6 Ways to Use Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

Lactic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is an ingredient found in many over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products. As an antioxidant and exfoliant, lactic acid gently removes dead skin cells, improves the appearance of skin and lightens dark spots. When used correctly, it can also help moisturize rough, dry skin.

To incorporate lactic acid into your skin care routine, first consider your skin care needs and skin type. People with oily skin may use lactic acid more frequently, while people with dry or sensitive skin may need to use it less frequently. Talk to a dermatologist about safe use for your skin type, especially if you are using a diet or prescription skin care products.

Once your dermatologist has cleared you to use products containing lactic acid, here are some tips to get started:

• Check the ingredients of your current skincare products: If you already use products containing other AHAs, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or retinoids, you may not need an additional product containing lactic acid. This is because these ingredients have exfoliating properties.
• Choose the type of product based on how often you want to use lactic acid: Cleansers and moisturizers are intended for daily use, while chemical scrubs or exfoliants are used less frequently. If you have dry or sensitive skin and don’t want to use lactic acid every day, you can choose a lactic acid exfoliant that you use weekly and opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser to use daily.
• Start with a lower concentration: Skin care products containing lactic acid contain concentrations of 10% or less. Higher concentrations of lactic acid are typically found in professional treatments like chemical peels. If you’ve never used a product containing lactic acid, start with a lower concentration, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Test a patch of skin to see how your skin reacts: For about seven to ten days, apply a quarter-sized amount of product to the inside of your elbow. If you do not develop irritation or rash, the product is probably safe to use.
• Follow the instructions on the package: Some product manufacturers recommend using their product daily, while others suggest once or twice a week. For best results, follow directions unless otherwise directed by a dermatologist.
• Wear sunscreen every day: AHAs like lactic acid make your skin more photosensitive. This means you may burn more easily in the sun or develop redness and irritation. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to prevent skin damage.

Products containing lactic acid remove dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover, which helps reduce dullness and improve the appearance and texture of your skin. Other skin benefits of lactic acid may include:

• Hydrates the skin: Although overuse of lactic acid can be drying, the ingredient has hydrating abilities. It can improve the appearance of dry, rough skin and help maintain hydration by drawing water to your skin.
• Serves as an antimicrobial: Lactic acid helps stop the growth of bacteria, which can help control breakouts. It can also help unclog pores and remove excess oil.
• Treats certain skin conditions: Research has shown that lactic acid can reduce the scales produced by psoriasis. Studies also show that it relieves itching and restores the skin barrier in people with eczema.
• Helps reduce signs of discoloration: Researchers have found that products containing 5 to 12 percent lactic acid are effective exfoliants. These concentrations may also be helpful in combating skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation (brown spots).
• Stimulates collagen production: Lactic acid is an exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell renewal. When this happens, it also stimulates collagen production in the skin. Collagen helps maintain skin structure and elasticity.
• Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles: As an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and promotes skin cell turnover, lactic acid can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Although lactic acid is gentler than some other AHAs like glycolic acid, it is still an exfoliant and can irritate your skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you should be careful when using any type of exfoliant. Using too much or applying it too frequently can irritate your skin.

Plus, regardless of your skin type, AHAs like lactic acid can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn and redness. For this reason, it is important to use sunscreen and take sun protection measures, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses when outdoors.

Here are some other potential side effects of lactic acid:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Burning
• Itch
• Peeling
• Drought
• Roughness

If you develop a rash, swelling, irritation, itching, or redness that does not go away or gets worse, even after you stop using products containing lactic acid, you should consult a dermatologist or other health care professional. They can assess your skin and make recommendations on how to relieve your symptoms. They can also determine if your reaction is an allergy or something else.

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) often found in over-the-counter skin care products. It works as an antioxidant and exfoliant and removes dead skin cells, improves the appearance of your skin, moisturizes and lightens dark spots. Lactic acid may also be helpful for people with skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

If you’re considering adding lactic acid to your skincare routine, consider your skin type and check your product’s ingredients. If you’re using products that already exfoliate your skin, adding lactic acid can cause irritation. Talk to a dermatologist to determine if lactic acid is right for your skin type and skin care needs.