percentage of more than 30, which is often seen in chemical peels or facials. Stronger concentrations don’t produce faster, more effective results. Finding the best formula really depends on how your skin accepts the product and whether you see results. Remember, everyone’s skin is different. So when you find a product that works for you, stick with it and reap the rewards.
Lactic acid has many benefits for the skin. Here are some of the most important ones that many people appreciate, such as:
Increases skin cell turnover and removes layers of dead skin cells that build up over time and can make the complexion appear dull.
May help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. This makes the skin look plumper and feel firmer.
Can remove bacteria, dirt, debris, and excess sebum that clog pores.
It works similarly to a moisturizer, meaning it attracts moisture around the skin and locks it in place.
Many people with dry, sensitive skin types love it because the large molecule size prevents the acid from penetrating too deeply into the skin.
Improves the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, helping to lock moisture into the skin barrier to keep it healthy and functioning properly.
Fights hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and age spots.
Known as a highly effective ingredient in fighting pilaris catarrh. This is a skin condition that manifests as small bumps that appear on the surface of the skin that resemble “chicken skin.”
Used as an effective topical treatment for fighting psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema.
Although lactic acid is gentle on the skin, it’s important to remember that it’s still an exfoliant, which means there’s an increased risk of sun sensitivity. Because new skin cells are constantly appearing on the surface, the skin is more susceptible to sunburn from even mild UV exposure. Applying an SPF 30 or higher daily can prevent sunburn and sun damage.
You’ll also find that lactic acid can cause some minor skin irritation, such as redness, burning sensations, flaking, dryness, and itchy skin. These are rare and should be kept mild. However, if they become increasingly irritating or painful, you need to see a doctor or healthcare professional.
Can I use lactic acid on my body?
Yes, you can definitely use lactic acid on your body. Since it is very gentle, you can safely apply it to your body while avoiding unnecessary irritation.
Ideally, you should avoid applying lactic acid to cuts or open wounds, as this can sting and cause further irritation. You often find that the skin on your body is often forgotten, even though it needs light exfoliation just like your face. By using a body lotion enriched with lactic acid, you can remove all the dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and other impurities that have settled on the surface of your skin. This is considered to be the most effective formula for fighting acne breakouts on the chest, back, and shoulders.
What does 5% lactic acid do for your skin?
You will rarely find lactic acid in over-the-counter skin care products that contain more than 5%. This is because these formulas are designed to be applied to the skin twice a day. The result is plumper, firmer, and thicker skin without the worry of irritation and side effects caused by overuse of the acid.
If you want to use a higher percentage of lactic acid, chemical peels are the best results for you. Make sure you find the right beauty professional to perform the exfoliation as this will help you achieve your skin goals without irritation, redness and rashes.
Is 5% Lactic Acid Strong?
Yes, 5% lactic acid is strong and can be very effective for people with dry skin who cannot use other stronger acids such as glycolic acid. However, lactic acid is suitable for all skin types, especially with the added benefit of moisturizing the skin at the same time. One of the most common skin mistakes made by people with oily skin is using a higher concentration of exfoliating acid.
This often results in the skin being stripped of sebum, leading to excessive oil production, which can cause acne, clogged pores and blackheads. If you have oily skin, strong acids are not good for your skin and you can exfoliate with lactic acid without the side effects.
That’s it, more about lactic acid and whether you can use 5% lactic acid on your body. Don’t forget to visit us on Instagram if you have any other questions.
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.
