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 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.
