Tips & Tutorials

INTO IT: LACTIC ACID FOR SKIN

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

  1. REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask 50ml
    £40.00 Buy now with HQhair

    REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask 50ml

    First 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.

     

    Buy now with free delivery
  2. Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 8% Toner
    £34.00 Buy now with HQhair

    Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 8% Toner

    After 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.

    Buy now with free delivery
  3. THE ORDINARY LACTIC ACID 5% + HA 2% SUPERFICIAL PEELING FORMULATION
    £6.00 Buy now with HQhair

    THE ORDINARY LACTIC ACID 5% + HA 2% SUPERFICIAL PEELING FORMULATION

    When 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.

    Continue Reading: our guide to the best The Ordinary products

    Buy now with free delivery
  4. FIRST AID BEAUTY FACIAL RADIANCE PADS
    £30.00 Buy now with HQhair

    FIRST AID BEAUTY FACIAL RADIANCE PADS

    Used 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

    Continue Reading: our guide to the best First Aid Beauty products

    Buy now with free delivery
  5. PIXI Peel and Polish Peeling Mask Lactic Acid
    £26.00 Buy now with HQhair

    PIXI Peel and Polish Peeling Mask Lactic Acid

    Restore 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.

    Buy now with free delivery
  6. AMELIORATE TRANSFORMING BODY LOTION FRAGRANCE FREE
    £16.00 Buy now with HQhair

    AMELIORATE TRANSFORMING BODY LOTION FRAGRANCE FREE

    Add 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.

    Buy now with free delivery
  7. MÁDARA BRIGHTENING AHA PEEL MASK
    £15.58 Buy now with HQhair

    MÁDARA BRIGHTENING AHA PEEL MASK

    If 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.

    Continue Reading: our guide to the best face mask

    Buy now with free delivery
  8. KMS TAME FRIZZ SMOOTHING RECONSTRUCTOR
    £20.10 Buy now with HQhair

    KMS TAME FRIZZ SMOOTHING RECONSTRUCTOR

    If 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.

    Buy now with free delivery
  9. STARSKIN Magic Hour Exfoliating Foot Mask
    £13.50 Buy now with HQhair

    STARSKIN Magic Hour Exfoliating Foot Mask

    We’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.

    Buy now with free delivery
  10. GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD MASK
    £45.00 Buy now with HQhair

    GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD MASK

    Last 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.

    Continue Reading: our guide to thebest GLAMGLOW mask

    Buy now with free delivery

Reckon you’ve found the best Retinol products to add to your beauty collection?

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Looking for more information? Read our guides to the best of beauty in our “into it” feature

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Vanessa

Vanessa

Writer and expert