Can I use Lactic Acid and AHA Together?
Lactic acid has been known since the compound was isolated by chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele and pharmacist Boehringer Ingelheim in the 19th century. One is made from sour milk and the other is a by-product of bacteria fermenting
sugar and milk starch. Lactic acid is gentler on the skin in many ways than its more powerful relatives, such as
Combats the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production to leave skin feeling firmer, plumper and younger.
Helps lock in moisture. Thanks to lactic acid’s moisturizing properties, it draws moisture into the skin and locks it in place, keeping the surface barrier healthy and strengthened.
Exfoliates the skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells, dirt, debris and other impurities.
Fights blemishes that can increase the frequency of acne and breakouts, while unclogging excess sebum and bacteria from pores.
Due to the larger molecular size, it remains gentle on the skin and prevents it from penetrating too deep into the underlying layers.
Suitable for all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity and redness.
For more on lactic acid, see this blog post from Beauty Insider. So, whenever possible, check it out and dig in.
What should lactic acid not be mixed with?
Lactic acid can be used in conjunction with several other powerful substances while avoiding unwanted side effects. For best results, they are best used together.
To reap the benefits of all skincare ingredients, there are a variety of ways to use these two ingredients effectively, such as:
Option 1: Alternate the time of day to use each ingredient. If you decide to use ingredients like glycolic acid and lactic acid, try using the latter in the morning and leave the former on until evening. This allows enough time
between applications for the skin’s pH to rebalance and stabilize.
Option 2: Once your skin has developed a tolerance, you can allow about 10 to 15 minutes between applications. This ensures that the product formula is fully absorbed into the skin and is ready for the next step in your daily
care.
These methods are considered the most effective and easiest ways to combine lactic acid with other ingredients such as glycolic acid, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. However, if these ingredients are new to you and your skin, I
recommend doing a patch test on the inside of your forearm. If there are no signs of irritation, this is a clear indication that you can apply the product to your face.
Can lactic acid be used after an AHA-BHA peel?
No, lactic acid is not recommended after an AHA or BHA peel. This is mainly because chemical peels are a professional treatment that contain significantly higher amounts than those found in over-the-counter formulations. It is
important to give the skin the rest it needs after treatment. Avoid lactic acid or other exfoliants and strong ingredients like vitamin C or retinol. Opt for hyaluronic acid, which soothes the skin and locks in moisture.
Is it okay to use lactic acid every day?
Yes, it’s okay to use lactic acid on a daily basis, but be prepared for skin irritation if you overdo it. Although it is considered one of the gentlest chemical peels, it is still a peel that works on the surface of the skin and
increases the rate of skin cell renewal. If ingredients that increase skin cell turnover are overused, the skin can become irritated, red, itchy and uncomfortable.
To get the most out of lactic acid, I recommend using it once a day, along with an exfoliating toner or face wash, as they contain a lower percentage of active ingredients. Once your skin develops a tolerance, you can switch to
a serum or other product that leaves a higher percentage on the skin.
Does Lactic Acid Cause Acne?
Yes, lactic acid can cause breakouts, especially if you’re not familiar with these or other exfoliating ingredients. This is because exfoliating skin ingredients can lead to detoxification, i.e. blemishes and breakouts.
Detoxing does not cause long-term problems and usually goes away on its own within a few days or two. If your acne and blackheads persist longer than expected, consult your doctor or dermatologist as you may need to find another
ingredient that better suits your skin needs.
If you want to learn more about chemical peels and the acne they cause, you can check out our dedicated blog post on lactic acid and skin cleansing.
How to add lactic acid to your skin care routine?
Lactic acid is found in a range of skin care formulations, from toners to serums. How to incorporate lactic acid into your daily diet depends on the product’s formulation. It’s important to remember how to apply skin care
products most effectively, starting with the thinnest consistency and working your way up to the thickest. This allows active ingredients to be absorbed by the skin without having to compete with the physical barrier made up of
thick layers of serum or moisturizer.
You can find more information on using lactic acid and AHAs together there. Don’t hesitate to find one of our skin experts on Procoal’s Instagram. They will be happy to help you!
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
