Latest on our ingredients focus blog posts is Lactic Acid. Yep, you might remember this from PE lessons gone past, but have you considered the benefits of Lactic Acid for skin? Our Beauty Editor chats with our in-house Pharmacist to discover why your skincare collection needs a lil bit of Lactic in it.
What is Lactic Acid?
Lactic Acid is created within the body during strenuous exercise. It’s basically the body creating energy sources, as the body requires it more quickly than it can breathe in oxygen.
When it comes to Lactic Acid in skincare, it’s an AHA, which stands for alpha hydroxy acid. As an acid, it is a chemical exfoliant that removes the top layer of skin in a peeling way, rather than by scrubbing. It’s marketed as helping to reduce acne breakouts and help lessen the appearance of wrinkles, however Dermatologists would advise you follow up with a sunscreen to help prevent premature ageing.
Lactic acid is ideal for those with dry or pigmented skin as it gently buffs away dead skin cells to promote regeneration of new healthier skin cells. Lactic acid is also moisturising and suitable for sensitive skin.
Hira, HQhair’s Pharmacist
When should I use Lactic Acid?
When using acid-based skincare, it’s generally recommended that you apply the skincare product in the afternoon or evening, in order to minimise sun exposure shortly after application due to extra sun sensitivity.
We wouldn’t recommend using Lactic Acid on peeling or broken skin, to avoid any extra irritation.
Best Lactic Acid for Skin 2018
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REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask 50ml
Buy now with free deliveryFirst on our list of the best Lactic Acid skincare products is this exfoliating face mask by beauty brand REN. By combining with other AHAs such as Glycolic and Citric Acids, this resurfacing mask will help to renew your complexion in as little as ten minutes.
After the time’s up, remove the mask with the provided muslin cloth and a little bit of water. It gets to work on hyperpigmentation and acne scars with the aim of reducing their appearance.
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Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 8% Toner
Buy now with free deliveryAfter cleansing, utilise the power of Lactic Acid for skin with Peter Thomas Roth‘s Toner, which you may apply to your face and neck with a soaked cotton pad.
Combined with 8% Glycolic Acid, this toner swiftly gets to work on excess oils and impurities, whilst also targeting fine lines, wrinkles and exposed pores.
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THE ORDINARY LACTIC ACID 5% + HA 2% SUPERFICIAL PEELING FORMULATION
Buy now with free deliveryWhen it comes to targeted skincare solutions at a low price point, of course The Ordinary come through with the goods.
Used like a serum, this 5% Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid formulation will help to exfoliate the top surface of the skin with a peeling effect.
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Continue Reading: our guide to the best The Ordinary products
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FIRST AID BEAUTY FACIAL RADIANCE PADS
Buy now with free deliveryUsed after cleanser and before moisturiser, these pads are filled to the brim with Glycolic and Lactic Acid, making them a neat option for those looking to efficiently add the ingredient to their skincare routine.
First Aid Beauty have created these Facial Radiance Pads with even sensitive skin in mind, and have combined with cucumber and Indian gooseberry to tone the skin simultaneously.
Easy to use and perfect if you are starting with acids
On-site review
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Continue Reading: our guide to the best First Aid Beauty products
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PIXI Peel and Polish Peeling Mask Lactic Acid
Buy now with free deliveryRestore skin health with this facial exfoliant by PIXI. This Lactic Acid for skin is mixed with natural fruit enzymes and sugar extracts to gently help renew the complexion with a smoother and refined final effect.
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AMELIORATE TRANSFORMING BODY LOTION FRAGRANCE FREE
Buy now with free deliveryAdd some Lactic Acid to your chill time with this new-in bath milk from AMELIORATE. This emollient bath product helps to renew the body’s skin texture, whilst also leaving your body moisturised and smooth without the need to apply a body moisturiser afterwards.
Suitable for all skin types, this has been Dermatologist-approved and is completely fragrance-free.
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MÁDARA BRIGHTENING AHA PEEL MASK
Buy now with free deliveryIf you’re after a brightened complexion, then this MÁDARA face mask filled with AHAs will be the perfect option.
Use as a mid-point between cleanser and toner – almost like a second cleanse – helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter and renewed complexion.
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Continue Reading: our guide to the best face mask
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KMS TAME FRIZZ SMOOTHING RECONSTRUCTOR
Buy now with free deliveryIf you’re after Lactic Acid for hair, then KMS have got you sorted. This hair mask uses AHAs to revive dry hair and Lactic Acid is used to support internal reconstruction, thereby smoothing the surface and improving manageability.
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STARSKIN Magic Hour Exfoliating Foot Mask
Buy now with free deliveryWe’re sure you’ve seen these foot masks doing the rounds on Instagram, and there’s a lot of science behind the peeling foot mask trend. These STARSKIN exfoliating foot mask socks will remove the outer layer of skin on the feet to help remove dead skin cells and reveal softer feet – perf’ sandals prep.
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GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD MASK
Buy now with free deliveryLast on our list of the best Lactic Acid products for skin is this cult-fave face mask by GLAMGLOW. Formulated for most skin types (we’d avoid if you have particularly sensitive skin), this mask adds in Glycolic and Salicylic Acid to help smooth pigmentation.
STARSKIN also claim that the Supermud Mask encourages collagen synthesis, helping to reveal a more youthful complexion.
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Continue Reading: our guide to thebest GLAMGLOW mask
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