Does Lactic Acid Cause Redness?
Have you ever used a new skincare product and suddenly found yourself with blemishes and rashes? This doesn’t necessarily mean what you first thought! Granted, it could be due to the ingredients in the formula you’re trying, especially if it’s a rich cream or it contains certain ingredients you haven’t yet incorporated into your skincare routine. Usually we would recommend that you stop using these products altogether. Another reason for redness in the skin could be a normal skin reaction called erythema. If you’ve never heard of it, we’ve made a perfect day!
In this blog post, we explore the redness that can be caused by AHAs, especially lactic acid, as it’s known as one of the gentlest chemical peels.
What is Redness?
What is often mistakenly thought of as a sudden flushing of the skin is actually caused by ingredients that clog the pores. Instead, the long-term effect of skin cleansing is to increase cell turnover by removing the top layer of dead skin, making the complexion look younger, fresher, and more radiant. The downside to this is that the accelerated exfoliation of the skin in the short term can lead to a lot of blackheads and rashes. This will usually last 4-6 weeks and the product needs to be used consistently to ensure the skin develops tolerance and reaps the full benefits of cleansing the skin and removing all the excess dirt beneath the pores.
How does cleansed skin feel?
You will notice that the marks from cleansing look like small red bumps which can sometimes be painful to the touch. You will also notice more common blemishes that appear during cleansing such as: B. Whiteheads and blackheads, which explains why they are often confused with acne. As the red bumps can look and feel like an allergic reaction or irritation, we always recommend doing a patch test, applying a 10p-sized amount of the product to the inside of your forearm and leaving it on the skin for 24 hours. If there are no signs of skin irritation after this time, this is a good sign that your skin is happy with the formula and you can safely use it topically without any reaction.
How long does it take to cleanse the skin before it heals?
Generally, a cleanser can start to work on your skin two weeks after you first use a new skincare product, especially if it contains ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover, such as chemical peels (AHAs), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, being two of the most popular. Normally, the skin renews its cell cycle every 28 days, a process that slows down with age, often leading to a buildup of cells that can make the complexion look dry, dull, and cause premature signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Skin cleansing effects can be expected to last up to 6 weeks. However, keep in mind that everyone has different skin, so it’s difficult to say for sure how long a cleanse will last. Many experts and dermatologists say anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks is normal. However, if you continue to see symptoms for longer than that, you should see your doctor or dermatologist to discuss what steps you can take to calm and reduce breakouts, especially if adjustments to the product’s dosage or frequency of use are needed.
Which acids work as cleansing agents?
Some acids and certain ingredients can provide a cleansing action, such as:
Retinol/Retinoids
AHAs, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid
BHAs, primarily salicylic acid
All of the ingredients mentioned have a chemical exfoliating action, or H. They remove dead skin cells and other dirt and debris from the surface of the skin that can lead to clogged pores and various breakouts and blemishes. Once the initial cleansing action of the skin wears off, you can expect the clarity of the skin to improve and other products to be better absorbed by the skin.
Does Lactic Acid Harm the Skin?
In short, the answer is no, Lactic acid is a popular member of the AHA family and is known as one of the gentlest substances in skincare formulas. Their molecular size is very large compared to other well-known ingredients such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid. This also makes this acid more widely used for all skin types, as it only works on the surface layer of the skin and does not penetrate too deep into the dermis, causing irritation and other reactions. Another advantage of using lactic acid compared to other stronger acids is that it is a humectant, which means it is a moisturizer. H. It draws moisture from the surrounding facial area and from product formulas and locks it into the skin, making it look hydrated, reducing visible signs of aging and giving the skin a youthful appearance. Complexion.
How long does lactic acid cleansing last?
You can expect the skin cleansing effects after the first use of lactic acid to last for a similar amount of time as any other cleansing effect, which is 4-6 weeks. As mentioned before, if you find that the side effects are still very active and noticeable, it is best to consult a dermatologist to find out how best to address this without over-drying and irritating the skin. Due to the mild nature of lactic acid, the cleansing effects may not last very long. Always remember to consider your skin type when adding ingredients to your routine. If you find that you have sensitive skin that is prone to redness and inflammation, it is best to do a 24-hour patch test to avoid any adverse reactions.
So there you have it, what is really cleansing and how long the cleansing effects can last on the skin. All AHAs have different benefits and can affect the skin in different ways. However, detoxing is inevitable, and while it may seem silly at first, in the long run you can expect your skin to look its best, feel good, and benefit from a well-thought-out daily skincare routine. If you want to know more about this clever acid, you can read our dedicated blog on lactic acid and its skincare benefits.
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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.