What Does Lactobionic Acid Do in Skincare and What are its Benefits?
When it comes to skincare acids there is very little these effective ingredients can’t do.
From combating signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation or brightening a dull complexion the powerhouse family of AHAs and BHAs will target them all in one swoop.
Having said that, there is a collection of acids edging their way slowly but surely into our skincare routine, Polyhydroxy acids, also known as PHAs.
I have previously discussed these acids before in a dedicated blog post, but today I wanted to focus on one in particular.
So, stick around if you want to learn more about lactobionic acid and how it benefits your skin.
What is lactobionic acid?
Lactobionic acid is the latest transforming skin ingredient.
Also known as LA, is found to naturally occur in the body as a result of oxidation of lactose.
As a member of the PHA family in recent years it has gathered some recognition amongst dermatologists and beauty professionals due to its impressive antioxidant properties.
This makes it a highly effective skincare ingredient as it has an impressive ability to protect the skin from free radical damage, such as pollution, UV exposure and other environmental aggressors. When the skin is exposed to these without any help from an antioxidant enriched compound a number of skin concerns begin to develop, from fine lines, congested and uneven complexion including hyperpigmentation.
What does lactobionic acid do for the skin?
With high levels of antioxidant benefits lactobionic acid has the ability to keep the skin’s natural protective barrier to remain fully functioning and able to tackle any free radicals.
But that isn’t the only skin benefits this clever PHA can provide.
It is an acid and can buff away any build-up of dead skin cells, debris and other impurities that can often lead the skin becoming lacklustre.
By gently exfoliating lactobionic acid is able to restore balance in the skin and giving an all-over marked improvement on the complexion and radiance.
You will also find that due to LA having a larger molecule size it therefore cannot penetrate through the skin too far creating any skin irritation.
Skincare benefits of lactobionic acid
Lactobionic acid is a member of the PHA family and is one of the most-gentle acids formulated into skincare products
Lactobionic acid can be used on all skin types but benefit dry and sensitive skins the most
Lactobionic acid contains antioxidant properties and can protect the skin from any free radical damage
Lactobionic acid can aid the skin in remaining moisturised
Lactobionic acid can gently slough away a build-up of dead skin cells that can make the skin dull and lacklustre
Lactobionic acid will improve the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation making them less noticeable
Lactobionic acid provides anti-ageing benefits reducing fine line and wrinkles
Much like every chemical exfoliant, lactobionic acid has been formulated into all manner of skincare products.
This will help you introduce the ingredient into your routine in the most convenient way and how it best suits your lifestyle, budget and daily skincare regime.
Although lactobionic acid is a very gentle facial acid, it is advisable to perform a patch test and consult a dermatologist to ensure its the right ingredient for you.
What is the difference between lactobionic acid and other skincare acids?
The main difference between lactobionic acid and other skincare acids is the fact it is a PHA, meaning its molecule size (as previously mentioned) is very large and cannot penetrate as aggressively as other acids, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid.
LA is able to provide the skin with exfoliation, ridding it of any skin concerns and impurities without any side effects (irritation, redness and dryness) that are often connected to more potent AHAs and BHAs.
The fact that lactobionic works mainly on the outer layers of the skin it is able to help the protective barrier to remain functioning with the correct levels of vital oil and water it needs to have the ability to combat environmental damage and other skin stresses due to its antioxidant, exfoliating and moisturising properties.
Which skin types can benefit from using lactobionic acid?
Many skin types will benefit from introducing LA into their routine.
However, those with sensitive and severely dry skin types will benefit the most as they will find they are able to use this acid to achieve the over-all glow you gain from the application of a chemical exfoliant,
something they have not been able to achieve in the past due to other acids being too harsh for the face.
You are well aware now of how lactobionic acid is one of the most gentle acids available on the market, this results in it being safe enough to be used by all skin types.
If you decide to use a lactobionic acid enriched serum and have established it is safe to use, you can start by applying a thin layer of serum on a fully cleansed face during your daily routine.
If you are using it in the day don’t forget to apply a SPF of 30 and above to protect the skin, due to the exfoliating properties of the acid your skin can become more sensitive to UV exposure.
How often can you use lactobionic acid in your skincare routine?
Generally speaking, to begin with it is best to use your acid once a day in your evening routine about 2 to 3 times a week ensuring you keep an eye on your skin for any signs of irritation.
Once your skin is happy and you have built-up its tolerance you can increase the frequency of how often you use it.
Another factor to remember is the type of product you are using that contains LA, for example, a treatment product, such as a face mask, can be applied as often as once or twice a week.
This is the best product to use if you find your skin to be more problematic and would benefit from a more frequent, yet gentle exfoliation to target any breakouts.
For more dry skin, serums applied in the evening will aid exfoliation and lock in any moisture, working overtime when you are catching up on your beauty sleep, leaving you with a refreshed and hydrated complexion for the morning.
There you have a few key points about lactobionic acid and its skincare benefits, though it isn’t as popular as its more potent cousins, this PHA acid is a secret to hydrated, glowing happy skin and we for one will be adding to our skincare routine!
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.
