What To Use Lactic Acid For

What To Use Lactic Acid For>Products containing lactic acid, a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), are popular in the fight against aging, acne, and wrinkles. It’s a common ingredient in skincare products like lotions, washes, toners, and masks. Due to its moderate exfoliating properties, lactic acid is one of the safest AHAs available for removing dead skin cells without overly drying out the skin. It can also help reduce redness and swelling surrounding acne lesions because to its anti-inflammatory qualities.

As a keratolytic agent, lactic acid effectively dissolves the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin, without harming the living cells beneath. Cleansing your skin of debris and oil and stimulating collagen formation will help you gradually lose your wrinkles.

Hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other causes of an uneven skin tone can all be remedied using lactic acid. AHAs like lactic acid also help even out skin tone and shrink the appearance of pores. However, lactic acid is somewhat milder than AHAs like glycolic acid. read on to find out more on lactic acid for sensitive skin/lactic acid cream.

What To Use Lactic Acid For

Many over-the-counter (OTC) beauty products contain lactic acid as an active ingredient. The concentrations seen in doctor’s waiting rooms and exam rooms are far higher. Lactic acid helps hydrate the skin, works as a chemical exfoliator, and is an antioxidant.

Home care products containing lactic acid often have weaker concentrations of 10% or less, according to a reliable source. More than about 10–15% of Trusted Source in a product necessitates expert application.

What lactic acid is, how it works, and how to apply it to the skin are all covered in this article. It also takes a look at the downsides and hazards involved.

Exactly what is lactic acid?

Picture: FreshStock/Getty Images
One form of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is widely utilized in cosmetics is lactic acid. You can find alpha hydroxy acids in both over-the-counter chemical exfoliants and medical chemical peels.

Some products containing lactic acid may be suitable for vegans, as noted by the Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG), because most lactic acid is produced through a fermentation process using cornstarch or beet sugar.

Lactic acid can also be produced through the fermentation of milk products.

Additional examples of AHAs are:

Glucuronic acid, found in sugar cane Citric acid, found in citrus fruits Malic acid, found in apples Tartaric acid, found in grapes
Implications for skin health
The superficial layer of dead skin is shed with the help of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) found in chemical peels. The concentration of lactic acid in superficial chemical peels is typically between 10% and 30% (Reliable Source).

Despite the name, these procedures do not actually result in visible skin flaking. Instead, chemical peels cause the top layer of skin to shed its dead cells when people wash their faces in the morning.

Skincare advantages of lactic acid
Some of the potential benefits of applying lactic acid on the skin, as reported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trustworthy Source, include:

enhancement of the skin’s tone and texture
Increasing the skin’s hardness or appearance
lightening up blemishes
eliminating wrinkles and fine lines
removing dirt and oil from pores
When and how to apply lactic acid-based skin care products

Lactic acid is a versatile ingredient present in various skin care products. These include:

• body scrubs
• cleansers
• essences
• exfoliators
• facial treatments
• serums
• toners

Depending on the specific product and its place in a person’s skin care regime, the instructions for use will differ. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best outcome.

Lactic acid, alongside other AHAs, increasesTrusted Source the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. As a result, people should always wear sunscreen if they incorporate an AHA into their skin care routine.

Performing a patch test

The higher the concentration of lactic acid, the more likely it is that the product will irritate a person’s skin. People should always conduct a patch test and begin with a lower concentration before moving to stronger products.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) suggests that a person tests the skin care products by:

1. Applying the product to a test spot, such as the bend of the elbow or the underside of the arm. People should do this twice a day for 7–10 days, using the same amount and thickness they would be using if they were applying the product normally.
2. Leaving the product on for as long as the packet instructions suggest.
3. Using the product if no irritation or inflammation occurs.

The AAD notes that some ingredients such as glycolic acid will normally cause temporary irritation, particularly if a person has sensitive skin. As with lactic acid, glycolic acid is an AHA.

What to check for in products

The FDA requires an ingredient declaration on all cosmetic products sold to end users.

Milder peels that a person can use at home will contain lactic acid concentrations of 10% or lessTrusted Source.

People should check that lactic acid is one of the first ingredients on the list. The product may not contain enough lactic acid to benefit the skin if it appears toward the end.

Professional lactic acid peels 

There are n or more obvious outcomes.

Chemical peels performed by dermatologists can be broken down into three categories:

Light peels, such as those done at lunchtime, take 1-7 days to heal. Patients may need anywhere from three to five appointments, with further sessions every two to five weeks.
Healing time for medium peels is between 7 and 14 days. A follow-up appointment is also necessary.
Healing time for deep peels is typically between 14 and 21 days. The dermatologist will want to see the patient again the following day, and possibly multiple times after that.
One deep peel is all that’s safe, although people can get additional medium and mild peels as needed. To figure out what course of action is best, a patient should consult with a dermatologist.

Medium chemical peels, as described in a 2018 articleReliable Source, typically include 35%-50% trichloracetic acid (TCA) and 70% glycolic acid.

The dermatologist may use Jessner’s solution as a preliminary treatment. The components of Jessner’s answer are:

Ascorbic acid resorcinol
acid lactic
Alcoholic Lactic Acid
Phenol peels, which typically contain of croton oil, phenol, and water for dilution, are used for deeper peels.

Influenced by
Products containing lactic acid are safe to use, according to the FDATrusted Source, so long as they:

has a pH of 3.5 or higher; a concentration of 10% or less; either protects the skin from sun sensitivity or urges consumers to take regular sun protection;
Wearing sunscreen is always a good idea, but it’s especially crucial when using lactic acid on the skin. This is due to the fact that acidic skin is more vulnerable to UV rays.

People may have different side effects from the product depending on the concentration of lactic acid, the product’s pH, and the length of time they are exposed to the product.

Authoritative Source:

inflammation\sswelling\sburning\sitching
Consult a physician or dermatologist if undesirable effects occur.

When using retinol, people shouldn’t apply lactic acid to their skin on the same days. Instead, consumers should switch back and forth between the two offerings.

Possible side effects of lactic acid peels include:

mild soreness minor swelling slight peeling or flaking skin Inflammation
What to expect with a medium or deep peel:

Redness, swelling, and blistering of the skin
dry, crusty skin
After these operations, your dermatologist will provide you specific instructions on how to care for your skin.

contrasted with salicylic acid for the skin
Beta hydroxy acids are a different category of product than AHAs like lactic acid (BHAs). The most popular Trusted Source BHA used in beauty products nowadays is salicylic acid.

It appears to have a lower risk of irritating the skin compared to AHAs, and it operates similarly to lactic acid. Salicylic acid has been used by some as a treatment for acne.

Read up on salicylic acid and how it can help with acne.

Concentrations of less than 2% are permitted in over-the-counter drugs, according to one reliable source. Products with a concentration above that threshold should only be used under medical supervision.

The FDATrusted Source claims that salicylic acid is not a genuine BHA. However, due to its widespread use in the cosmetics industry, many consumers incorrectly identify it as a BHA.

Sample Goods
The following are examples of lactic acid-containing skin care products that can be tried out:

Exfoliating Cleanser by Dermalogica
Standard Lactic Acid (HA) 5%
Exfoliating Nightly with CeraVe to Revitalize Your Skin
Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, Drunk Elephant
The author regrets that they have not tried the products they write about. The data shown here are accurate as of the time of publication and based solely on research.

Commonly inquired about
Some frequent inquiries regarding lactic acid have been addressed below.

Is it safe to use lactic acid while pregnant?
It is safe to utilize AHA therapies throughout pregnancy. If a woman discovers she is pregnant, she should consult a dermatologist before receiving any treatments.

When combined with other anti-aging treatments, is lactic acid safe?
Consumers can rotate lactic acid products with other anti-aging options like vitamin C and retinoid lotions.

How soon does lactic acid begin to have an effect?
The effectiveness of a lactic acid peel relies on the substance used and the depth of the chemical peel performed.

According to DermNet NZ, the effects of an AHA peel may not be seen for several months.

According to the AAD, benefits from a professional chemical peel can be seen once the skin has healed. Depending on the depth of the chemical peel, this can take anything from a single day to two weeks.

After a revitalizing peel, a person may need anywhere from three to five treatments for optimal results.

Summary
Many chemical exfoliants, including lactic acid, are Alpha Hydroxy Acids. It can aid with skin texture, black spot reduction, fine line smoothing, and pore cleansing by removing the top layer of dead skin cells.

You can get lactic acid via over-the-counter products, or you can go to a dermatologist and get a greater dosage in a facial chemical peel.

The skin may become more sensitive to the sun and experience discomfort as a side effect. Products containing lactic acid require a patch test prior to use and regular use of a sunscreen.

Lactic Acid Cream

There are a few skin care advantages of using lactic acid. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin, to exfoliate dead skin, fade dark spots, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

There are various OTC and medically prescribed skin care products that contain lactic acid. Many topical (skin-applied) products contain it, as do medications for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

The effects of lactic acid, how to apply it, and any potential risks are discussed in this article. You can use this information to zero in on the best lactic product for your needs.

What Is Lactic Acid?

One of the most widely used alpha hydroxy acids is lactic acid. It’s a staple in plenty of over-the-counter skin care formulas. Professionals also use it for deeper peels and treatments.

Dairy products have lactic acid in them naturally. What does yogurt and sour milk taste the way they do. People all across the world have utilized dairy products to improve their skin’s texture and appearance for generations.

Although milk baths are still popular, most lactic acid used in cosmetics and peels is now synthesized in laboratories (synthetic).

Simply put, what are Cosmeceuticals?
Skin Advantages
By breaking down their cellular bonds, lactic acid aids in the exfoliation of dead, dull skin cells off the skin’s surface (exfoliation).

In addition to accelerating cell turnover, lactic acid also increases the processes through which your skin naturally sheds dead cells and generates new ones (cell renewal).

1
Therefore, lactic acid provides you with a more radiant appearance, as well as softer and smoother skin.

There are two key reasons for lactic acid’s popularity:

Consistent use can lead to noticeable improvements in the skin.
It’s a milder alpha hydroxy acid that has found use in skin care products.
In addition to these potential advantages, lactic acid may also have the following effects on the skin:

Skin is strengthened and toned.
Aids in the cleansing of pores.
Helps your skin seem radiant and refreshed
Successful antimicrobial
Helps maintain a healthy skin microbiota for those who suffer from acne and sensitivity.
Although glycolic acid and mandelic acid are also alpha hydroxy acids, they don’t provide the additional benefit that lactic acid does.

The skin’s inherent ability to retain moisture is boosted by lactic acid (natural moisture factor).

2

Lactic acid, in its simplest form, aids in the prevention of dry skin.

Exfoliating dead skin cells, increasing new cell turnover, activating a fiber that helps maintain skin firm (collagen), and stimulating a protein that keeps skin tight are all ways in which lactic acid aids in firming and tightening the skin (elastin).

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Additionally, lactic acid can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the visibility of sun spots and age spots. Deeper lines, however, will not benefit from this.

Over-the-counter creams and lotions for “chicken skin” lumps on the upper arms typically contain lactic acid as a primary ingredient (keratosis pilaris). The bumpiness of the skin around the hair follicle can be reduced by the use of lactic acid, which helps dissolve the block of skin cells that builds up in that area. Potential Adverse Consequences, Listed from 5 to 1
Lactic acid is milder on the skin than other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), yet it is still an effective treatment. Some potential negative reactions to applying lactic acid to the skin are listed below.

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.⁶

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.

 The Best Sunscreens That Have You Covered Year-Round

Skin Irritation

Lactic acid can also cause skin irritation. Be on the lookout for the following:⁶

• 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 do go away, 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.

Contraindications

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 your skin. Start with using 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, you won’t want to 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.

Some people can use lactic acid products every day, while others have more sensitive skin and need to use the products less often. Check with your provider about how often you should use lactic acid.

If you are using any prescription skin care medication, check with your provider before trying any lactic acid treatment. You may not be able to use these products together.

What to Look For

Over-the-counter (OTCO lactic acid products come in different concentrations, from 5% to more than 30%. A higher percentage is not always better, though. Jumping right to a high percentage product can irritate your skin.

If you’ve never used lactic acid, start with a very low-strength product—5% to 10% max. This will let you see how your skin reacts and also give your skin some time to get used to the acid.

You may find that after using up your product, you’re happy with the results. In that case, you can stick with the strength you’ve been using.

If you’d like to go up in strength, do it slowly. Always monitor your skin for irritation. If it seems like it’s too much for you, go back to a lower-strength product.

As far as the type of lactic acid product to choose, go with something you feel comfortable using. You have a few different options.

Cleansers

Incorporating leansers into your current skincare routine is simple. You can use them in the same way you would any other cleanser.

Avoid using lactic acid cleansers near your eyes since they can create dry, flaky, and red skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

To avoid irritation, use a rinsable cleanser like lactic acid. The acid’s short half-life on the skin aids in calming inflammation.

Items categorized as “creams”
Creams, lotions, and serums that moisturize the skin are available as leave-on treatments. To reduce solar damage, these items are mostly intended for usage at night. However, you should still use sunscreen every morning. 6
Reduce how often you use these items to once or twice weekly if you get skin irritation from using them everyday.

If you want to use lactic acid in a long-term fashion, leave-on treatments are the way to go.

DIY Facial Scrubs and Masks
These items are more potent than your average exfoliator because they are meant to provide a more intense “dose” of exfoliation.

Depending on the product, peels and masks should be applied once weekly up to three times weekly.

The concentration of lactic acid in at-home peels and masks typically ranges from 10% to 30%. Once more, it’s recommended to ease into a full-strength product. If your skin tolerates the milder solutions well, you can progress to the stronger options if you so choose.

The strength of “professional” lactic acid peels sold over the counter could be as high as 50%.

Acne and Lactic Acid
It’s common practice to treat acne using lactic acid and glycolic acid. Cleansers, creams, and lotions are all examples of products that include lactic acid. It’s a common ingredient in DIY facial masks and peels.

Studies have shown that the effectiveness of lactic acid masks and peels is correlated with the length of time the skin is exposed to the acid.

1 Lactic Acid Peels for the Professionals
Your local day spa, medical spa, dermatologist’s clinic, or plastic surgeon’s office should offer lactic acid peels. Peel strengths for professionals often lie from 30% and 88%.

Professionals in the spa industry can perform superficial chemical peels on clients’ skin. In-depth peels of the skin can only be performed by a medical professional.

The peel’s strength will be determined by the professional doing the procedure. They may get stronger over time if that’s what your skin needs. In most cases, the best results are achieved after a series of peel treatments.

If you have a specific concern like dark spots or signs of aging, or if you just want to get rid of blackheads or address texture issues, a professional lactic acid peel is the way to go.

Both drugstore and medical grade skin care products use lactic acid as an anti-aging and hyperpigmentation component.

Lactic acid, which is found in milk, is an alpha-hydroxy acid, which is a type of substance used to slow the aging process (AHAs). Glycolic acid and citric acid are two further examples of AHAs.

What you can expect from a professional peel, over-the-counter products to try, and more will be discussed below.

What are the advantages of using lactic acid on your skin?
To do a chemical peel, lactic acid is applied to clean skin. The outer layer of skin is stripped away (epidermis). The stronger formulations may also penetrate the skin’s intermediate layers (dermis).

There is no actual “peeling” of the skin, despite the name. Underneath the peeled-off surface, however, are the results: softer, brighter skin.

When used topically, lactic acid helps fade hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other skin discolorations. AHAs like lactic acid also help even out skin tone and shrink the appearance of pores.

However, lactic acid is somewhat milder than AHAs like glycolic acid. Therefore, those with hypersensitive skin should opt for a lactic acid peel instead. If you’ve tried an AHA in the past and found that it was too potent for your skin, lactic acid may be a better fit.

Do any negative effects exist?
Lactic acid is one of the most potent AHAs despite its relatively moderate nature.

Sunscreen is essential since its “peeling” actions will make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. Always put on sunscreen first thing in the morning, and reapply it several times during the day if necessary.

Age spots and scarring can worsen with repeated exposure to the sun without protection. The possibility of developing skin cancer is also raised.

Similarly, lactic acid peels can trigger redness, a rash, and itching. These reactions are typically moderate and diminish as the skin adjusts to the product. Stop using it and see a doctor if the side effects last more than a few uses.

A lactic acid peel is not recommended if you have:

eczema\spsoriasis\srosacea
It’s best to get the OK from a doctor or dermatologist first if you have darker skin. Hyperpigmentation is a potential side effect of chemical peels.

Guidelines for Lactic Acid Peeling
The composition and strength of a product determine how it should be used. Never use a product until you’ve read and followed the advice on the label.

Purchase
Choose an acid content of 5% or less for a milder peel. Medium peels typically contain between 10 and 15 percent lactic acid, whereas deeper peels (performed by professionals) contain even more.

Generally speaking, the stronger the concentration, the more noticeable the effects. Less frequent use of harsher peels is possible, but the resulting irritation could be more persistent.

The Making and Using of

A skin patch test should be performed before the first full application. You may have fewer adverse reactions if you do this.

That is to say:

To use, smear a dime’s worth of the formula onto your inner forearm.
Put on a bandage and forget about it for a while.
You can apply the cream to other areas of your body if you don’t notice any redness or swelling within 24 hours.
Stop using if undesirable symptoms occur. If your symptoms persist or get worse after a day or two, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Nighttime use is recommended for lactic acid peels. You shouldn’t apply lactic acid or any other AHA in the morning because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Protection
When using lactic acid, you should always protect your skin with sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied first thing in the morning and reapplied as necessary throughout the day for optimal protection. Both a daytime moisturizer and a foundation with sun protection factor (SPF) can be used.

Home-Testing Lactic Acid Products
You can find lactic acid peels at any drugstore, beauty supply store, or even online.

Examples of favored alternatives:

Soft Cream Exfoliant by Dermalogica. This lactic acid and salicylic acid cream exfoliator is gentle enough for delicate skin. These two chemicals get rid of the dull, pigmented skin that dead cells cause.
Green Apple Peel Juice for Maximum Beauty. This comprehensive peel uses lactic acid and other AHAs to address wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Vitamins A and C are also present, in addition to the salicylic acid found in willow bark. If your skin is easily irritated, you shouldn’t use this peel.
Exfoliating FlashMasque Face Patches from Patchology. These disposable sheets, formulated with lactic acid, exfoliate the skin to enhance its tone and texture. The facial sheets are hassle-free because they don’t need to be rinsed after usage.
Superb Representation Gel Peel with 50% Lactic Acid. This product could be a good at-home choice for those who want a deeper lactic acid peel. The gel formula is easy to use with and won’t cause the cream to run off your face, and it includes 50% lactic acid to improve your complexion. This peel is intended for professional use, so check with your dermatologist before applying it.
The 50% Lactic Acid Gel Peel by QRx Laboratories. This peel contains a higher concentration of lactic acid (50%) and is formulated in the form of a gel, making it suitable for use in a medical setting. Although the manufacturer guarantees expert results, you should still consult your dermatologist before using this product.
Think about seeing a dermatologist for a lactic acid peel.
The Mayo Clinic finds that deeper chemical peels are more effective than at-home lactic acid peels. The results also last longer than those of over-the-counter peels, so you can space out your applications.

If you have tried over-the-counter (OTC) peels without success and are hesitant to utilize a stronger AHA, a lactic acid peel performed by a dermatologist or skin care specialist may be the way to go.

Consult your dermatologist about your current medication regimen and any known skin sensitivities before undergoing a professional lactic acid peel. Your dermatologist or skin care specialist may take these into account when deciding on the intensity of the peel to use. Irritation and scarring are just two of the risks and side effects that can be avoided in this way.

You should also realize that after getting a professional lactic acid peel, your skin may be sensitive for up to two weeks. The after-effects of a mild peel may only last a day or two, while those of a deeper peel may require you to wear a bandage on your skin for up to two weeks.

The price of a lactic acid peel varies widely and is typically not covered by medical insurance. This is due to the fact that these procedures are viewed as elective aesthetic measures rather than essential medical care. However, the billing office of your dermatologist may be willing to work with you to set up a payment plan.

A lactic acid chemical peel is a gentle procedure for achieving a more uniform skin tone. Age spots, melasma, roughness, and fine wrinkles are all things it can help with.

While lactic acid peels are available over-the-counter, it’s best to talk to a dermatologist about your specific needs before giving them a try at home. Your risk of side effects may increase if you already have a skin condition.

Do a skin patch test before using an over-the-counter peel for the first time. Sunscreen should be applied before heading outdoors each day, and reapplied as necessary.

Lactic Acid For Sensitive Skin

Rough or scaly skin can benefit from lactic acid’s hydrating and soothing properties. This exfoliating component is one of the mildest alpha-hydroxy acids, making it a good choice for dry and sensitive skin. It also has the added advantage of moisturizing the skin.

The carbohydrate contained in milk, lactose, is fermented into lactic acid, which is then sold as a chemical exfoliant over-the-counter. These days, you can find it in a lot of different skin care products. But its application is not novel. Ancient Egyptians used it. It is well known that Cleopatra took baths in sour milk in an effort to maintain her youthful appearance. ‌

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), just like glycolic acid and mandelic acid. In cosmetic compositions, AHAs provide unique benefits for the skin because they are water-soluble organic molecules. The benefits of lactic acid go beyond those of other AHAs. It can dramatically enhance the skin’s appearance and it helps keep the skin naturally hydrated.

Additional Benefits of Lactic Acid

Much like its more aggressive counterparts, lactic acid has many known perks. It increases cell turnover and helps eliminate accumulated dead skin cells on the epidermis — the top layer of the skin.

When using lactic acid in 12% concentrations, the skin gets firmer and thicker. As a result, there is an overall smoother appearance and fewer fine lines and deep wrinkles. These outcomes show that, in such high concentrations, lactic acid can permeate into the deeper layers of the skin. Lower concentrations of about 5% have no impact on the middle layer of the skin. Still, they have similar effects on a more superficial level.

‌After using lactic acid, you’ll notice a brighter and smoother complexion. This AHA exfoliant helps treat moderate to severe hyperpigmentation, which happens when certain spots on your skin have more than the normal amount of melanin. It can fade out age spots and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and highly visible pores. Lactic acid is one of the mildest forms of AHA, so it’s safe to use it on sensitive skin in the right concentrations. 

‌‌Lactic acid as an effective antimicrobial. Some research suggests that lactic acid and probiotic supplements can help with sensitive skin. By teaming up to fix certain inflammatory reactions, they can both give a microbial balance to the skin. While probiotics promote more in-depth regulation by balancing the gut, lactic acid works alongside them as a treatment for moderate skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

Lactic acid for acne. Skin with a tendency to get acne can be more sensitive to exfoliating therapies. Still, many doctors prescribe lactic acid chemical peels in low concentrations alongside antibiotic treatments. Using low concentrations has significantly improved the skin texture and reduced up to 90% of inflammatory lesions in people with acne in controlled clinical studies.

How to Use Lactic Acid Safely

You shouldn’t use lactic acid as an exfoliation too often. If you exfoliate too often, you can damage your skin’s protective barrier. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you may want to use this skin resurfacing ingredient every other night.

Use caution with retinoids and harsh exfoliants. You should space out these treatments to avoid irritation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which occurs when the skin generates more melanin in response to stress, could result in extreme cases. Hyperpigmentation of this kind often takes a very long time to diminish.

When you use a chemical peel, your skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. Whether you’re outside or not, you should always use a sunscreen with at least a 30+ SPF. If you’re going to be out in the sun for more than two hours, you should reapply. If you have extra-sensitive skin, your risk of developing skin cancer may increase if you don’t take precautions to prevent it from being damaged by ultraviolet light.

It is essential to take proper care of your skin after undergoing an extensive treatment. Having a solid after care plan for your chemical peel is crucial for this reason.

After your peel, your provider will go over aftercare instructions with you. This will promote uniform peeling and speedy recovery. Evolution MedSpa Boston’s board-certified medical professionals are a treasure of knowledge when it comes to chemical peels. In this section, they impart some of their wisdom upon you.

What sort of aftercare is required following a chemical peel?

After receiving treatment, how should you best care for your skin so that it can heal?

Dead and damaged outer layers of skin can be shed with the help of a chemical peel. Acne, discoloration, and the signs of age can all see improvement from this. The radiant, healthy skin beneath can finally be revealed thanks to a peel. It’s crucial to give your skin time to heal after getting a chemical peel.

Your skin will be extremely delicate after a peel and will require medical attention. Reason enough to pay close attention to your doctor’s orders, then. Expert advice on caring for your skin after a peel:

When washing your face, use cool water. If your skin is irritated or swollen following your treatment, this should help calm it down.
Use a high-quality moisturizer.
Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking lots of water.
Protect your more sensitive skin from the sun’s aging rays by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Don’t go to saunas or steam rooms or engage in intense exercise.
Your newly peeled skin is more susceptible to irritation from these sources.
For a few days after getting a peel, don’t exfoliate.
You may feel more redness and irritation after your treatment if you exfoliate.
What kind of moisturizer do you recommend?
Moisturizing the skin during the healing process might hasten the process and reduce the likelihood of scarring. But how do you pick the best moisturizer when there are so many options?

Since a chemical peel weakens your skin’s natural defenses, you should use a medium to heavy moisturizer to help restore them. To prevent irritation, this moisturizer should be pH-balanced and include no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. In instance, zinc oxide creams can be used to gently moisturize the skin after a peel.

After a chemical peel, is it OK to put on makeup?
Your peel’s intensity is a major factor here. You may be able to apply cosmetics the day after a superficial peel. However, 7-10 days may pass after a deeper peel before you can wear makeup again.

Makeup should be applied when the doctor has given the okay, but doing so too soon can cause irritation.

How long does it take for the skin to heal after getting a chemical peel?
The intensity and duration of your peel will also play a role in this.

Light peels take 1-7 days for skin to recover, medium peels take 7-14 days, and deep peels take 2-3 weeks.

An effective skincare program used after medical procedures can hasten recovery.

Amazing improvement in acne scars following chemical peels is seen in before and after pictures.

Acne scars can be treated cosmetically with a chemical peel, and for good reason: they’re highly effective. When comparing the “before” and “after” photos, the transformation is startling.

Request before-and-after pictures of previous patients when deciding on a treatment provider. This will provide you peace of mind about the quality of their work.

When I get a chemical peel, who does it? A dermatologist, right?
DIY chemical peels that are less intense and more shallow can be done at home, but deeper peels should only be done by a dermatologist. This will guarantee the best outcomes and the safest treatment, reducing the likelihood of unpleasant side effects like discolouration and scarring. Your dermatologist’s evaluation of your skin type and condition is crucial to selecting the most appropriate treatment for your needs.

Can I treat my acne scars with a chemical peel at home?
The condition of greasy and breakout-prone skin can be improved with the use of mild, at-home peels. These offer a gentle exfoliation for the entire face, which may reduce the appearance of acne scars in some people. However, if you have extensive scarring from acne or other causes, it may be worthwhile to see a dermatologist for a deeper peel.

What is the average price tag for a chemical peel procedure?
The strength of the chemical used in the peel has a significant impact on the final price, making it hard to generalize. Light peels in the Boston area can cost as little as $150, while deeper peels can cost upwards of $3,000. According to the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, the typical price of a chemical peel today is $669.

Once you’ve decided on a doctor, you can schedule a consultation to go over their fees and payment policies.

To remove acne scars, how much would a chemical peel cost?
Acne scar therapy with a peel can be expensive, depending on how bad your scars are. There will be an increase in price if you have severe scars and need a deeper peel.

In many cases, you can combine your peel with another procedure, like as dermaplaning. Most medical spas provide discounts for customers who schedule multiple services at once.