When to use Lactic Acid in Skincare Routine

Always follow the dermatologist’s directions, but when it comes to acids, it’s best to start gently and build up a tolerance.

You can start with a lower-concentration product (about 5% ) a couple of times each week, gradually increasing to every other day depending on your skin’s reaction. 

Do a patch test before using a lactic acid product to determine if you have any type of reaction. If you suffer severe irritation, stop using it and talk to your dermatologist about what to do next. 

What is Lactic acid? 

Carl Wilhelm Scheele, a Swedish chemist, was the first to isolate lactic acid from sour milk in 1780. Yes from milk.

Lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which is a chemical exfoliant. What was once a perplexing acronym has quickly become a standard in many skincare regimens. AHAs exfoliate dull, dry skin by breaking down the bonds that keep dead skin cells to the surface. This results in gentle and even exfoliation. Glycolic acid is an AHA that we all are familiar with. The main difference between lactic and glycolic acids is that lactic acid has a larger molecular size, which means it is less harsh on the skin, making it a better choice for sensitive and dry skin.

Benefits of using Lactic acid in Skin Care

Lactic acid has the ability to drastically improve the appearance of skin when used over time. 

Lactic acid can brighten the face and reduce pore size while also addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discoloration (age spots, hyperpigmentation). 

It works on all skin types.

Lactic acid is an effective but gentle exfoliator for the skin. It’s often tolerable for persons with sensitive skin. 

When to use Lactic Acid?

While the lactic acid serum can be used on a regular basis, most people can receive good benefits by using it two or three times each week. It is recommended to apply it in the evening. 

It’s crucial to utilize lactic acid wisely, just like any other acid. Don’t use it on skin that is inflamed or red.

Excessive use of any one acid over time can cause inflammation, which speeds up the aging process. It’s worth mentioning, though, that lactic acid irritates skin less than many other acids, allowing it to be used more frequently than other acids.

How do you use lactic acid in your skin care routine?

Lactic acid is found in a variety of products, including cleansers, serums, and face masks. When you decide to use lactic acid in your routine, you must remember to wear SPF every morning, because lactic acid, like other exfoliants, can create sun sensitivity. 

How often should I use lactic acid on my face?

It’s not a good idea to use lactic acid products every day, although it depends on the type. If you’re using a rinse-off product, such as a lactic acid cleanser, you can use it every day. If you’re using a lactic acid-based leave-on product (such a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), you should only apply it once or twice a week. Do keep in mind that lactic acid products (rinse-off or leave-on) should only be used at night.

Can I apply moisturizer after lactic acid?

Yes, you need to apply moisturizer after using your lactic acid product.It protects and moisturizes your newly exfoliated skin.

Keeping your skin moisturized will also aid in the prevention and relief of any potential redness or irritation caused by the use of lactic acid. Little redness and irritation are normal in the beginning and should subside with continued application.

What can you not mix with lactic acid?

It is recommended that products containing lactic acid and other AHAs not be used in combination with vitamin C. This is because the combination of acids will generate an imbalance in the skin’s pH levels, making the components ineffective. 

Lactic acid should also not be combined with retinol. Lactic acid and retinol are both exfoliating agents with a low pH. When you use many low pH products at the same time, you risk over-exfoliating your skin and damaging its barrier function.

Can you leave lactic acid on overnight?

Yes, you can. At night, apply a few drops to washed skin before applying oils, creams, and moisturisers. Let it absorb for a few minutes. 

Can I use lactic acid everyday?

Yes, lactic acid can be used every night; the exfoliating capabilities of this AHA are gentle and can remove any build-up of pollutants, debris that has accumulated during the day.

Lactic acid’s humectant properties make it ideal to use in the evenings to restore the proper amounts of water in the skin barrier. This will also repair any damage that has occurred during the daytime. 

Should I use hyaluronic acid before or after lactic acid?

Hyaluronic acid has the ability to bind water twice its weight, making it one of the most hydrating components combined into a variety of moisturizing solutions.

This powerful humectant may take in moisture from the environment and keep the skin’s surface barrier, as well as the skin’s lower layers, moisturized throughout the day.

Lactic acid is most effective as exfoliating toners and face cleansers.

By combining these steps with a hyaluronic acid-rich serum, you’re prepping your skin to achieve its healthiest state.