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 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.
