Yes, lactic acid can be used alongside other AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), but it requires a bit of caution and thoughtful application. Lactic acid itself is a milder AHA, which means it has a larger molecular size than other AHAs like glycolic acid and thus tends to be less irritating. However, combining it with other AHAs can still pose risks, particularly if your skin is sensitive or if you’re new to exfoliating acids.
What Is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is a chemical exfoliant that works by gently sloughing off dead skin cells from the surface. It also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin to maintain hydration. This makes it effective for addressing issues like:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Uneven skin tone
Acne and clogged pores
Dryness and dullness
It is considered a gentler option compared to stronger AHAs like glycolic acid, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Can You Mix Lactic Acid with Other AHAs?
While combining multiple AHAs like lactic acid with glycolic acid or mandelic acid isn’t inherently dangerous, it’s essential to approach this combination carefully to avoid over-exfoliating or irritating the skin.
Here are a few methods you can follow if you want to use lactic acid with other AHAs:
Alternate the Time of Day:
Use lactic acid in the morning and glycolic acid or another stronger AHA in the evening. This allows your skin to recover and stabilize between applications, and helps prevent irritation.
Wait Between Applications:
If you want to use both lactic acid and another AHA on the same day, apply one first and wait 10–15 minutes before applying the other. This ensures that the product has time to absorb and that the skin’s pH has balanced out before applying the next active.
Layer Carefully:
If you decide to use both acids at once, start by applying the thinnest consistency product first, which is typically lactic acid in a toner or serum. Follow with a thicker product, like a glycolic acid cream or treatment.
Is Lactic Acid Safe After an AHA or BHA Peel?
No, it’s not recommended to use lactic acid after an AHA or BHA peel. Chemical peels are professional treatments that typically use much higher concentrations of exfoliating acids. After a peel, your skin needs time to recover and regain its strength. Using an additional acid (like lactic acid) immediately after a peel could lead to over-exfoliation, causing irritation, redness, and even damage to the skin barrier.
Can You Use Lactic Acid Every Day?
Yes, you can use lactic acid daily, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Start Slowly: If you’re new to chemical exfoliants, begin by using lactic acid 2–3 times a week to build your skin’s tolerance. Gradually increase frequency as your skin becomes accustomed to the exfoliation.
Watch for Signs of Irritation: Overuse of lactic acid can lead to dryness, redness, or sensitivity. If this happens, scale back to using it every other day or every few days.
Use with Moisturizing Ingredients: Since lactic acid can dry out the skin, always follow up with a good moisturizer to lock in hydration. Pair it with a hydrating serum or cream, especially if you’re using it daily.
Does Lactic Acid Cause Acne?
In some cases, lactic acid can cause breakouts when you first start using it. This is usually a result of the skin detoxifying itself as it sheds dead skin cells. These breakouts are typically short-lived, and the skin will adjust within a few days to weeks.
However, if acne persists or worsens, it might indicate that lactic acid isn’t the best fit for your skin type or acne concerns. In such cases, it’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist.
How to Add Lactic Acid to Your Routine?
Lactic acid can be found in various skincare formulations, including toners, serums, masks, and moisturizers. Here’s how to effectively add it to your routine:
Apply After Cleansing: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and impurities. Then, apply lactic acid (typically in toner or serum form) on clean skin. Avoid applying on wet skin, as this can increase irritation.
Layer with Other Products: After lactic acid has absorbed (wait about 10–15 minutes), follow up with other hydrating or soothing products, such as a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer.
Use Sunscreen: Since AHAs increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen in the morning, especially if you’re using lactic acid as part of your daily routine.
Summary: Can You Use Lactic Acid and Other AHAs Together?
Yes, but with caution. You can use lactic acid with other AHAs like glycolic acid and mandelic acid, but it’s essential to either alternate their use (morning vs. evening) or wait between applications to avoid irritation.
Avoid combining lactic acid with stronger exfoliants like AHA/BHA peels or using it immediately after such treatments.
Start slowly and gradually build up tolerance to daily use, and always follow up with hydrating products to prevent dryness and irritation.
As always, if you’re unsure how to incorporate acids into your routine or if you’re experiencing any irritation, it’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
