What Should Be Avoided With Lactic Acid? A Complete Guide

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid are well-known for their fantastic effects on the skin’s look. The removal of dead skin cells, the softening of fine lines, and the prevention of acne are only some of the benefits.

Lactic acid is a common component of many skin care products due to its efficacy in treating oily and dry skin. However, those with sensitive skin should ease into using Lactic Acid products by starting with those with a lower concentration (5%). 

Even if your skin is not very delicate, you shouldn’t use lactic acid concentrations higher than 10%-12% around the home.

Which Ingredients Should Not Be Combined With Lactic Acid?

The Vitamin C

If Lactic Acid and Vitamin C are combined, the pH of the product will become more acidic, which can irritate the epidermis.

Various AHAs

Avoid combining it with other AHAs if you want your skin to stay dry.

Retinoic acid

Oral retinoids such as Retin-A or Refissa exfoliate your skin, so you do not need to add a lactic acid product to do so again. If you are expectant, lactic acid is an excellent and safe alternative to retinoids for treating aging.

How Should Lactic Acid Be Used on the Skin?

The crucial issue is how to use lactic acid for the skin.

Don’t fret; I’ve got you covered. Here are some ways lactic acid can benefit your face:

1- Add it to Night Routine

You should not use lactic-containing products during the day. 

This is vital because lactic and all other AHAs increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation.

After exfoliating your baby’s skin, apply moisturizer in the evening and sunscreen in the morning to protect it.

2- Work Up to It Gradually

The first time you use lactic, it will likely burn and turn your epidermis scarlet. 

Always perform a patch test before applying something to your entire face. A patch test will reveal whether or not lactic acid is beneficial for your epidermis. 

Nightly, apply a small measure of the lactic product to a small section of your forehead. This region has the heaviest epidermis. 

If there is only mild discomfort or tenderness after 24 hours, apply a thin layer of the lactic acid product to your entire face (but not your eyes!) once or twice per week in the evening (but not on your eyes).

3- Apply It To The Entire Face

Lactic acid is most effective when applied to the entire face (but not to the eyes, eyelids, or mouth). 

Since lactic eliminates dead skin cells, applying it all over the face is recommended for a thorough cleansing. 

We’d like to see uniform cell turnover throughout your lovely visage.

4- Having Less Is Preferable

Use less than a grain of rice for your entire visage.

If you apply too much lactic product to your face, it can irritate you.

5- Do Not Exfoliate Excessively

You should only exfoliate your skin once or twice per week, not daily. 

Exfoliating your skin excessively can cause it to become inflamed, irritated, break out, and feel parched, thereby accelerating aging. 

Excite yourself, but go only a little.

6- Avoid Facial Scrubbing

Lactic acid is a substance used to eliminate decaying epidermis cells.

 It can remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin without requiring you to exfoliate (unlike an actual exfoliator, which requires a little scrub-a-dub-dub). 

Allow the product to absorb and take effect.

What Should You Do After Using Lactic Acid on Your Skin?

Not to forget:

1- Put On a Lot Of Moisturizers

After using a product with it, use a lotion. 

Use lotion twice daily (in the morning and the evening) to protect and hydrate skin that has just been exfoliated. 

Keeping your skin moist will also help you avoid and get rid of any swelling or discomfort that your lactic product might cause. 

Again, heat and discomfort are normal and should disappear as you use it.

2- Say Yes to SPF

It’s essential. The FDA says that people with lactic put on their skin should wear sunscreen to protect it from UV damage.

Like all alpha hydroxy acids, lactic removes dead skin and shows new skin. However, this unique skin is susceptible to UV rays and sun damage. 

Use sunscreen every day because of this. ALL THE TIME. The end.

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy used on the face to eliminate dead skin cells and help eliminate dark spots and fine lines.

What Is The Purpose Of Using Lactic Acid?

The objective is the same whether you apply lactic moisturizer to your armpits and legs or a lactic acid peel to your face: exfoliation.

This effective AHA dissolves dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, which can assist in some ways:

• Reduce the look of fine lines and creases 
• Reduce roughness and bumpiness
• Reduce hyperpigmentation 

Consistent AHA use facilitates the absorption of other skin care products. It can even stimulate new cell growth for a complexion that appears youthful. 

Lactic skin care products have the added benefit of inherently hydrating, distinguishing them from other AHAs and exfoliants.

Step-by-Step Guide–How to Use

There are numerous varieties of lactic skin treatment products. Here’s how to use various types of lactic acid formulations:

• After cleaning your face, apply a small volume of lactic acid cleanser/body wash and lather in small circles before cleansing.
• Apply a teaspoon of lactic toner to clean the skin using your palms. You can apply it with a wet cotton swab or ball to your face.
• Lactic lotion: Lotions are typically designed for use on the body and can treat conditions such as keratosis pilaris or body acne. Apply similar to any other cream.
• Lactic acid peels are generally more potent than other products. Generally, they have a gel-like consistency and are applied directly to clean skin for 10 to 15 minutes before being rinsed off. Always use a moderate emollient after cleansing.
• Serums are also applied directly to spotless skin, but there is no need to cleanse them off. Again, use a gentle moisturizer after cleansing.
• Creams are typically used as the last stage of a skincare regimen; however, some acid creams are intended to be flushed off like a peel.

Conclusion

The alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) category includes acid, which exfoliates, enhances, and remedies the epidermis.

Lactic acid illuminates the skin, remedies discoloration, and gives users a more radiant complexion when used in skin care products.

It is normal to experience a tingling sensation during application, but more severe adverse effects may necessitate contacting a dermatologist.

Numerous beauty products, including cleansers, shampoos, and face lotions, contain lactic, making it simple to incorporate into your beauty regimen.

Always follow product instructions when using lactic, avoid mixing the product with other retinol-based products, and apply sunscreen.

FAQs

Are there any possible problems?

You could feel some tingling, stinging, or redness. 

What else can I use it with?

Although it can be used with other ingredients and products, sunscreen is essential when using lactic acid. Another critical step is cleansing the skin the morning after using lactic to remove dead skin cells.