Because glycolic acid can work deeper into the skin layer, it's generally recommended for uneven skin texture. In which case, if you have acne scars and wrinkles, glycolic acid is for you. On the other hand, lactic acid is a gentler exfoliant that's suitable for dry to sensitive skin types.
Lactic acid offers the same benefits as the stronger glycolic acid, but because it has a larger molecule size, it does not penetrate as deeply. People with sensitive skin will find lactic acid to be the gentler acid between two.
Lactic acid vs glycolic acid: The key differences
Speed of results: While glycolic acid can offer a deeper exfoliation, lactic acid remains closer to the surface. That means it will be less irritating, which is great especially if you're new to AHA exfoliation. But it also means you won't see results as quickly.
Can You Use Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid Together? You can use lactic and glycolic acids together if they're found in the same formula. To boost your skincare routine and visibly improve your skin tone and texture, we recommend Clearly Corrective Accelerated Clarity Renewing Ampoules.
First of all, yes, you can mix glycolic acid with lactic acid; however, it's not the ideal combination to be used in two separate products. Glycolic acid will work great combined with lactic acid, but only if both ingredients are present in the same product.
TCA, or Trichloroacetic Acid peels, are deeper medium depth peels. Since the TCA peels exfoliate deeper into the dermis than a salicylic acid or glycolic acid peel, they have more potent and longer lasting results.
Glycolic acid should always be applied in the evening, as it makes your skin sensitive to sunlight. Applying it at night gives ample time for it to do its magic without a higher risk or damaging your skin in the sun. But you should still always apply an SPF moisturizer in the morning.
Even though it's a milder AHA exfoliant, you shouldn't use lactic acid too frequently. You risk over-exfoliating your skin and messing with its natural barrier. Consider using this effective skin resurfacing ingredient every other night unless your doctor says otherwise.
Common side effects of LACTIC ACID include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash. Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to LACTIC ACID or its components.
Lactic acid is another common AHA. Unlike other AHAs made from fruits, lactic acid is made from lactose in milk. It's also known for its significant exfoliation and anti-aging effects.
If you're new to chemical exfoliants, you should ease into using AHAs rather than overdoing it at first. Begin with lactic acid and work your way up to a moderate strength glycolic acid as your skin becomes more tolerant, recommends Dr Niketa Sonavane.
Helps tighten skin: A study has also shown that use of lactic acid helps to thicken and tighten the skin, resulting in fewer fine lines and wrinkles, making this a great option for reducing signs of aging.
Doing so will help remove surface skin issues without damaging or drying out the skin. However, for individuals with oily or combination skin, salicylic acid is often the better choice.
Peels with different concentration strengths help treat dark and tanned skin. The chemicals peels available to remove sun tan are glycolic peel, lactic peel, azelaic acid etc.
According to Abouchar, chemical peels containing lactic acid are beneficial for aiding in the control of pimples and acne, decreasing the appearance of pores and smoothing out rough skin. People have even report improved skin texture with acne scarring after using The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%.
Food manufacturers add lactic acid to packaged food products such as bread, desserts, olives, and jams to give them longer shelf lives. Lactic acid is a good preservative because it can kill and suppress bacteria in food. Lactic acid also helps prevent discoloration and works as a gelling agent and a curing agent.
As lactic acid builds up, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate or irregular heart rhythm, and mental status changes can occur.
Muscle ache, burning, rapid breathing, nausea, stomach pain: If you've experienced the unpleasant feeling of lactic acidosis, you likely remember it. Lactic acidosis caused by intense exercise is usually temporary. It happens when too much acid builds up in your bloodstream.
In terms of specific ingredients to look for, Shamban recommends alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids like glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids, which are all great for treating blackheads and whiteheads.
Can I apply moisturiser after lactic acid? Absolutely, this is a great idea especially if you have a dry or sensitive skin type that can become irritated when you use AHA or other chemical exfoliates even ones as gentle as lactic acid.
Glycolic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for oily skin, especially if you're prone to breakouts. "Many patients with oily skin benefit from washes, lotions, and creams that contain glycolic acid to help reduce excessive oil and prevent the plugging of pores that leads to acne breakouts," says Dr. Anolik.
It is advised to apply niacinamide after lactic acid. This ensures the acid can work at exfoliating whilst niacinamide restores hydration back into the skin barrier. This is a result of each ingredient containing different pH levels.
But overall, stick to using water-based products and serums together. AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
After using glycolic acid, apply a hydrating serum or gel (to hydrate your newly exfoliated skin) followed by a more occlusive moisturizer (to seal in all the moisture). Only use glycolic acid in your nighttime routine, and always apply sunscreen in the morning after glycolic acid treatment.
Other benefits of AHAs like lactic acid include improved skin tone and reduced pore appearance. However, unlike AHAs such as glycolic acid, lactic acid is a bit milder. This makes a lactic acid peel a better choice for sensitive skin.