Can I use Lactic Acid after Salicylic Acid Cleanser?
Even if you are confident and have used these acids before, there is still a chance you can overdo it. Don’t worry though, it happens to the best of us, and today we will be looking into how to use lactic acid after salicylic acid cleanser.
But before we get stuck in, if you are wanting to know more about these acids you can find out more over on our Skin School.
What is Lactic Acid?
What is Salicylic Acid?
What cleanser should I use with lactic acid?
When it comes to finding a cleanser to use with lactic acid, you need to take into consideration what skin type you have. For example, those with an oily and blemish-prone skin will benefit by having a salicylic acid enriched cleanser followed with a toner or serum containing lactic acid. This will combat build-up of dirt and bacteria whilst regulating the production of sebum (natural oil found in the skin)
As for those with skin that is dry or suffering from mild sensitivity it is best to have lactic acid as the main chemical exfoliant. You can then team with this a hydrating humectant ingredient, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to ensure moisture is locked into the surface of the skin.
With lactic acid being the mildest of the chemical exfoliants you can team it easily with stronger acids without the worry of overly drying the skin and causing irritation. One of the main benefits of lactic acid is the fact it is one of the gentlest alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) making it suitable for almost all skin types to use in their daily routine. Much like all skincare ingredients however, I still suggest you consult with a doctor or dermatologist before introducing lactic acid into your regime. Once you have established the best formulas and products to use you will reap the rewards of a working skincare routine.
What can you not mix with salicylic acid cleanser?
It is considered best to avoid using retinol and salicylic acid together. However, the percentage of active levels of salicylic acid in cleanser formulas tends to be lower than that found in serums.
If you are wanting to use these ingredients together in your routine you can, it simply requires you to use them at the best time during the day. For example, use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning followed with a retinol enriched serum during your evening routine. This leaves enough time in between applications to see the results without the drying or irritated side effects. If you wanted to find out more, check out our blog post about what can you not mix with salicylic acid?
Is it OK to use lactic acid every day?
Although lactic acid is mild, it is still not advisable to use high levels of active lactic acid every day. As for cleansers and other products that rinse off the skin, these are considered perfectly fine to use daily. For formulas that are more potent and remain on the skin, such as serums and moisturisers should be alternated with other products containing complimentary ingredients.
Can you put lactic acid on pimples?
Yes, you can, but it is known that the most effective form of lactic acid to use when combating pimples is in a chemical peel form. With the potency of the acid at a medical grade, you’ll be hard pressed to find an over the counter (OTC) with the same active level of lactic acid.
If you are wanting quick results and reducing the appearance of blemished and breakouts, I suggest a chemical peel. For gentle and effective results that can be achieved at home over a matter of weeks opt for exfoliating toners, cleansers, or serums to combat any flare-ups in spots or frequent acne concerns.
Can you mix salicylic acid and lactic acid?
Yes, you can, if your skin is happy with you using a mixture of AHAs and BHA.
With salicylic acid’s small molecular size, it can reach the furthest into the pores and helping to unclog them easily. Lactic acid works on the outer layer of the skin sloughing away the build-up of dead skin cells that often leads to breakouts and patches of flaking skin. Lactic acid is unable to penetrate as far as salicylic acid meaning each acid are able work in different areas. This potent concoction needs to be used methodically to ensure your skin reaps the rewards and doesn’t suffer.
Does lactic acid help with blackheads?
Lactic acid is an effective exfoliating ingredient, but there are more acids available that deliver faster results and make light work of blackheads, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. These acids are more potent and can combat signs of excess sebum, bacteria, debris, and other impurities. The drawback however is the higher the potency, the higher the chance you have of suffering from skin irritation. Before using any new acids or skincare formula for the first time it is important to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying it all over the face.
When would you use lactic acid?
You would use lactic acid in your routine when you are experiencing certain skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches and lack lustre complexion to name a few. If you are wanting to address these concerns and have not yet used any form of chemical exfoliant, lactic acid is a great starting point, especially if you have a sensitive skin type that is prone to being dry.
You will find that lactic acid is formulated into several skincare products, from face wash, cleansers, exfoliating toners, serums, moisturisers, and face masks. This certainly ensures you would find the best product, formulation and active levels of lactic acid that would benefit you and your skin type.
So, I hope that today has cleared up some questions you were wondering about using lactic acid after salicylic acid cleanser. Remembering of course the correct order to apply your skincare products, from thinnest to thickest is an important part of an effective routine. Don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram for more skincare tips, exclusive discounts, and new product launches.
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.
