What Can You Not Mix with Lactic Acid?
When using products containing lactic acid and other AHAs it is considered best to avoid applying them with vitamin C. This is because the mixture of these acids will create an imbalance in pH levels of the skin rendering each ingredient useless.
It can feel quite comical at times thinking about how derivatives of sour milk can deliver hugely impressive skin results. But that is exactly what lactic acid is and its benefits have been known about for centuries.Praised for being the gentlest of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) it can be used by basically all skin types, each one taking away specific benefits when using the chemical exfoliant in their everyday skincare routine.
What should you not use lactic acid for?
Many favour to use it in a toner or similar product, but this acid isn’t just restricted to exfoliating the skin. Lactic acid also contains humectant properties meaning it is able to balance the skin by pulling moisturise into the skin from the surrounding areas and formulations of skincare products. This enables the AHA to find its way into other skin and body products, such as gentle cleansers, hand creams and body moisturisers.
As you can see this is a very versatile ingredient and with its structure resulting in it remaining gentle on the skin, with the large molecular preventing it from reaching too far down into the lower layers of the skin, leading to irritation. In regards to what should you not use lactic acid for, well there really isn’t much you can’t do with this multitalented ingredient. As gentle as lactic acid is on the skin it is best you still perform a 24 hour patch test before using any product to ensure you don’t suffer with any skin flare-ups or irritation.
Can you use lactic acid and hyaluronic acid together?
Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that every, and I mean every single skin type can use. With its high volumes of water and hydrating abilities you’ll be mad not to include this ingredient in your routine. As for combining hyaluronic acid and lactic acid together, you are basically setting your skin up to receive a continuous flow of moisture throughout the day thanks to the humectant properties of both ingredients, but you’ll also find that using lactic acid to rid the skin of dead skin cell build-up will clear the way for hyaluronic acid to reach the lower layers of the skin and get to work.
This will then lead to you seeing quicker results such as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keep the protective skin barrier fully functioning and able to combat any free radical damage that your face comes into contact with on a daily basis.
Can you use lactic acid and vitamin C together?
Yes and no, vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient and is widely adored by many for its skin brightening and rejuvenating properties. Packed in antioxidants vitamin C can combat signs of dark spots by working on the lower layers of the skin, preventing excess pigmentation to work its way to the surface.
The only trouble is mixing lactic acid and vitamin C can be too harsh for the skin. Many skincare experts advise using these potent actives together, once enough time has passed between applications. Alternatively you can also alternate when you use each formula, for example, opting to apply vitamin C enriched serum in the morning, followed by lactic acid in the evening.
By using these ingredients in this way leads to vitamin C being a perfect teammate for lactic acid as each ingredient target similar skin concerns whilst working in different areas of the skin. This is why using vitamin C and lactic acid will not only restore the healthy, youthful glow back to your skin, you will also be able to give your skin the protection it needs from the elements and daily aggressors.
Can I use lactic acid every night?
Yes you can use lactic acid every night, the exfoliating properties of this AHA are on the gentle side of things and can rid the skin of any build-up of impurities, dirt and debris that have been picked up during the day. The humectant traits of lactic acid are also hugely beneficial to use in the evenings to restore the correct levels of water in the skin barrier which will not only accelerate how effective other ingredients are once you have applied them on your skin but repair any damage the skin has experienced during the day. Depending on your skin type I would firstly suggest using lactic acid in the evenings once a week then as time goes on and your skin builds a tolerance to the ingredient you will be able to use it twice a day. Should I moisturise after lactic acid? yes, it is considered beneficial to apply moisturiser after lactic acid. The main benefit of moisturisers are not only the formulations and active ingredients, but it is also a skincare product that can physically form a protective barrier on the outer surface of the skin. By ensuring the epidermis of the skin is fully functioning with the correct levels of water and oil you will find your skin can combat any damage that can come into contact with your face throughout the day. By this I mean pollution, UV exposure, central heating and bad weather, all of which can weaken the skin’s barrier making it more likely to flare-up with all manner of skin concerns. So, as you can see, preventing this from happening by applying a moisturiser after using lactic acid you will keep the skin healthy and allow the acid to work uninterrupted by contact with potential skin damage. How long does it take for lactic acid to work? Generally speaking, you can expect to see a notable difference in the skin after 4-6 applications of lactic acid during your daily skincare routine. As for chemical peels, on average about 2 treatments between 1-2 months will give the skin an overall improved look and feel. Luckily for us, lactic acid is gentle enough to use every day but keep in mind that results won’t happen overnight so try not to overuse the acid as this can cause irritation. There you have a little insight into what you can and can’t mix with lactic acid, don’t forget to come and find me over on the Procoal 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.
