How To Use Lactic Acid With Hyaluronic Acid? You can find them in a wide variety of products, and manufacturers frequently combine them for synergistic effects. Lactic acid is a naturally occurring component commonly utilized in anti-aging skincare products for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as the size of pores. Because lactic acid softens dead skin cells, they can be more easily removed and replaced by fresh ones. Acne scars may fade with this method’s use.
Hyaluronic acid (HA): it’s the stuff that the human body has the most of by weight. It has been demonstrated that hyaluronic acid has profound effects on skin and the body as a whole. It’s important for the proper functioning of your joints and connective tissues. Lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is an effective exfoliating agent that stimulates the production of new skin cells and increases skin flexibility by eliminating dead surface cells. An fantastic option for aging and mature skin types, HA and AHA work together to achieve exceptional results even at moderate dosage.
Lactic acid (phyllanediol) is a hydroxy acid that belongs to the alpha hydroxy family, while vitreous hyaluronic acid is an organic polymer used as a skin moisturizer. Read on to learn more about When To Use Lactic Acid In Skincare Routine/How To Use Lactic Acid And Retinol.
How To Use Lactic Acid With Hyaluronic Acid
“How can I use more than one acid?” this is a question that occurs quite frequently in our inbox. Knowing how to layer skincare ingredients can be tricky in the best of times, but when you consider using acids together- well that just makes matters slightly more complicated. Using the wrong acids together will result in the skin becoming irritated and will prevent both products from delivering the best results- having said that, finding a winning working duo will give you the best skin possible.
Today let’s focus on two acids that are well-known and well used, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid. What they do for the skin and how you can layer them when using them both in your skincare routine.
Is hyaluronic acid and lactic acid the same?
No they aren’t the same, however lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs that can not only exfoliate the skin but can also act as a humectant. Hyaluronic acid is praised for its humectant abilities and helps lock moisture into the skin keeping the surface layers and protective barrier fully hydrated, strengthened, and able to combat any damage caused from exposure to free radicals, such as pollution, UV light, central heating, and other environmental aggressors.
Lactic acid is able to slough away the build-up of dead skin cells, which can result in breakouts, flaky patches of skin and lack lustre complexion. Hyaluronic acid works instead at hydrating the outer and lower layers of the skin ensuring they are plumped, moisturised with a visibly improved finish to the complexion.
Can you use hyaluronic acid and lactic acid together?
Both these products may carry the name “acid” but do in fact act completely different on the skin and here’s how.
Lactic Acid
As a member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) lactic acid provides chemical exfoliation meaning it can slough away a build-up of dead skin cells and rid the skin of any impurities and bacteria. The beauty of lactic acid is the fact it is derived from fruit sugars and soured milk and has gained the reputation as being one of the most gentle AHAs due to the fact its molecular size is very large preventing it from penetrating too far down in the lower layers leading to skin reactions and irritation. You’ll also find that lactic acid also has the unique trait of acting as a humectant meaning it is able to lock in moisture into the skin keeping it healthy and plumped with a youthful bounce.
Hyaluronic Acid
This skin hero is loved by all, its ability to bind water double the size of its weight enables it to be the most hydrating ingredients formulated into various effective, and moisturising products. This potent humectant can draw in moisture surrounding the skin and ensure the surface barrier, and even the lower layers of the skin remain hydrated throughout the day. This will not only keep the skin healthy but will also prevent any potential skin irritation from occurring.
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between these acids it’s easier to figure out how they can work together. Thanks to the hydration from hyaluronic acid any sign of irritation (however rare) from lactic acid will not be anything to worry about.
When using these ingredients together there is the formulations to take into consideration as this will determine how you can use lactic acid and hyaluronic acid together. For example, I find the most effective formulas containing lactic acid come in exfoliating toners and face cleansers. Follow these with a serum packed with hyaluronic acid you are preparing your skin to reach its healthiest state and look its best. If this sounds confusing, the next section is for you as I will now go into a little more detail about which order to use lactic acid.
What order do you use lactic acid in?
As I have already mentioned, when layering skincare ingredients, you need to take into consideration the formula consistency. The general skin rule is applying skincare products from thinnest to thickest. You usually find that hyaluronic acid is formulated into products that remain on the skin for most of the day. This is because the humectant properties in HA work tirelessly whenever it is applied to the skin and continue to work.
You will also find that lactic acid comes in various products, from cleansers, toners, and serums. By applying lactic acid before hyaluronic acid, you are allowing the skin to reap the rewards of gentle exfoliation before restoring moisture back once you apply a serum enriched in HA. If, however, you opt for a lactic acid serum as well, then allow 10 minutes between applications to ensure each of the formulas potent ingredients will reach the areas they need to be to work at achieving your skin goals.
What should you not mix with hyaluronic acid?
Taking into consideration the vast variety of all the skincare ingredients, believe it or not, hyaluronic acid is able to work well with almost all of them! With its hydrating benefits and ability to keep the skin’s natural protective barrier fully functioning. It is however, important to consider which products and ingredients you plan to use in conjunction with hyaluronic acid to ensure they are suitable for you and your skin.
This can be easily achieved by performing patch tests for 24 hours of any new ingredients or products to avoid any unwanted skin reactions and irritation. If you have any further concerns its best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist.
Can I apply moisturiser after lactic acid?
Absolutely, this is a great idea especially if you have a dry or sensitive skin type that can become irritated when you use AHA or other chemical exfoliates even ones as gentle as lactic acid. By applying a moisturiser after using a product containing lactic acid, you’ll help calm the skin and form a physical barrier over the outer layers ensuring it will keep the skin protected from any exposure to free radicals. These free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays and central heating cause damage to the skin which results in dark spots, hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles.
So, there you have a little more information about how to use lactic acid and hyaluronic acid together in your everyday skincare routine. Don’t forget to check out our previous blog posts series as we explain how to use potent skincare ingredients together.
When To Use Lactic Acid In Skincare Routine
It’s best to use these at night after cleansing and before moisturizing. Masks: These products are designed to give a quick hit of exfoliation, meaning the concentration of lactic acid and other potent ingredients may be higher. In general, experts recommend using a mask like this once per week or as needed.
Whether it’s a silky serum or luxurious cream, there are endless anti-aging products vying for your attention. From retinol to vitamin C to peptides, the ingredients make all the difference and there are plenty to choose from. But recently, you may have noticed another one fighting for shelf space: lactic acid.
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a class of chemicals that gently exfoliate the skin, which also includes glycolic, citric, tartaric, mandelic, and malic acids.
But while it’s popping up in more products, lactic acid is not exactly new and has a unique history. “The ingredient was first isolated from sour milk, and it is thought that Cleopatra took advantage of its beneficial properties on the skin by bathing in milk,” says S. Tyler Hollmig, M.D., director of dermatologic surgery at UT Dell Medical School and Ascension Seton in Austin.
Nowadays, lactic acid comes from a variety of sources, including vegan ones, that are typically synthetic and easier to formulate a complete product with. Compared to its ultra-potent cousin, glycolic acid, lactic acid is milder (thanks to its slightly larger molecule size) while delivering similar results, meaning it may be more suitable for those who have easily irritated skin, Dr. Hollmig says. Intrigued? Read on to find out what lactic acid can do for your skin.
It may be helpful in reducing acne.
This exfoliation also helps keep pores clear by sloughing away dead skin cells plus excess oil, preventing pesky pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads from forming.
It can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Often, aging skin can especially use some help in the exfoliation department. “Normal, healthy skin cells in the outer layer of the skin shed every two to three weeks. This may slow down due to aging, dehydration, and other environmental stressors, which can appear as rough, scaly, and dull-appearing skin,” Dr. Hollmig says.
In addition to revving up your radiance, lactic acid can boost plumpness. Past research shows that a 5% lactic acid formula applied twice a day improved skin thickness and firmness, says Dr. Hollmig, which translates into smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. This older, but often-cited study showed that a greater concentration of 12% resulted in even more visible benefits, but he cautions that more potent products may make you more prone to irritation (like redness, itching, or peeling), particularly for sensitive complexions.
It can treat bumpy skin.
Beyond the face, lactic acid is often incorporated into body lotions. Most notably, it’s used to treat keratosis pilaris, a.k.a. “chicken bumps” that appear on the backs of your arms or on the legs. The skin condition is harmless, but is often bothersome. Lactic acid can take care of these little bumps, says Dr. Hollmig, but you have to apply the lotion regularly long-term for best results.
Are there any negative side effects of using lactic acid on your skin?
Lactic acid is known to be gentler and more hydrating compared to other AHAs. For that reason, it may be suitable even if you have sensitive skin, says Dr. Hollmig. That said, if you find that the ingredient makes you red and irritated, consider using a product with a lower percentage of lactic acid or skipping it entirely.
Important note: Since all AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, always apply sunscreen before you head outdoors, whether you applied lactic acid that morning or the night before.
If you’re pregnant, lactic acid is a safe option, says Dr. Hollmig. Your dermatologist and OB/GYN will likely suggest skipping popular anti-aging ingredients, like retinoids, so lactic acid can be a good substitute during this time.
How To Use Lactic Acid And Retinol
To get the best results from your retinol and lactic acid products, start slow. Incorporate them into your nighttime routine between your cleanser and your moisturizer, and start with biweekly use. Once your skin adjusts, you can taper up to nightly use as your skin allows.
Are you tired of having dull, dry, or wrinkled skin? Two products can help give you that glowing radiance you’re looking for: lactic acid and retinol.
These two products are quickly rising in skincare fame, and for a good reason – they are known to brighten skin and restore it to a more youthful appearance. If you want to rejuvenate your skin, read on for tips on using these products for the best results.
What Is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that provides natural exfoliation and deep hydration for your sensitive facial skin. It is derived from fermented milk, which is why sour milk (or buttermilk) baths were a normal part of ancient skincare routines.
Lactic acid also plays a part in your skin’s natural self-care mechanisms, so lactic acid products fit right in with what your skin already does to keep you healthy!
Lactic acid supports your skin’s natural hydration, which is something that no other AHA does. It imbues deep hydration into dry skin, and it also helps your skin retain that hydration for longer periods of time.
Because of its hydrating properties, lactic acid is gaining traction for its brightening and smoothing qualities.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a milder version of retinoid that helps smooth and exfoliate your skin to keep you looking young and radiant. It also helps stimulate your cell production to help you retain that youthful glow for longer.
All forms of retinoids are essentially concentrated vitamin A, and retinol, in particular, is becoming an integral ingredient on the cutting edge of anti-aging skincare.
Retinol is a powerful ingredient, so it’s important to use it properly. It’s not as gentle as lactic acid, so many skincare experts advise slowly tapering up to nightly use. You can find retinol in serums, daily cleansers, eye creams, and moisturizers. This power-packed ingredient is popular for a reason!
What Are the Benefits of Each?
So, what do lactic acid and retinol actually do?
These revitalizing ingredients work in tandem to restore your skin to youthful splendor. Lactic acid does this by:
- Removing dead skin cells
- Thickening the top layer of skin
- Evening skin tone
Removing dead skin cells helps promote new cell growth, which will ultimately lead to brighter skin. Also, lactic acid exfoliates the top layer of skin where fine lines and shallow wrinkles live.
With that top layer gone, fine lines become less noticeable, wrinkles appear smoother, and even mild blemishes can fade in appearance with regular lactic acid treatments. Lactic acid can also target dark spots to help even out your skin tone – all so you can have that youthful, enviable skin!
How does retinol compliment lactic acid?
Retinol promotes faster cell turnover, so these two ingredients pack quite the combined punch. Retinol also assists in your skin’s collagen production while also helping to preserve your already existing collagen. This leads to stronger, brighter skin.
This revolutionary ingredient targets traditional signs of aging skin, which include wrinkles, fine lines, large pores, and uneven skin tone. Retinol can help clear blemishes by infiltrating your inflamed pores and neutralizing the bacteria that causes those blemishes.
There’s nothing that interrupts a face of youthful skin like a blemish, so retinol is especially important for anyone who experiences frequent blemishes.
Can They Go Together?
The short answer is yes! Retinol and lactic acid are a match made in heaven. You may have read or heard that combining retinol and lactic acid is likely to irritate your skin.
You may also have heard that you can only use these products on alternating evenings because of their potency. I am here to tell you that this is not always the case! At a certain percentage of retinol and lactic, you can use both ingredients together.
Retinol and lactic acid are both powerful chemical exfoliants. In their purest, most concentrated forms, you should be careful when combining these two ingredients – using more than one exfoliant in each beauty routine is more likely to irritate your skin and cause redness. This is especially true for sensitive skin.
However, studies have shown that lactic acid and retinol can be combined for some truly transformative effects. One of the newest developments in skincare is time-released retinol. Formulas that release retinol slowly over time can combine lactic acid with that retinol for an incredibly powerful product that delivers stunning results.
How Should I Combine Retinol With Lactic Acid?
Are you ready to combine these two powerhouse ingredients? Here are a few tips to achieve the skin of your dreams.
One: Find the Right Products
As I mentioned before, the key to combining retinol and lactic acid is finding a product that uses a time-release formula for its retinol. I recommend my Retinol Reform serum.
This award-winning formula uses encapsulated retinol that releases slowly overnight, making this product a good fit even for sensitive skin. My Retinol Reform also includes lactic acid as its main brightening agent, which means you are essentially getting two products for the price of one.
If you’d rather start with just one of these superstar ingredients, try my Lactic Acid Serum.
My formula uses 9% lactic acid to gently introduce your skin to AHAs. The serum also includes other soothing and hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to help minimize any irritation for sensitive skin.
Ultimately, you want what works best for your skin. You should always start with the most gentle formulas and work your way up to more concentrated lactic acid or retinol forms.
Two: Start Slow
You should never jump straight into daily use of a chemical product – especially if you’ve never used one before. To get the best results from your retinol and lactic acid products, start slow.
Incorporate them into your nighttime routine between your cleanser and your moisturizer, and start with biweekly use. Once your skin adjusts, you can taper up to nightly use as your skin allows.
Three: Always Use Sunscreen
Both retinol and lactic acid can leave your skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual. To help keep your skin healthy and protected, you should use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. This helps those products work their magic while minimizing any future fine lines or discoloration.
If you’re looking for a lightweight daily sunscreen, I recommend Supergoop’s Play Everyday Lotion. This hydrating sunscreen is not only SPF 50, but it also provides broad-spectrum coverage to keep your skin as healthy and young as possible.
It is lightweight and water-resistant – so you can be protected for all of your favorite daytime activities!
Four: Give It Time
Skin takes time to adjust to new ingredients.
While you may see some promising results within a week or two of using your retinol and lactic acid, it will likely take eight to 12 weeks to see any dramatic changes.
If you don’t see improvements right away, that’s okay – just stick with it, and you’ll be surprised at just how young your skin can look!
Some skin-lightening products, such as medicated ointments, barrier creams, keratolytic-infused moisturizers, serums, and gels, must be prescribed by a dermatologist only. However, not all will yield results.