Lactic Acid…we hear about all the time in skin care! But who exactly needs it, and what does it do? Read on to get your questions answered…
WHAT IS LACTIC ACID?
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant contains Lactic Acid, as well as other exfoliating agents and skin conditioners.
- It’s an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which means it will exfoliate the skin. AHA’s help cell turnover to happen at a healthy rate (cell turnover slows as we age, so we want to maintain a qucker rate for younger, healthier looking skin)!
- It’s a form of chemical exfoliation. The goal of exfoliating is to remove dead skin cells and debris from skin’s surface. While Mechanichal Exfoliation achieves this through fine scrubbing ingredients, Chemical Exfoliation achieves it through gentle chemicals that clear skin and work from the “inside out”. Basically, Lactic Acid improves our complexion and works to improve internal functions as well.
- Cleopatra used to take milk baths to get bright, smooth skin! While they didn’t know why it worked at the time, we know that the Lactic Acid in the milk made skin look healthier.
WHAT DOES LACTIC ACID DO?
- Reduces fine lines
- Removes dead skin cells with minimal to no irritation
- Softens skin
- Hydrates
- Helps lighten sun damage, pigmenation problems
- Helps reduce hyperkeratosis (a thickening of skin caused by a buildup of skin cells, often displays itself in the form of groups of tiny, white bumps)
- Retexturizes skin’s surface
- Evens skin tone
- Stimulates cell renewal rate (which is crucial for healthy skin)
- Stimulates collagen
WHY LACTIC ACID OVER GLYCOLIC ACID?
When exfoliating first became mainstream, Glycolic was all the rage. The molecules of Glycolic Acid are smaller than Lactic, so the thinking was that it could penetrate better. After years of research, however, we see that Lactic Acid works just as effectively (and has added benefits that Glycolic just can’t offer)!
- Lactic Acid is less irritating
- Lactic Acid is proven to be slightly more effective at stimulating cell turnover
- Lactic Acid can increase Glucosaminoglycan’s (basically it is hydrating, Glycolic is not)
- Lactic Acid can suppress Tyrosinase (the enzyme that causes skin discoloration)…Glycolic does not
WHO SHOULD USE LACTIC ACID?
It can benefit so many skin types because of it’s many properties, and because it provides little to no irritation! Lactic Acid is especially beneficial to anyone wanting to get rid of sun damage/age spots or fine lines/wrinkles. It’s great as an anti-aging treatment, but can also help clear breakouts by clearing out the follicles.
WHO SHOULDN’T USE LACTIC ACID?
Anyone who is using Vitamin A (or any derivatives such as Retin-A, Renova, etc.), Accutane, Tazorac or any other medications that exfoliate the skin.
ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
When using Lactic Acid (or any exfoliant, for that matter) you should always be sure to wear a moisturizer with at least SPF15 every day! Exfoliating is removing layers of skin, which makes you more susceptible to sun damage. That means all of your hard work can go to waste if you don’t protect your skin.
Percentages can vary…not all products containing Lactic Acid are created equal! They won’t always give you the % on the packaging, but do your research. 5% is great for maintenance, but you don’t want to go over a 10% at home (you could do more harm than good).
Always speak with your doctor or skin care professional if you are unsure of what to use on your skin.
