How to Layer Hyaluronic Acid and Lactic Acid
“How can I use more than one acid?” this is a question that occurs quite frequently in our inbox. Knowing how to layer skincare ingredients can be tricky in the best of times, but when you consider using acids together- well that just makes matters slightly more complicated. Using the wrong acids together will result in the skin becoming irritated and will prevent both products from delivering the best results- having said that, finding a winning working duo will give you the best skin possible.
Today let’s focus on two acids that are well-known and well used, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid. What they do for the skin and how you can layer them when using them both in your skincare routine.
Is hyaluronic acid and lactic acid the same?
No they aren’t the same, however lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs that can not only exfoliate the skin but can also act as a humectant. Hyaluronic acid is praised for its humectant abilities and helps lock moisture into the skin keeping the surface layers and protective barrier fully hydrated, strengthened, and able to combat any damage caused from exposure to free radicals, such as pollution, UV light, central heating, and other environmental aggressors.
The main difference between the two acids is the fact that hyaluronic acid doesn’t perform exfoliating properties unlike lactic acid. Lactic acid is able to slough away the build-up of dead skin cells, which can result in breakouts, flaky patches of skin and lack lustre complexion. Hyaluronic acid works instead at hydrating the outer and lower layers of the skin ensuring they are plumped, moisturised with a visibly improved finish to the complexion.
Can you use hyaluronic acid and lactic acid together?
Both these products may carry the name “acid” but do in fact act completely different on the skin and here’s how.
Lactic Acid
As a member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) lactic acid provides chemical exfoliation meaning it can slough away a build-up of dead skin cells and rid the skin of any impurities and bacteria. The beauty of lactic acid is the fact it is derived from fruit sugars and soured milk and has gained the reputation as being one of the most gentle AHAs due to the fact its molecular size is very large preventing it from penetrating too far down in the lower layers leading to skin reactions and irritation. You’ll also find that lactic acid also has the unique trait of acting as a humectant meaning it is able to lock in moisture into the skin keeping it healthy and plumped with a youthful bounce.
Hyaluronic Acid
This skin hero is loved by all, its ability to bind water double the size of its weight enables it to be the most hydrating ingredients formulated into various effective, and moisturising products. This potent humectant can draw in moisture surrounding the skin and ensure the surface barrier, and even the lower layers of the skin remain hydrated throughout the day. This will not only keep the skin healthy but will also prevent any potential skin irritation from occurring.
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between these acids it’s easier to figure out how they can work together. Thanks to the hydration from hyaluronic acid any sign of irritation (however rare) from lactic acid will not be anything to worry about.
When using these ingredients together there is the formulations to take into consideration as this will determine how you can use lactic acid and hyaluronic acid together. For example, I find the most effective formulas containing lactic acid come in exfoliating toners and face cleansers. Follow these with a serum packed with hyaluronic acid you are preparing your skin to reach its healthiest state and look its best. If this sounds confusing, the next section is for you as I will now go into a little more detail about which order to use lactic acid.
What order do you use lactic acid in?
As I have already mentioned, when layering skincare ingredients, you need to take into consideration the formula consistency. The general skin rule is applying skincare products from thinnest to thickest. You usually find that hyaluronic acid is formulated into products that remain on the skin for most of the day. This is because the humectant properties in HA work tirelessly whenever it is applied to the skin and continue to work.
You will also find that lactic acid comes in various products, from cleansers, toners, and serums. By applying lactic acid before hyaluronic acid, you are allowing the skin to reap the rewards of gentle exfoliation before restoring moisture back once you apply a serum enriched in HA. If, however, you opt for a lactic acid serum as well, then allow 10 minutes between applications to ensure each of the formulas potent ingredients will reach the areas they need to be to work at achieving your skin goals.
What should you not mix with hyaluronic acid?
Taking into consideration the vast variety of all the skincare ingredients, believe it or not, hyaluronic acid is able to work well with almost all of them! With its hydrating benefits and ability to keep the skin’s natural protective barrier fully functioning. It is however, important to consider which products and ingredients you plan to use in conjunction with hyaluronic acid to ensure they are suitable for you and your skin.
This can be easily achieved by performing patch tests for 24 hours of any new ingredients or products to avoid any unwanted skin reactions and irritation. If you have any further concerns its best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist.
Can I use hyaluronic acid with niacinamide and lactic acid?
Introducing niacinamide into your routine when you already use hyaluronic acid and lactic acid is not as complicated as it may appear. Although niacinamide provides similar benefits to hyaluronic acid there are some unique traits that help work with the rest of your skincare routine. Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid work as humectants aiding the skin to remain plumped, the main difference between them is the fact that hyaluronic acid can bind more water to the skin whilst niacinamide regulates the sebum production restoring balance to the skin surface and allowing any products applied after to work more effectively.
Can I apply moisturiser after lactic acid?
Absolutely, this is a great idea especially if you have a dry or sensitive skin type that can become irritated when you use AHA or other chemical exfoliates even ones as gentle as lactic acid. By applying a moisturiser after using a product containing lactic acid, you’ll help calm the skin and form a physical barrier over the outer layers ensuring it will keep the skin protected from any exposure to free radicals. These free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays and central heating cause damage to the skin which results in dark spots, hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles. So, there you have a little more information about how to use lactic acid and hyaluronic acid together in your everyday skincare routine. Don’t forget to check out our previous blog posts series as we explain how to use potent skincare ingredients together. If you have any questions, or just want to say hi then come and join us 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.
