Lactic acid is an ingredient used in cosmetic products. This is the most common type of alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA, which helps in exfoliating the skin. It starts its work by removing dead skin cells. Lactic acid moisturizes the skin. It is used to reduce skin blemishes, acne and wrinkles. In such a situation, most people can include lactic acid for skin care.In this article you will learn in detail about the benefits and disadvantages of lactic acid for skin -

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  1. How Does Lactic Acid Work On The Skin?
  2. Benefits Of Lactic Acid For Skin
  3. Harm Of Lactic Acid For Skin
  4. Precautions While Applying Lactic Acid On Skin
  5. Summary
Doctors for The Science of Glow: Harnessing Lactic Acid for Healthy, Luminous Skin

Lactic acid is a type of AHA, which is used for chemical peeling. It performs its function by removing the top layer of dead skin cells. When the dead skin cells start coming off, gradually the spots and acne also start getting rid of. Lactic acid serum is also found in many body scrubs, serums , lactic acid body lotion  , lactic acid body wash and toners etc.

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To remove pimples and itching from the skin, definitely use nimbadi churna  by myUpchar.

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Lactic acid benefits the skin by exfoliating it. This acid can prove to be effective in treating minor to major skin problems. Lactic acid can help in removing blemishes, acne and wrinkles. The special thing is that lactic acid can prove to be good for all skin types. According to the Food and Drug Administration, lactic acid can provide the following benefits to the skin -

Lactic Acid Improves Skin Texture And Tone

Lactic acid helps in removing old or damaged skin cells from the skin. This creates new skin cells and repairs the skin. When lactic acid cream is used regularly for some time, it starts improving skin texture and tone.

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Lactic Acid Reduce Dark Spots From Skin

Lactic acid helps in removing damaged cells and producing new cells. Using products containing lactic acid can help reduce acne scars, sun tan and age spots. Not only this, lactic acid can also reduce hyperpigmentation.

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Lactic Acid Remove Wrinkles And Fine Lines

Using lactic acid regularly can help reduce the signs of aging. Actually, lactic acid increases the production of collagen in the skin. With this, wrinkles and fine lines start going away. It can make the skin soft and supple by increasing collagen.

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Lactic Acid Benefits For Acne

Lactic acid can also be used on acne prone skin. It can prove to be effective in reducing acne, pimples or boils from the face. Along with this, lactic acid can also improve the texture of the skin and reduce inflammation. It can prevent the growth of acne by cleansing the pores.

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Lactic Acid Provide Moisture To The Skin

Products containing lactic acid can help provide natural moisture to the skin. It keeps the skin hydrated. Can reduce dryness of skin. It can hydrate and soften the skin.

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Lactic Acid Treat Many Skin Diseases

Lactic acid not only cures minor skin problems, but it can also prove useful in treating skin related diseases. Lactic acid can treat eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. It has antimicrobial properties, which can overcome these problems.

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Lactic acid provides countless benefits to the skin. This cures many small and big skin related problems. At the same time, some side effects may be felt after using lactic acid, which are as follows -

Sensitivity To Sun

Lactic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Actually, lactic acid slows down the formation of skin cells. In this situation, the risk of the skin getting damaged by ultraviolet rays or harmful rays of the sun increases. According to research, the skin may become sensitive to the sun for up to 4 weeks after using lactic acid.

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Skin Irritation

In addition to sun sensitivity, lactic acid can also cause skin irritation. In this condition, itching and irritation may be felt on the skin. Therefore, before applying lactic acid on the face, a 24-hour patch test must be done on the skin.

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Redness On The Skin

Lactic acid can cause irritation as well as redness. After applying lactic acid, redness may increase, but then gradually it starts becoming lighter. Redness may disappear completely after 1-2 hours. Therefore, there is no need to panic in this situation.

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Skin Rash Or Swelling

Although lactic acid proves to be good for all skin types, in some cases lactic acid can cause side effects like rash or swelling. If you start seeing rashes or swelling on the skin after applying lactic acid, then immediately clean the skin with water.

It is important to pay attention to some things while using lactic acid, which are as follows -

  • If your skin is sensitive, lactic acid can cause irritation on the skin. Therefore, very small amounts of lactic acid should be applied to the skin. If no serious side effects are seen on the skin, then lactic acid can be applied as needed.
  • Even though lactic acid is a type of AHA and exfoliates the skin, lactic acid should not be used daily. It can be used only once a week.
  • Lactic acid increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. In such a situation, after applying lactic acid, definitely use SPF 30 on the skin.
  • If there is any skin related problem, ingredients like lactic acid should be used only on the advice of a doctor.

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Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, which is used to remove dead skin cells from the skin, fade dark spots and reduce fine lines. It is over-the-counter, which means you can use it at home also. Although lactic acid is beneficial for the skin, it can increase sensitivity to the sun and cause irritation and redness etc. Therefore, sunscreen must be used after using lactic acid. Some people may be sensitive to lactic acid, so its use should be avoided without expert advice.

Dr. Ravikumar Bavariya

Dr. Ravikumar Bavariya

Dermatology
7 Years of Experience

Dr. Rashmi Nandwana

Dr. Rashmi Nandwana

Dermatology
14 Years of Experience

Dr. Pavithra G

Dr. Pavithra G

Dermatology
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Dr. Ankit Jhanwar

Dr. Ankit Jhanwar

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