LACTIC ACID
Ingredient Spotlight
A
cids are an intimidating bunch.
Just the name itself conjures up
thoughts of burns and red raw
skin, the kind once depicted on Sex and
the City after Samantha booked in for a
chemical peel, but acids shouldn’t all be
tarred with the same skin-stripping brush.
Glycolic Acid might win the popular vote,
but it’s Lactic Acid – the most universal
skin-smoother – that deserves its moment
in the sun. Derived from fermented milk
(the kind Cleopatra was thought to bathe
in) Lactic Acid dissolves the bonds holding
dead and damaged cells onto the surface
of the skin to create a smoother, more
even complexion but, unlike Glycolic
Acid, Lactic Acid has a much larger molec-
ular structure, meaning it penetrates the
skin at a much slower rate so the chance
of an uncomfortable tingling sensation
occurring is minimal. Clearing the surface
of the skin and the pores of debris is one
of the reasons Lactic Acid is a common
ingredient in products that treat acne and
keratosis pilaris, but it’s also a great entry-
level AHA for those new to acids and those
with sensitive skin.
While Lactic Acid’s exfoliating powers
grab most of the attention, its hidden
talent is where things get really interesting.
It doesn’t shout about it, but Lactic Acid
is an excellent anti-aging ingredient.
Unlike some acids which can thin the
skin, this AHA actually increases dermal
thickness and stimulates collagen and
Hyaluronic Acid production within the
lower layers to help to rebuild ageing skin
from all sides. This two-pronged approach
to combating fine lines and wrinkles
means these common signs of ageing are
easily dealt with, resulting in a complexion
that looks noticeably smoother and firmer.
Who’d have guessed that the secret to
youthful skin would lie in the hands of
Lactic Acid?
We’ve ticked off acne and ageing, so let’s
complete the trilogy with hyperpigmen-
tation. Lactic Acid can help treat this
condition too and, because it’s not as harsh
or as irritating as Glycolic Acid, it can be
used to brighten and correct all skin tones,
including skin of colour. Removing the
pigmented cells from the surface of the
skin, either through topical products or
a Lactic Acid peel, is a tried and tested
way to create a more uniform complexion.
So next time someone compliments you
on your skin and asks what you’re using,
smile sweetly and say, “It’s a secret.”
ISSUE #08 | 2018 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 25