How to layer hyaluronic acid and lactic acid
“How can I use more than one acid?” is a question we often receive in our inboxes. Understanding how to layer skincare ingredients can be tricky at the best of times, but when you consider using acids together, things get even more complicated. Using the wrong acids together can lead to skin irritation and prevent both products from achieving their best results. However, finding a winning combination will give you the best skin possible.
Today we focus on two well-known and commonly used acids, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid. What they do for the skin and how to layer them when using them in your skincare routine.
Are hyaluronic acid and lactic acid the same?
No, they are not, but lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs and not only exfoliates, it also acts as a humectant. Praised for its hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture in the skin, leaving the surface layer and protective barrier fully hydrated and fortified, helping to protect against free radical damage from pollution, UV rays, central heating and other environmental aggressors.
The main difference between the two acids is that, unlike lactic acid, hyaluronic acid does not have exfoliating properties. Lactic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells that can lead to breakouts, flaking, and dull complexion. Conversely, hyaluronic acid nourishes the outer and lower layers of the skin, plumping them up, moisturizing, and visibly improving the appearance of the skin.
Can hyaluronic acid and lactic acid be used together?
While both products have “acid” in their name, they actually work completely differently on the skin:
Lactic acid
As part of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), lactic acid provides a chemical peel, or h. It removes the buildup of dead skin cells and clears impurities and bacteria from the skin. The beauty of lactic acid is that it is derived from fructose and sour milk, and is known as one of the gentlest AHAs because its molecular size is so large that it can’t penetrate too deeply into the underlying layers, causing skin reactions and irritation. You’ll also find that lactic acid has unique properties as a humectant, or h. It locks in moisture in the skin, keeping it healthy, plump, and youthful.
Hyaluronic acid
This skin hero is everyone’s favorite. Its ability to bind twice its weight in water makes it one of the most hydrating ingredients used in a variety of effective moisturizing products. This powerful humectant draws moisture into the skin, keeping the surface barrier and even the underlying layers of the skin hydrated all day long. This not only keeps the skin healthy, but also prevents possible skin irritation.
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between these acids, it will be easier to figure out how they work together. Because of the hydration provided by hyaluronic acid, there is no need to worry if irritation occurs due to lactic acid (although it is rare).
When using these ingredients together, it is important to consider the formulations, as they will determine how lactic acid and hyaluronic acid are used together. For example, I have found the most effective formulations containing lactic acid to be an exfoliating toner and cleanser. Then apply a serum containing hyaluronic acid. Here is how to prepare your skin so that it is at its healthiest and looks its best. If this sounds confusing, the next section is for you, as I will now go into more detail about the order in which lactic acid should be used.
In what order do you use lactic acid?
As I mentioned earlier, when using skin care ingredients, you need to pay attention to the consistency of the formula. The general skin rule is that skincare products should be applied in order from thinnest to thickest layers. Typically, hyaluronic acid is used in products that are left on the skin for the majority of the day. This is because HA’s moisturizing properties work tirelessly and continuously once applied to the skin.
You’ll also find lactic acid in a variety of products, from cleansers to toners to serums. By applying lactic acid before hyaluronic acid, you can give your skin the benefits of gentle exfoliation before restoring moisture after using a serum rich in hyaluronic acid. However, if you also opt for a lactic acid serum, allow 10 minutes between applications to ensure that each active ingredient in the formula reaches the areas needed to achieve your skin goals.
What Not to Mix with Hyaluronic Acid?
Believe it or not, given all the diverse ingredients in skincare, hyaluronic acid works for just about everyone! However, due to its moisturizing properties and ability to keep the skin’s natural protective barrier fully functioning, it’s important to consider which products and ingredients you combine with hyaluronic acid to ensure they’re the right fit for you and your skin.
This can be easily achieved by performing a 24-hour patch test on new ingredients or products to avoid unwanted skin reactions and irritation. If you have any further concerns, it’s best to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Can Hyaluronic Acid be Used with Niacinamide and Lactic Acid?
If you already use hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, introducing niacinamide into your routine isn’t as complicated as it may seem. Although niacinamide has similar benefits to hyaluronic acid, it has some unique properties that are helpful when used in conjunction with the rest of your skin care routine. Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid act as humectants, helping the skin to remain plump. The main difference between them is that hyaluronic acid binds more water to the skin, while niacinamide regulates sebum production, restoring balance to the skin’s surface and ensuring that any products you subsequently use work more effectively.
Can I apply a moisturizer after using lactic acid?
Absolutely, it’s a good idea, especially if you have a dry or sensitive skin type that may be irritated when using AHAs or other chemical exfoliants (even ones as gentle as lactic acid).Applying a moisturizer after using products containing lactic acid soothes the skin and creates a physical barrier in the outer layer, ensuring that the skin is protected from free radicals. These free radicals, like other factors such as pollution, UV rays and central heating, can also cause damage to the skin, leading to dark spots, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.
Here you have more information on how to use both lactic acid and hyaluronic acid in your skin care routine. Don’t forget to check out our previous blog post where we explain how to use effective skin care ingredients together.
If you have any questions or just want to say hello, visit 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.