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Lactic Acid: Best, Natural Defense Against Aging and Wrinkles

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Lactic acid (LA) is a versatile alpha hydroxy acid derived from sour dairy products and fermented fruits and vegetables. Since its discovery inside the beauty industry, lactic acid has been proven to benefit the fight against aging and wrinkles, alongside a growing number of different skin conditions.

Most recently, new information regarding LA as an effective ingredient used in anti-acne treatments has brought this powerful, natural skincare staple into the limelight again. And, while many within the skincare industry increasingly tout the benefits of lactic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids--we’ve been lactic acid fanatics since our humble beginnings in a Berkeley kitchen.

The Better, Gentler Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Lactic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliants that have long since been used to impede or delay skin aging. Exfoliants encourage the removal of dead skin cells on the surface, triggering an increase in cell turnover and renewal. Unfortunately, LA is often grouped with other AHAs, such as glycolic acid, because of the similarity of benefits they deliver as a whole. However, it’s important to understand how LA is different from other AHAs and why it is the clear winner in the fight against aging and wrinkles.

• Lactic acid is less prone to cause skin irritation because it does not penetrate the skin surface as deeply as other AHAs. This makes LA a top pick for sensitive and rosacea prone skin.
• Lactic acid has powerful humectant properties, helping your skin increase water content. Other AHAs tend to have the reverse effect of drying your skin.
• Lactic acid stimulates the natural way your skin stays plump and pliable, providing true hydration beyond surface levels unlike other AHAs which provide only artificial, temporary benefits.

Buyer Beware: AHAs in Anti-Aging Products

Next time you’re browsing the skincare aisle at your local store or shopping online, remember these important AHA guidelines:

In Cleansers—Avoid Glycolic Acid

The exfoliating action of lactic acid in a cleanser will be very gentle, while the humectant properties will keep skin soft and moist. You will not get the drying effect of the stronger AHAs like glycolic acid.

In Facials---Lactic Acid is Best

Most skin types, including but not limited to mature and sensitive skin, would be well-advised to choose lactic acid peels. Professional treatments use lactic acid peels at higher concentrations and are very effective without being irritating. In between professional treatments you can use yoghurt or sour cream, both of which contain lactic acid, when your skin needs a pick-me-up.

In Serums—Don't Over Pay for Hyaluronic Acid in Topical Serums

Hyaluronic acid is the most important glycosamineglycans (or GAG for short) in the dermal matrix, keeping skin plump and pliable. Unfortunately trying to get hyaluronic acid into the dermis via topical applications of serums which contain HA does not work, because the molecule is too big to penetrate. While these serums do act as emollients, smoothing and softening the top layers of the epidermis, they are not humectants. A humectant helps skin retain moisture, and in the case of lactic acid it does so by stimulating biosynthesis of glycosamineglycans (like hyaluronic acid) in the dermis. Thus LA is much more effective at actually plumping skin than serums containing ingredients like HA that merely sit on the skin's surface. These HA serums tend to be expensive and do not live up to the claims that are made for them.

A special note about AHA safety:

The FDA has ruled that AHAs, including lactic acid, do increase sun sensitivity. Special care should be taken when using AHAs as part of your anti-aging skincare regimen. Follow these 2 simple rules to protect your skin:

1. 1.  Wear sunscreen SPF 20 to 30 every day. Studies show an increase in sun sensitivity with AHA use, but even an SPF 2 eliminates the sensitivity. 
3. 2.  Use AHA treatments at night. Some sunscreens and day lotions actually contain glycolic acid in them. Never use a day lotion or a sunscreen that contains an AHA.

Feeling the lactic acid love?

Dig deeper into the science behind lactic acid in skincare or learn more about its anti-aging, anti-acne benefits and versatility as a natural skin lightener.

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