Why Lactic Acid Belongs in Every Skincare Routine

The Science of Lactic Acid in Skin Care

Have you ever wondered why lactic acid has been a popular skin care ingredient for thousands of years?

Derived from natural sources like milk, fermented fruit or yogurt, this hydroxy acid has many benefits for dry, resistant skin.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain what lactic acid is, where it comes from, its benefits, possible side effects and its uses in skin care.

But before we get into the details, let’s start with the basics.

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The Best Lactic Acid Products

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What is Lactic Acid?

Lactic acid in skin care is a hydroxy acid that can play a positive role in many everyday situations. (3) Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that comes from natural sources like milk.

This class of AHAs and glycolic acid are known for their exfoliating and moisturizing properties, making them one of the most common ingredients in skin care products. (2)

Where does lactic acid come from?

Lactic acid used in skin care products does not come from the human body, although we do produce it ourselves.

For skin care products, lactic acid can be obtained from a variety of sources, but one of the most common sources is milk.

During the extraction process, lactose is fermented with the help of bacteria, which creates a chemical reaction that produces lactic acid.

(6) This natural manufacturing process ensures the safety and effectiveness of lactic acid used in skin care products.

The lactic acid produced during these reactions is used in a variety of products such as moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, lip balms, etc. along with other ingredients to perform their respective functions.

Common sources of lactic acid in skin care are:

Fermented fruits

Milk

Mushrooms

Sugar cane

Yogurt

Benefits of Lactic Acid in Skin Care

Lactic acid is a versatile and multi-purpose ingredient in skin care products. The main benefits of this compound in skin care include:

Humectant – Like other humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol, lactic acid locks in moisture, ensuring that the skin feels hydrated.

Lactic acid does not dry out the skin. (7,8) It is one of the so-called “natural moisturizing factors” (NMFs).

Exfoliation – Hydroxy acids like lactic acid have a low pH, which means they are acidic and can help remove dead skin cells.

(9) The skin is constantly exfoliating naturally, and this ingredient can support this process. (1) Exfoliation has anti-aging effects, treats pigmentation spots (13), and boosts collagen synthesis.

Acne Care – Another benefit of a low pH is its antibacterial properties. (10) Ingredients like lactic acid can eliminate acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

Lactic acid’s exfoliating properties also help to clear dead skin from pores. This ingredient is found in many cleansers because it effectively removes dirt and impurities from the skin. (11)

All of these benefits make lactic acid a great choice for acne-prone, dry, or aging skin that can tolerate a low pH.

Research has also shown that lactic acid is a good treatment for psoriasis (5) and xerosis.

To find out if lactic acid is right for your skincare routine, take our quiz by clicking the button below!

What skin conditions can lactic acid treat?

Lactic acid is used to treat a variety of skin conditions. The most common side effects are:

Acne

Skin irregularities

Pale skin

Pigmentation

Melasma

Keratosis pilaris

Rough skin

Sunspots

Xerosis

Folding

Side effects of lactic acid in skin care

Lactic acid has been extensively tested for use in skin care and is very safe to use.

(3) CIR, EWG and other research organizations have published reports on the safety of lactic acid in skin care products.

EWG emphasizes that the specific application of lactic acid determines its safety and rates it on a “1-5” scale.

At concentrations of 10% or less, there is a potential for irritation to sensitive skin. (12)

Lactic acid remains one of the least irritating hydroxy acids to the skin, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.

There are really only two main aspects to consider when choosing a lactic acid product:

It has a smell – this may not bother everyone and can be covered up or washed off, but lactic acid products generally have a noticeable smell.

Even extremely sensitive skin can experience irritation or burning – some people simply can’t tolerate products or ingredients with a low pH.

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), so it can slightly thin the stratum corneum and slightly reduce the skin’s natural SPF.

Therefore, if you use an AHA in your skincare routine, be sure to use SPF during the day.

Lactic Acid in Skin Care

For centuries, some of history’s greatest beauty icons have used lactic acid.

Cleopatra, known for her legendary aesthetic, is said to have bathed in yogurt that contained large amounts of lactic acid. (4) This practice left her skin incredibly soft and glowing.

Similarly, Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind rubbed buttermilk onto her shoulders to treat dark spots of hyperpigmentation. (5)

If you’re looking for an ingredient with countless historical precedents to use in your daily routine, lactic acid may be the right choice for you.

Lactic Acid Fights Acne

The antibacterial properties of lactic acid make it an effective tool in the fight against acne. It can help reduce acne by killing acne-causing bacteria and exfoliating the skin’s surface.

However, people with sensitive skin should be careful, as lactic acid can cause a slight burning sensation. (14)

Lactic acid fights skin aging

Exfoliation is key to anti-aging, and lactic acid is a great option. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by removing dead skin cells and boosting collagen production.

(1,9) In addition, lactic acid can counteract photodamage, thereby slowing the aging process. (15)

Lactic acid for dry skin

Lactic acid’s moisturizing properties make it a great choice for dry skin. It locks in and holds moisture, keeping your skin nicely hydrated.

(7) Lactic acid is relatively gentler on the skin than glycolic acid, but still delivers effective results.

It’s a great alternative to other moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Lactic acid is especially found in leg products, such as the prescription product AmLactin.

Conclusion

It’s crucial to incorporate lactic acid into your skincare routine.

Whether you suffer from acne, are looking for anti-aging benefits, or are battling dry skin, versatile lactic acid is the right choice.

If you’re not sure where to start, fill out the Baumann Skin Type Questionnaire to find the best product for your individual skin needs.

With the power of lactic acid, your skin will become healthier and more radiant!

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.

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