How to Add Lactic Acid to Your Skincare Routine?
With modern technology and increased common sense about skincare ingredients, acids no longer have the bad reputation they once did. Concerns about burning or peeling skin are certainly a thing of the past, but does that mean we can use acids as much as we want?
Granted, skincare formulations are now so advanced that each ingredient works effectively and synergistically with minimal side effects. But can the same be said when different acids are layered on top of each other? This brings us to today’s blog post, in which, with any luck, we’ll answer the question, “Can I use lactic acid in addition to AHAs?”
What are AHAs?
AHAs, also known as alpha hydroxy acids, are a group of chemical exfoliants that are typically derived from plant and animal sources.
AHAs are commonly formulated in many different skincare products, such as serums, toners, cleansers, masks, and moisturizers.
The most commonly used acids include glycolic, lactic, malic, mandelic, citric, and azelaic acids.
AHAs are the most water-soluble and act on the outer surface of the skin. They remove dead skin cells and debris that can build up and cause blemishes, blackheads and flaking skin.
Some AHAs can penetrate deeper into the skin, clearing dirt, bacteria, debris and excess sebum from the pores.
AHAs boost the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, making it firmer, plumper, younger and more elastic.
They target areas of hyperpigmentation, significantly reducing dark spots, age spots and sun damage on the surface of the skin.
Improve the appearance of aging skin, such as B. fine lines and wrinkles.
AHAs prevent breakouts and reduce the risk of breakouts on the surface of the skin.
If you want to learn more about AHAs and their benefits for the skin, read our dedicated blog post.
What is lactic acid?
It is obtained from acidic dairy products, such as milk, and promotes the absorption of fermentable compounds contained in lactose.
They are considered the gentlest of AHAs due to their larger molecules, which means they will not penetrate too deeply into the skin and increase irritation.
Helps break up dead skin cells bound to the skin’s surface, which can lead to acne, flaky patches, signs of aging and a dull complexion.
Gently exfoliates the skin, clearing the surface barrier and helping other ingredients absorb quickly.
Has unique hydrating properties, meaning it draws humectants into the skin and holds them on the surface. This allows the skin barrier to contain the correct ratio of water and oil and be strong enough to resist damage from free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, central heating and other environmental aggressors.
Reduces signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and loss of firmness.
Learn more about this smart acid at Beauty Insider.
Can AHAs and Lactic Acid be used together?
Yes, you can, but remember that these ingredients layer on top of each other and have different pH levels. Ideally, wait about 15 minutes between applications to allow the skin’s pH to balance and be ready for use
The following active ingredients can be prepared.
The order in which each acid is used depends on the skincare formulation. Needless to say, there is a specific way to apply your products to ensure they both provide the best results, from the thinnest to the thickest consistency. Lactic acid and other AHAs often have similar formulas, so it really comes down to your own preferences and the products you use in your skincare routine.
If you have a sensitive skin type that is prone to redness, then using lactic acid alone may help the most. Mixing with other acids can cause unwanted irritation, redness, itching, and discomfort. To prevent these negative effects, build skin tolerance first, then slowly introduce and layer other acids. If you have any questions about the use of lactic acid and other active ingredients, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.
There are also some examples of using lactic acid with AHAs, such as:
Alternate between ingredients throughout the day. Try using lactic acid in your morning routine and then another AHA in the evening.
Alternate between lactic or AHAs. You don’t need to use a chemical peel every day, especially if your skin is prone to sensitivity. Instead, you can choose when to use active ingredients to keep your skin healthy and happy.
If you find that your skin can tolerate using these ingredients together, all you need to do is follow a skincare routine that’s good for you and your skin.
What can lactic acid be used for?
Hyaluronic acid is considered the best combination with lactic acid. This is because hyaluronic acid, although called an acid, does not work the same way on the skin, but rather hydrates it. Thanks to their moisturizing properties
Hyaluronic acid can draw moisture into the skin and lock it there. The extra moisture will make your complexion plumper and look healthier. Clarity is improved, and fine lines and wrinkles are reduced.
How to incorporate lactic acid into your skincare routine?
A lot depends on the formulation of the product that contains lactic acid. As I mentioned before, there are many different products to choose from. From cleansers to serums. If you are new to lactic acid or other types of acids, I recommend using your products in your evening routine. This means you can reap the benefits without having to worry about overexposure to free radicals (such as UV rays), pollution, and bad weather.
There you can learn more about using lactic acid in addition to AHAs. If you still have any questions, find one of our beauty experts on Instagram.
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.
