**Can Lactic Acid Lead to Skin Purging?**
Have you ever tried a new skincare product only to find your skin breaking out or flaring up with blemishes? Don’t be too quick to assume it’s a bad reaction—it might not be what you think! While it’s possible that certain ingredients in the product, such as a heavy face cream or something you’ve never used before, could be the cause, the breakout might also be due to a natural skin response called *purging*. If you’re not familiar with this term, don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’ll focus on skin purging related to AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), particularly lactic acid, as it’s known to be one of the milder exfoliants in skincare.
### What Exactly Is Skin Purging?
Purging is often confused with a typical breakout, but it’s a different process. Unlike breakouts caused by clogged pores, purging happens when active ingredients, such as exfoliants, speed up the skin’s cell turnover rate. This means the top layer of dead skin cells is sloughed off, which eventually leads to a brighter, smoother complexion. However, during the purging phase, you might experience more blackheads or pimples as your skin works to expel impurities from the deeper layers of your pores. The purging phase usually lasts anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, it’s important to stick with the product to allow your skin to build tolerance and fully benefit from the treatment.
### What Does Skin Purging Feel Like?
Purging typically presents as small, red bumps that may feel tender or painful to the touch. You’ll also notice common blemishes such as blackheads or whiteheads emerging. This can be easily mistaken for an acne flare-up, but the key difference is that purging is part of the skin’s natural process of detoxifying. Since these red bumps can look and feel like irritation or an allergic reaction, it’s always a good idea to patch test any new product first. Apply a small amount (about the size of a 10-pence coin) to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours to check for any signs of irritation. If no redness or itching occurs, it’s generally safe to use the product on your face.
### How Long Does Purging Last?
Typically, purging begins within 2 weeks of starting a new product, particularly if it contains exfoliating acids like lactic acid or glycolic acid. Our skin naturally renews itself every 28 days, but as we age, this process can slow down, leading to a build-up of dead skin cells, which can cause a dull, uneven complexion. When you start using exfoliating products, you may speed up this renewal process, which could lead to a purging phase that lasts anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. However, because everyone’s skin is unique, it’s hard to predict exactly how long it will last. If purging continues beyond 6 weeks, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist to rule out other issues and make any necessary adjustments to your skincare routine.
### Which Acids Cause Purging?
Several skincare ingredients can trigger purging, including:
– **Retinoids/retinols**
– **AHAs**, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid
– **BHAs**, particularly salicylic acid
These acids are chemical exfoliants that help remove the top layer of dead skin cells and clear out impurities from the pores. After the initial purging phase, you’ll likely notice an improvement in skin clarity, and other products will absorb more effectively.
### Can Lactic Acid Harm Your Skin?
No, lactic acid is one of the gentler AHAs used in skincare. Unlike other acids like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, lactic acid has a larger molecular structure, meaning it works only on the outer layers of the skin. This makes it suitable for most skin types and less likely to cause irritation or penetrate too deeply into the dermis. Additionally, lactic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the surrounding environment, helping to keep your skin hydrated and plump, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
### How Long Does Lactic Acid Purging Last?
Similar to other purging phases, you can expect the effects of lactic acid to last between 4 and 6 weeks. Since lactic acid is considered gentle, you might find that the purging phase doesn’t last as long as with other stronger acids. However, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to flare-ups, it’s especially important to do a patch test before using lactic acid on your face. If the purging seems excessive or continues beyond 6 weeks, consult with a dermatologist for advice on adjusting the product usage.
To sum up, purging is a natural part of your skin’s adaptation to exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid. Although the initial phase may seem uncomfortable, it’s an important step toward clearer, brighter skin in the long term. Be patient and stay consistent with your routine, and your skin will thank you for it.
For more in-depth tips on lactic acid and its benefits, check out our dedicated blog post! Plus, don’t miss out on more skincare advice—subscribe to our YouTube channel, *The Green Sofa*—we’re sure you’ll love it!
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.
