How To Use Lactic Acid With Vitamin C
Many of today’s most popular skincare brands now include lactic acid as an active component. When used topically, lactic acid has several useful effects. The skin may become thicker and more hydrated, fine lines and wrinkles may fade, and oil production may be controlled. Everything you need to know about lactic acid and vitamin C, whether you’re searching for all-natural skincare remedies or just hoping to improve the efficacy of your current skincare products, is right here.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that defends skin from environmental harm by neutralizing reactive oxygen species. This substance not only promotes collagen production and skin restoration, but also helps produce more collagen. Lactic acid and vitamin C have synergized to diminish hyperpigmentation and smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Lactic acid has become popular due to its anti-aging qualities. It is commonly used with vitamin C and other topical products to improve hydration, lighten dark spots and fade wrinkles. For this reason, it is important to understand how lactic acid works in order to use it properly. Read on to learn more Can I Use Lactic Acid With Niacinamide/Lactic Acid And Vitamin C The Ordinary.
How To Use Lactic Acid With Vitamin C
by INTO THE GLOSS
Since pretty much every movie coming out is a superhero comic book blockbuster, it seems like a skincare hero flick can’t be far off. Imagine: An unassuming serum user accidentally develops a facial mutation that gives that person the ability to disappear at will after using too many products. Sounds cool! But maybe a bit of a stretch. Layering products won’t give you supernatural abilities (unless you call glowy skin super!) but there is reason to proceed with caution. Some products are better kept separate, unless you’re actively looking for irritation and possible breakouts. Skincare isn’t one-size-fits all, though. Even expert opinions vary. So we’ve enlisted the help of two: Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Dr. David Lortscher, another board-certified dermatologist who’s also the CEO and founder of Curology. Read this, memorize it, and be safe out there.
Retinol
Treat retinol like that girl in your history class who always sat in the front: she’s hard-working and consistent but can also be a little bit much. Retinol isn’t exactly the same as exfoliating, but it does encourages cell turnover, which means it’s still a peeling agent. Mixing retinol with other exfoliants can cause extra dryness and damage the skin’s protective barrier. More is not always more! Acids + Retinol: no.
Instead, try protecting with a layer of SPF. This is helpful because even on days you don’t use the retinol, your skin is still extra sensitive to light. “Retin-A helps replace older skin with fresh, new skin, which is more prone to sunburn,” says Dr. Jaliman.
AHAs/BHAs
Glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, for example. As mentioned above, retinol can be too much when paired with acids, but be wary of layering them with vitamin C, too. (AKA L-ascorbic acid.) An acid is still an acid, even when it gets a glow-y makeover and rebrands itself as a vitamin. Try using your vitamin C once every couple weeks in lieu of your acid to help with skintone and hyperpigmentation.
When you are chemically exfoliating, make sure to increase your skin’s overall hydration. Add in a mild serum, like a hyaluronic acid or aloe, to replenish after you peel.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing the bacteria that causes acne, making it an ideal spot-treatment for whiteheads. But if the word ‘peroxide’ brings back memories of teenage attempts at sun-kissed highlights, that’s because benzoyl peroxide has its own potent oxidizing effects. (Check that word origin.) Good for acne, bad for other products: “Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes Retin-A, and can be irritating to the skin if applied together,” says Dr. Jaliman. Plus, as Dr. Lortscher warns, “Topical dapsone [AKA Aczone], when layered with benzoyl peroxide, will turn skin a temporary yellow-orange color, so it’s best to avoid.” Because BP is antibacterial, it actually does play nicely with other acne-fighting ingredients, such as your AHAs and BHAs. Retinol, other antibacterials: no. Effaclar Duo: yes!
Vitamin C
If you’re already using a vitamin C in serum form, it’s important to make sure your cleanser isn’t sabotaging the serum’s attempts to give you glow. Residue left over by cleansing oils creates a barrier preventing water-soluble vitamin C from penetrating the skin. So make sure to really wipe your face off. If you use an alkaline bar soap to cleanse, it may be a good idea to wait a couple minutes before applying your serum. But as Dr. Lortscher says, “Don’t overthink the pH thing too much. Waiting 20 to 30 minutes between applications may be an excessive precaution.” To be safe, wait like five.
To maximize your glow, swap vitamin C in for one of your other “active” products (like an acid) once in a while, instead of layering them both. For enhanced effectiveness, try using vitamin E and ferulic acid, both of which enhance the effects of other vitamins when used together.
SPF
Turns out, SPF doesn’t work like math, Dr. Lortscher clarifies: “adding your SPF 30 to your SPF 15 doesn’t get you to SPF 45.” Don’t try to be clever and mix it with foundation or moisturizer either, as both tactics can mess with the protection factor and leave you exposed. Sunscreen should be applied as your last skincare step and go on as one even layer.
What you can do is make moves towards adding an antioxidant serum under your sun protection. “Layering an antioxidant serum—like vitamin C—and other skin treatments under your sunscreen allows the direct benefits of these ingredients to soak into your skin,” says Dr. Lortscher. Research shows that vitamins C and E can have a positive effect towards correcting photodamage when combined with sunscreen. Just another reason to leave you with this friendly reminder: Never leave the house without sun protection.
Can I Use Lactic Acid With Niacinamide
Lactic acid and niacinamide are both active ingredients that can be found in skincare products. Lactic acid is a common ingredient in chemical exfoliants, and niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that reduces inflammation and improves the appearance of skin.
Lactic acid and niacinamide are both effective for treating acne, but they work in very different ways. Lactic acid exfoliates skin by breaking down its outer layer, while niacinamide smooths out fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production.
People often wonder if lactic acid can be used together with niacinamide to boost its anti-aging effects. In this article we’ll compare lactic acid vs. niacinamide and look at whether they should be combined in your skincare routine.
Can I Use Lactic Acid With Niacinamide?
Lactic acid is a mild alpha hydroxy acid that is used in many skin care products as an exfoliant. It can help control oil production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots, but it should not be used with niacinamide.
Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, and it is considered an essential nutrient for healthy skin. According to a study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2011, the use of niacinamide can help prevent fine lines, hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging. However, when mixed with lactic acid, niacinamide loses its ability to penetrate the skin, making it ineffective as an exfoliant or anti-aging treatment.
The reason why lactic acid destroys the effectiveness of niacinamide is because these two ingredients have very different molecular structures. Lactic acid contains only one hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to carbon 3 on its molecular structure, whereas niacinamide has two hydroxyl groups attached to carbons 4 and 2 on its molecular structure.Niacinamide and Lactic Acid can be used together, but it is wise to try very small amounts of each ingredient to begin with. Since Niacinamide and Lactic Acid can both be harsh on some skin types, the two together could be harmful, especially if you have sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema.
Lactic Acid and Niacinamide are some of the most potent, effective skincare ingredients on the market — but can they be used together? Read on as we explore how these ingredients work and whether or not you can use them together.
what is lactic acid?
Lactic Acid is an ingredient that can help combat wrinkles, age spots and hyperpigmentation. Lactic Acid comes from milk and is in the family of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Your skin could experience peeling effects from Lactic Acid, but it is still technically considered a mild AHA. This ingredient can help the skin to look brighter and have a more even tone.
Lactic Acid can help with the overall tone and texture of your skin and reduce pore size. Using Lactic Acid is not typically recommended if you have very sensitive or damaged skin. You should also use caution if you experience rosacea or eczema. Although Lactic Acid can help with texture, it can be harsh on more sensitive skin.
what is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B-3 that can help the skin in many ways. One of the main ways Niacinamide can help is by minimizing the appearance of blemishes.
Here are just a few other benefits of using Niacinamide in your skincare:
- Minimizing redness or discoloration
- Maintaining balanced oil production
- Supporting the skin during sun exposure
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Most products that include Niacinamide are serums, but this ingredient can be found in other products as well.
Although Niacinamide can be considered more gentle, it can be smart to try it out in small amounts at first, especially if you have more sensitive or blemish-prone skin.
is it safe to use these lactic acid and niacinamide together?
Niacinamide and Lactic Acid can be used together, but it is wise to try very small amounts of each ingredient to begin with.
Since Niacinamide and Lactic Acid can both be harsh on some skin types, the two together could be harmful, especially if you have sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema. Additionally, if you have acne or broken skin, these ingredients could be drying or damaging to your skin.
products at urban skin rx® to try
Products Containing Lactic Acid
Here are a few products that we offer that contain Lactic Acid! If you are looking for more products that contain Lactic Acid, simply search “Lactic Acid” in the search bar on our website!
- LacticGlow Micropolish Resurface Brighten Cleanser – This product contains a particular blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, such as Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, and Malic Acid, as well as Jojoba Beads, which gently cleanse and polish skin without causing irritation, revealing a brighter, fresher, and healthier-looking complexion.
This hydrating and brightening solution is moderate enough to apply twice a day and helps the appearance of rough texture and blemishes. To clarify skin tone, exfoliate, and speed up your skin’s natural renewal process, use this cleanser daily. - HydraBalance Brightening Moisture Infusion – This cream is light and moisturizing at the same time. With Hyaluronic Acid, a deep moisturizing ingredient, and a brightening peptide combination with Oligopeptide-68, this moisturizer is your daily (or more often) hydration boost for a youthful glow. Also decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves the appearance of aging skin!
products containing niacinamide
If you’re interested in Niacinamide, we have you covered there too. Here are some of our Niacinamide-rich faves:
- Witch Hazel Brightening pH Balancing Toner – This toner is a must-have if you want to improve the outcomes of your everyday regimen! This mixture brightens skin, balances pH, and reduces the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. According to studies, applying your other skincare products after a toner allows them to absorb more deeply.
- Acne and Blemish Control Mask – This super-charged treatment mask combats acne, prevents future outbreaks, and lightens the look of acne-related dark spots. Sulfur drains excess oil that contributes to breakouts, while Niacinamide helps sensitive skin look better. Salicylic Acid eliminates blackheads and lowers the appearance of pores for a clearer complexion.
Products Containing Both Lactic Acid and Niacinamide
Looking to try out the Lactic Acid and Niacinamide combo? Here are our recommendations:
- Even Tone Super Glow Serum – This product is the key to unveiling your fantastic glow since it targets dark spots, wrinkles, and sun damage.
A robust dose of antioxidant L-Ascorbic Acid, aka Vitamin C, increases brightness, battles the appearance of hyperpigmentation, swerves free radical damage, and pushes youthful-looking skin to the surface with an enhanced power combination of chemicals. - Dark Spot Rapid Repair Retinol Treatment – High concentrations of Retinol, Kojic Acid, and Niacinamide are used in this product to reduce hyperpigmentation, post-acne spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. This product is wonderful for lightening dark spots, minimizing skin discoloration, and reducing the appearance of pore size and sun damage!
To find more products containing these ingredients, feel free to look up ingredients in our search bar or search for the specific skin concern you are experiencing. If you are looking for more skincare that counteracts redness, hyperpigmentation, acne or dark spots, feel free to reach out to us. We will be happy to help!
looking for advice?
If you’re still having difficulty navigating which products are right for you, we’ve got you covered. If you have a lineup but need some help targeting a specific skin issue, we can help you there too!
To start, we recommend taking our skin quiz. This quiz will walk through the details of your skin and help us decide which products would suit your skin and align with what you need. Also, if you take our skin quiz, you can receive 20% off of your order!
In addition to our skin quiz, we also offer virtual consultations! We have Licensed Aestheticians and Skin Experts just waiting to offer assistance. Feel free to book an appointment today!
On top of our skin quiz and virtual consultations, we also have options to contact us through chat, phone or email! We know that deciding on skincare and finding the right products can be difficult and overwhelming. We want to do whatever we can to make this an easier process for you, and we are thrilled to help at any step along the way.
It is, therefore, very important that you give your hands the necessary care to undo this damage and keep them in the best shape.
One of the most common hand-related complaints is knuckle hyperpigmentation or darkened knuckles, which can develop at any age. This occurs due to an increase in melanin synthesis in the skin covering your knuckles. Skin color is determined by the amount of melanin pigment in the skin – the more melanin, the darker the skin.
This article takes you through the different treatment options and self-care measures to lighten dark knuckles.
A number of factors can contribute to the overproduction of melanin in the knuckles, including:
- Hormonal changes or hormone-related disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Poor hygiene
- Use of cosmetics and/or fragrance-based chemical products
- Work or sports that cause excessive friction on the knuckles such as boxing
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Diabetes
- Dermatomyositis
- Addison’s disease or other autoimmune disorders
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (1)(2)
- Drug reaction
- Malignancy
- Genetics
The first-line treatment for knuckle hyperpigmentation depends on the underlying condition and includes:
- Prescription medications, including topical vitamin D compounds, keratolytics such as topical retinoids (tretinoin 0.05%), and oral melatonin
- OTC topical products, including zinc sulfate, salicylic acid ointments, glycolic acid creams, arbutin, azelaic acid, and kojic acid, which may be used as monotherapy for milder cases (3)
If these primary interventions fail to deliver the desired results, your doctor may recommend the following clinical procedures as second-line treatment to fade the hyperpigmentation:
- In-office skin peeling using chemical agents such as glycolic acid 20%–70%, salicylic acid 20%–30%, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 10%–25%, and Jessner’s solution, along with some topicals (4)
- Laser treatment with low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, or CO2 laser, to be immediately followed by daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Microdermabrasion to exfoliate the dark, damaged skin so that it can be replaced by new, brighter layers from underneath
- Cosmetic camouflage
Lactic Acid And Vitamin C The Ordinary
Lactic acid and vitamin c the ordinary
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% is a water-free, colourless to pale yellow liquid that feels lightweight on skin. It’s an exfoliating acid that helps fade discolourations, even skin tone and smooth texture for a more radiant look. This formula also includes Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting hydration.
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk sugar that works by gently dissolving the glue that holds dead skin cells together. It’s an effective alternative to glycolic acid for those with sensitive skin, as it has a smaller molecular size and fewer side effects.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a well-known antioxidant used to brighten dull complexions and improve overall tone. Vitamin C can be added directly to products or applied topically in its pure form as a serum, cream or lotion.
lactic acid and vitamin c the ordinary
The Ordinary is a brand that is known for their simple, effective products at an affordable price. The brand is cruelty free, paraben free, mineral oil free, sulfate free and silicone free.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% + B5 is a gentle AHA exfoliant that works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells to reveal brighter looking skin. It also helps to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles as well as even out skin tone over time. This product can be used on all skin types including sensitive skin types. It also comes in two different forms; lactic acid 10% + HA 2% or as a serum with 5% lactic acid + 5% hyaluronic acid.
What do you get?
One 30ml bottle of lactic acid serum with 5% lactic acid + 5% hyaluronic acid or one 30ml bottle of lactic 10% + HA 2% serum.
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- 2 Free Samples
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How To Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid Australia
9 NOV 2022
Iantha Yu is an experienced beauty editor with over ten years of experience in the publishing industry. Her words can be found on Marie Claire, Beauty Crew, Women’s Health, Virgin Voyeur, SHOP Til You Drop, Broadsheet, and more.
Without a doubt, Lactic Acid is one of our favourite chemical exfoliants to use on all skin types.
Out of all the chemical exfoliating ingredients, we rate Lactic Acid highly in Australia due to its large molecule size and its relative gentleness.
In this guide, we’re shining the spotlight on The Ordinary. Specifically, we’re here to explore how to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid in Australia, and cover the before and after results.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% vs 5%
The difference between The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% is the concentration of Lactic Acid in the formula.
‘The 5% concentration is suitable for beginners who have little experience with chemical exfoliation, and can start by introducing a lower concentration into their routine, and moving to a higher concentration if needed,’ explains Prudvi Kaka, Chief Scientific Officer of DECIEM.
‘The 10% concentration is suitable for experienced users of chemical exfoliants who have developed skin tolerance to higher concentrations.’
Shop The Ordinary Lactic Acid
- The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% $12.40
How does The Ordinary Lactic Acid work?
So, how does The Ordinary Lactic Acid work? Being a chemical exfoliant—more specifically, an alpha-hydroxy acid—Lactic Acid has the ability to loosen the sticky ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells to the surface of your skin.
That’s why an application of a product with Lactic Acid can reveal a brighter and smoother-looking complexion.
You may wonder, ‘Should I use The Ordinary Lactic Acid for blackheads?’ Kaka explains:
AHAs such as Lactic Acid will help to improve [blackhead] appearance through superficial exfoliation, but beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are a more suitable choice for this concern.
This is because, while AHAs are water-soluble, BHAs are lipid- (oil-) soluble, which means that they will be able to mix with the skin’s lipids and work both on the surface and inside pores, to help clear congestion.
How to Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5 & 10 HA
To feel the full benefit of The Ordinary Lactic Acid, you need to select either the 5% + HA2% or 10% + HA, and properly apply it. Fortunately, knowing how to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid in Australia is pretty straightforward.
Like any new product, we recommend that you patch test first! Start by applying a thin layer to your face after your toner and before your moisturiser in your evening skincare routine. If you have not used lactic acid and niacinamide before, start by incorporating this step into your routine three times a week and go from there.
What are The Ordinary Lactic Acid ingredients?
Both The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% contain mostly Water, Lactic Acid, Glycerine, and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer. Tasmania Pepperberry, known to