Yes, you can use lactic acid on your hands. In fact, incorporating lactic acid into your hand care routine can be an effective way to address common hand issues like rough skin, dark spots, and signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Our hands often show signs of aging before other parts of the body because they are constantly exposed to environmental stressors such as UV rays, pollutants, and frequent washing. Lactic acid, a mild AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), can help rejuvenate the skin on your hands by exfoliating dead skin cells, brightening dark spots, and improving texture.
What Is Lactic Acid and How Does It Work?
Lactic acid is an AHA that is known for its gentle exfoliating properties. It’s derived from sour milk (hence the name “lactic”) or kefir, and is one of the mildest acids in the AHA family.
It works by:
Exfoliating the skin’s surface, helping to remove dead skin cells and debris.
Improving skin texture and helping with signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Brightening dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which is common on the hands due to sun exposure.
Moisturizing the skin by drawing moisture from the air and helping to lock it in.
Because lactic acid has a larger molecular size than some other AHAs (like glycolic acid), it works on the surface layer of the skin, making it a gentler option that is less likely to cause irritation.
Benefits of Lactic Acid for the Hands
Lactic acid can address several common skin concerns on the hands:
Exfoliation and Smoother Skin: It can help remove rough patches and dry skin, leaving your hands feeling smoother.
Hyperpigmentation: It can reduce the appearance of age spots, sun spots, and uneven skin tone.
Moisturization: Lactic acid draws moisture into the skin, which is especially important for the hands, as they tend to dry out easily.
Anti-Aging: Lactic acid helps stimulate collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and firmness, reducing wrinkles and sagging over time.
How to Use Lactic Acid on Your Hands
Night Application: It’s often best to apply lactic acid to your hands at night. This minimizes exposure to environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution, allowing the acid to work undisturbed.
Patch Test: As with any new skincare product, it’s essential to do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin. Apply a small amount of product on the inside of your forearm, leave it for 24 hours, and check for irritation before applying it to your hands.
Lactic Acid Products: You can find lactic acid in various formulations such as:
Toners and Serums: Apply a thin layer to the hands after cleansing, similar to how you would apply it to your face.
Creams or Lotions: Some hand creams contain lactic acid, which can provide ongoing hydration while gently exfoliating.
Moisturize After Application: Since lactic acid exfoliates and can leave skin dry, always follow up with a nourishing moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Sun Protection: After using lactic acid, your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. Always apply a hand cream with SPF 30 or higher during the day to protect the skin from UV damage.
Does Lactic Acid Burn the Skin?
Lactic acid is generally considered gentle, but as with any exfoliating acid, it can cause burning, redness, or irritation if not used correctly, especially for sensitive skin.
To minimize the risk of irritation:
Start with a lower concentration of lactic acid and gradually build up.
If you experience any discomfort, rinse off immediately.
If you’re new to chemical exfoliants, start by using the product 2-3 times a week and gradually increase frequency.
Can I Leave Lactic Acid on My Hands Overnight?
Yes, many lactic acid products are designed to be left on the skin overnight, especially in the form of serums or creams. However, it’s important to ensure the product is formulated for overnight use and that your skin is not overly sensitive.
If you’re using a lactic acid peel (which may be more potent than regular creams or serums), it’s generally best to wash it off after 10-15 minutes or follow the specific instructions of the product you’re using.
Can I Use Lactic Acid After a Hand Peel?
If you’ve had a professional chemical peel or a hand scrub, avoid using additional exfoliating acids (like lactic acid) immediately afterward. The skin will be sensitive and vulnerable after such treatments, and further exfoliation could lead to excessive irritation or damage.
Give your skin at least 24 hours to recover before applying any exfoliating acids, and always follow up with hydrating products like hyaluronic acid or moisturizing creams to soothe the skin.
Conclusion: Should You Use Lactic Acid on Your Hands?
Incorporating lactic acid into your hand care routine can offer numerous benefits, including smoother, more youthful-looking skin. However, like any active ingredient, it should be used with care.
Apply it at night to allow it to work undisturbed.
Patch test before use to avoid irritation.
Moisturize after application to prevent dryness.
Always use sunscreen during the day to protect your hands from further sun damage.
If you’re uncertain about which product is right for you or how to incorporate lactic acid into your routine, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.
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.
