Lactic Acid for Skin to Smooth Lines and Even Complexion

Using lactic acid for skin care can help you have a smoother, brighter complexion. As a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), lactic acid removes dead skin cells, lightens dark spots, and improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles on all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Lactic acid is used in many over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products and professional treatments. It's also found in many products that are put on the skin (topical), as well as treatments for eczema and psoriasis.

Some people find that lactic acid irritates their skin or causes unwanted side effects. Check with your dermatologist to see if products with lactic acid are right for you.

What Is Lactic Acid?

Lactic acid is one of the most popular AHAs available. It is a common ingredient in over-the-counter skin care products. It's also used in stronger professional peels and treatments.

Lactic acid is naturally found in dairy products. It's what gives yogurt and soured milk their distinctive tangy taste. Dairy products have been used for centuries by people across the world to soften and beautify the skin.

People still take milk baths, but most lactic acid used in skin care products and peels today is made in a lab (synthetic).

Skin Benefits

Lactic acid supports healthy, smooth skin by making cell turnover happen faster. It also helps improve your skin’s built-in process for keeping itself hydrated (natural moisture factor).

As a result, lactic acid gives you a brighter complexion as well as smoother and softer skin.

While more research is needed to understand how lactic acid supports skin health, the following are some of the benefits of using the AHA according to experts:

• Supports collagen to keep skin firm
• Helps clear pores
• Regulates skin hydration
  
• Helps clear or prevent acne
• Reduces dark patches from freckles, sunspots, and age spots (hyperpigmentation)

The benefits of lactic acid may also be tied to the fact that it is an effective antimicrobial. That means it can stop the growth of bacteria on skin, which helps control breakouts.

Lactic acid is also an antioxidant. This is important for skin health because this property may help minimize the effects of heavy metals found in water, which can damage your skin.

In addition, products with lactic acid have been shown to help with these skin disorders:

• Psoriasis: Lactic acid can soften and remove scales.
• Eczema: Lactic acid reduces itching and restores your skin's barrier.
  

Possible Side Effects

Even though lactic acid is gentler for the skin than other AHAs, it is still a strong treatment. Here are a few possible side effects of using lactic acid on your skin.

Sun Sensitivity

The most important thing you need to know before you start using lactic acid is that it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. As the acid sloughs away skin cells, it leaves your skin more likely to be damaged by ultraviolet light from the sun.

Some studies have suggested that sun sensitivity can last for four weeks after you've stopped using a lactic acid product or peel treatment—maybe even longer.

Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily to protect your skin from sunburn and sun damage, even on cloudy days. If you don’t protect your skin, you could undo the benefits of lactic acid, like its ability to fade spots and soften wrinkles.

Skin Irritation

Lactic acid can also cause skin irritation. Be on the lookout for the following:

• Redness
• Burning
• Peeling
• Dryness
• Itchy skin
• Swelling

You may have mild redness, burning, and itching when you first start using a lactic acid product. As long as it is not bad and goes away within an hour or so, it's nothing to worry about.

However, if the redness, burning, and itching are moderate to severe, or if you have swelling or a rash, wash the product off immediately and do not use it again. Call your healthcare provider for advice on what to do for your skin.

Who Should Not Use Lactic Acid on Their Skin

Lactic acid is the gentlest of alpha hydroxy acids. Most people can use it safely. Still, some people should not use products with lactic acid.

If you have very sensitive skin, lactic acid can irritate it. Start with a product that only has a small percentage of lactic acid (e.g., 5%) and see how your skin reacts to it. If you notice any irritation, stop using the product.

If you use topical retinoids like Retin-A or Refissa, don't add lactic acid to your skincare routine. These products are already exfoliating your skin, so if you also use a product with lactic acid, your skin could get too sensitive.

How to Use Lactic Acid on the Skin

Over-the-counter (OTC) lactic acid products come in concentrations up to 10%. A higher percentage is available via professional therapies, but higher is not always better since more concentrated products can irritate your skin.

Lactic acid is considered generally safe at lower concentrations. Start with a product that has about 5% lactic acid.

As long as your skin can handle it, you may be able to use the products daily. However, using them every few days should be enough to see results. It can take a few months, though, to see noticeable results.

Types of products with lactic acid include:

• Cleansers: Used at nightly, these are a good choice for sensitive skin because you rinse them off.
• Moisturizing creams: Apply these at night rather than during the day to minimize sun damage. Even so, you'll still need to apply sunscreen every morning.
• At-home peels and masks: These can be used one to three times per week, depending on the product.
  
• Professional lactic acid peels: These are done at a spa, dermatologist, or cosmetic surgery office. With higher concentrations of lactic acid, these peels are a better choice if you have a specific issue to address such as dark spots or blackhead removal.

Summary

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that is used on the skin to remove dead skin cells and help fade dark spots and soften fine lines.

It comes in different strengths and can be found in OTC cleansers, lotions, and at-home masks. You can also get professional lactic acid peels at a spa or in a dermatologist's office.

Start off with a low-strength product, especially if you have sensitive skin. Be sure to also use sunscreen, as lactic acid makes your skin more prone to sunburn.