Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid commonly used in skincare. SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE / BEAUTY AND NAIL TECHNOLOGY / AESTHETICS / COSMETOLOGY experts predict that Lactic Acid will be one of the key ingredients in products this year.
How does lactic acid work?
Lactic acid is commonly used in topical skincare for its numerous benefits for the skin, including exfoliating properties. These days Lactic Acid is usually synthetically made in a lab where traditionally it was created as a natural by-product of plant and dairy fermentation.
Lactic acid breaks down the desmosomes, a skin-binding enzyme, causing surface cells to be released, exciting the exfoliation process. The deeper layers of the skin are stimulated to increase the making of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, the skin’s water carrier cells.
Lactic acid has a large molecule size, so it’s gentler and can’t penetrate as far into the skin on the skin as other Alpha Hydroxy Acids. This makes Lactic Acid a skin surface exfoliator.
What can Lactic Acid be used for?
- It can boost the skin’s vitality.
- Dry, dehydrated, and dull skin
- Environmental photo damage.
- Helps stimulate ceramide formation to strengthen the skin’s barrier function.
- It can reduce the appearance of fine lines.
- Its antioxidant properties help remove free radicals and heavy metals that may come into contact with the skin, preventing DNA damage.
- Pigmentation and uneven skin tone
How should it be used?
Because lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant, it can be found in many skincare products including cleansers, toners, and serums – so there are plenty of ways for SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE / BEAUTY AND NAIL TECHNOLOGY / AESTHETICS / COSMETOLOGY experts to include it in their routines.
Products containing Lactic Acid should be retailed to clients. It can be used as part of the cleansing step in their routine or following a cleanser as a standalone ingredient no more than twice a day. Clients should always finish with sunscreen during the day, or moisturizer at night as needed.
Clients can visit a SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE / BEAUTY AND NAIL TECHNOLOGY / AESTHETICS / COSMETOLOGY professional for a Lactic Acid peel. Lactic acid also can also be combined with aesthetic procedures such as needling and injectables. A therapist would not perform the treatments together even though their benefits work in harmony to achieve results.