7 Benefits Of Lactic Acid For Skin & Why It’s The New IT Ingredient

Cleopatra had it right when she bathed in milk, because clearly her glow still stands to be one of the most remembered! Known for its multiple skin-loving properties, milk actually hosts this one ingredient known as lactic acid—and that’s what makes it so special. Lactic acid is an exfoliating acid that is present in sour milk that basically helps you get that glow. Clearly, Cleopatra knew what she was doing in Ancient Egypt, because the use of lactic acid has really caught on and become the ‘it’ thing of the skincare world. The benefits of lactic acid for skin are endless. Other than being a mild alpha hydroxy acid, this one is actually quite adaptable to all skin types and helps improve your overall complexion and glow. Scroll down as we break down everything you need to know about lactic acid for skin, its benefits, and how to use it in the right manner.

What Is Lactic Acid And How Does It Work?

Looking for how to get glowing skin? Lactic acid is the answer! Think of lactic acid as a mild exfoliator that hails from the alpha hydroxy family. Fun fact: It was actually discovered in the 1800s by a Swedish chemist. Like most AHAs, it helps remove the dead layer of skin cells that sits on the surface of your skin. It works in the manner where it loosens that top layer of the dead skin and breaks them down. Lactic acid for skin basically dissolves that layer and ‘peels’ it off so that smoother and healthier skin is revealed. This in turn, paves the way for more benefits for your skin.

Benefits Of Lactic Acid For Skin Care

Benefit 1: Treats Acne

Acne is the result of bacteria that festers within your pores. Lactic acid for skin is known to have bacteria-killing properties, which helps soothe and treat pimples. Plus, since it exfoliates the dead skin cells, it prevents pores from getting clogged in the future. It works as a great face cleanser!

Benefit 2: Increases Skin’s Cell Turnover

When you apply lactic acid for skin, you help increase your skin’s cell turnover. The exfoliation takes away the bad and paves the way for good, resulting in healthy glowing skin.

Benefit 3: Reduces Signs Of Ageing

Did you know that lactic acid for skin helps reduce the signs of ageing? Lactic acid has properties that help stimulate collagen and elastin, which in turn makes your skin look far more youthful and plump. This reduces the appearance of skin ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines, as well as fades away hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Benefit 4: Improves Skin Texture

Thanks to its ability to boost skin cell turnover and exfoliate the dead skin cells that tend to bring your skin down, lactic acid for skin helps improve your skin’s texture. This in turn improves overall complexion and makes the skin appear smoother, firmer, and healthier than ever before.

Benefit 5: Hydrates The Skin

Did you know that lactic acid is one exfoliator that also hydrates the skin? Yes, as opposed to its other chemical acid counterparts, lactic acid acts like humectant and draws moisture to the skin’s layers. It works as one of the best face masks for dry skin as it helps retain this moisture, and keeps skin nourished and hydrated for longer periods of time. This is what makes it perfect for dry and sensitive skin too.

Benefit 6: Improves Efficacy Of Other Skincare Products

Think of your dead skin cells as a layer that sits on the skin! That layer stops your other skincare products from penetration through the layers of your skin. This makes your routine far less effective than it could be. Sometimes even the best skincare products won’t work if your skin isn’t exfoliated properly. By using lactic acid on your skin, you exfoliate that layer which in turn helps increase the efficacy of the rest of your skincare products.

Benefit 7: Adds A Glow

Overall, lactic acid for skin helps treat many skin woes, which basically leaves you with a healthy glow. Just remember to use the best sunscreens for women, so that you can retain that glow. 

St.Botanica Recommended Lactic Acid Infused Skincare Products

AHA Lactic Acid 10% & Hyaluronic Acid 1% Gentle Exfoliating Skin Peel (Face Serum)

An AHA serum that contains 10% lactic acid and 1% hyaluronic acid, the formula helps exfoliate skin, boost skin cell turnover, and reduces fine lines too. It helps soften and nourish your skin, adds a brightening effect, minimises wrinkles, and even reduces the appearance of blemishes and dark spots. It’s one of the best face serums for women.

Antioxidant Boost Foaming Face Wash, 120ml

A foaming face wash that is packed with antioxidants, this one helps clear out dirt and grime without stripping it off its natural moisture. It contains lactic acid that exfoliates the skin, sugarcane extract that removes dead skin from the surface, green papaya that helps break down that dead skin, lemon peel extract that reduces pigmentation, vitamin C and vitamin E that helps boost skin elasticity and keeps skin moisturised, and finally aloe vera, that hydrates and moisturises the skin too. It’s one of the best face wash for women. 

Arabica Coffee Face Scrub, 100g (With Coffee, Caffeine & Cocoa)

A rejuvenating coffee face scrub that is formulated with coffee seed powder which helps exfoliate the skin and removes dirt and impurities to keep it fresh and clean. It evens out skin tone, deeply moisturises and firms the skin, and leaves it feeling nourished thoroughly. The formula makes it one of the gentle and best face scrubs for women.

Can Lactic Acid Be Used With Other Skincare Ingredients?

Due to its gentle nature, lactic acid is safe to use with other skincare ingredients. Actives like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C, work really well together—lactic acid in this case helps boost the efficacy of the other ingredients too.

Conclusion

If you’re a beginner or have really sensitive skin, lactic acid for skin is probably one of the best ingredients you can include in your skincare routine. Other than its exfoliating benefits, it helps moisturise, nourish, and boost your skin’s health. It’s the perfect go-to for that gentle care.

Frequently Asked Questions On Lactic Acid For Skin

How long does lactic acid take to work?

According to experts, lactic acid shows results after 2 weeks of consistent use.

Who should use lactic acid?

All skin types can feel free to use lactic acid on their skin. Those with sensitive skin types will benefit most from it, as it helps exfoliate the skin without being too harsh.

Can lactic acid lighten skin?

Lactic acid can help fade away dark spots and pigmentation, and can also aid in brightening the skin too.

Can I apply lactic acid directly to skin?

Yes, you can apply lactic acid directly to your skin. 

Is lactic acid good for dark spots?

Lactic acid helps fade away dark spots and reduce its appearance, leaving your skin with a more even tone.

Does lactic acid remove tan?

Lactic acid is great for removing hand tan. Its exfoliating and brightening properties help reduce suntans, while soothing the skin.

Does lactic acid make skin glowy?

Yes, lactic acid has the ability to make your skin brighter and glowy. 

Do I need to wear sunscreen with lactic acid?

Brightening sunscreen is always recommended, no matter what acid you apply to your skin. Always wear SPF to protect your skin from the harsh damages of UV rays.

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