Description

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)  used in over-the-counter skin care products and professional treatments. It’s naturally found in milk, though the lactic acid in today’s skin care products is synthetically produced. Lactic acid is used to exfoliate the skin, lighten dark spots, and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Lactic acid is a darling in the skin care world and one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids available. It’s used extensively in over-the-counter skin care products, as well as in stronger professional peels and treatments.

Lactic acid is specifically used to treat hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other factors that contribute to a dull and uneven complexion. Other benefits of AHAs like lactic acid include improved skin tone and reduced pore appearance.

Lactic acid is naturally found in dairy products; it’s what gives yogurt and soured milk that distinctive tang. Historically, dairy products have been used by people across the world to soften and beautify the skin. Cleopatra, legend tells us, regularly bathed in milk to keep her skin looking lovely. And it probably worked, thanks to lactic acid.

Concentration: 88%

Physical Appearance: Clear slightly thick liquid

Solubility: Water

Manufacturer Suggested Usage: 1-10% at cool down. The pH of the final formulation is just as important as the concentration level,  final pH should be between 3.5 and 4.5.

(Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) like Latic acid  may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.  Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product. Also,  start at a lower usage rate to check skin tolerance).

Common Uses/Benefits

Lactic acid exfoliates the skin. It helps the older, dull cells on the skin’s surface to slough away by dissolving the bonds that hold them together. Lactic acid speeds up cell turnover and stimulates cell renewal. That’s what’s happening on the cellular level. But what you’ll see is a brighter complexion, as well as smoother and softer skin. All alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate and improve skin texture, but lactic acid has an extra benefit you won’t get from its AHA cousins. Lactic acid helps improve the skin’s natural moisture factor, or the way the skin keeps itself hydrated. Basically, lactic acid helps to keep the skin moisturized and feeling less dry. When you use lactic acid regularly, it can also improve signs of aging. It stimulates collagen renewal and can firm your skin. Hyperpigmentation (AKA sun spots or age spots) fade and fine lines and wrinkles soften and smooth out.

It’s also used in topical treatments to treat eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. You should ask your physician before adding this to your skin care routine.

Lactic acid belongs to a class of anti-aging ingredients called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Other examples of AHAs include glycolic acid and citric acid. However, unlike AHAs such as glycolic acid, lactic acid is a bit milder. This makes a lactic acid peel a better choice for sensitive skin. Lactic acid may also be an option if you’ve tried another AHA in the past and found the product too strong. Despite the milder nature of lactic acid, it’s still considered a powerful AHA.

Its “peeling” effects will make your skin more vulnerable to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, so sunscreen is key. Make sure you apply sunscreen every morning and reapply as needed throughout the day.

If you have naturally darker skin, talk to your doctor or dermatologist before use. Chemical peels may increase your risk of hyperpigmentation.

Lactic acid is an incredibly popular AHA treatment, and one that has a good safety track record. As long as you’re listening to your skin, following the directions on the products you’re using, you’ll likely get good results with minimal irritation.

The key is to remember, no matter which lactic acid product or treatment you’re using, to protect your skin from the sun. So slather on the sunscreen daily. This is one of the best ways to protect your skin from premature aging, sun spots, and one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy any at age.

• Enhances skin lightening effects
• Improves collagen and elastin synthesis.
• Accelerates exfoliation and cell renewal.
• Removes the dead layer of the skin to reveal a fresher, more youthful appearance.

APPLICATIONS

•  pH control
• Facial and skin care products
•  Rejuvenating Products
•  Lightening Products
• Gentle exfoliating products
•  Smoothing  and softening products