Lactic acid | B Skin Legacy

Lactic acid

Type of ingredient	Exfoliant
Available forms	Exfoliators, serums, Toners…
Origin	It is a by-product of fermented sugar and starch in sour milk via bacteria. It is also found in sweat secretions on the surface of the skin.
Main benefits	Firms the skin, reduces acne, increases cell renewal.
Characteristics	It reduces acne lesions, works by increasing the skin’s renewal rate, causing new, younger-looking skin to grow. It also helps the skin to retain moisture.
Target group	In general, anyone with acne-prone skin or who has frequent skin rashes.
Frequency	It is recommended to use it only once a day and at night.
Association	Combines with moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
Dissociation/ Contraindication	Other acids and exfoliants such as AHAs or benzoyl peroxide. Retinol should also be avoided.
Side effects	Do not use on irritated or inflamed skin. Using one acid too often can lead to inflammation, which accelerates the aging process. Using too much at once can also lead to inflammation or, worse still, rashes and chemical burns. It should be noted, however, that lactic acid is less irritating to the skin than many other acids and therefore can be used more often than an acid such as salicylic acid (very intense).
Use	Compared to glycolic acid, the lactic acid molecule is actually larger, so it cannot penetrate as deeply into the skin. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin, who will probably be able to tolerate its effects better. You can follow a three-use, three-stop program, which means you should apply the acid three nights in a row, then take a three-night break to treat your skin with moisturising ingredients that nourish the new cells you’ve revealed. If you have acne-prone skin that needs a lot of exfoliation, you can alternate your use of lactic acid with using something deeper like salicylic acid, which will remove dead skin and deep clean your pores. Also consider stopping strong exfoliating products such as retinoids or scrubs when using lactic or any other acid regularly. Since drying out the layers of your skin also makes you more vulnerable to sun damage, be sure to apply an SPF of at least 30 every morning.