Glycolic acid offers the same benefits as lactic acid but at a greater strength than lactic acid. However, just because it is stronger doesn't always make it the better way to repair scars, fine lines, skin texture and complexion.
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.
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.
Glycolic acid and lactic acid are both members of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) family. Glycolic is derived from sugar cane while lactic acid from milk but they both work the same way: they dissolve the “glue” that holds skin cells together.
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.
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.
Higher percentages (10 to 20 percent) are definitely more effective, but they are more likely to cause irritation. Also, be sure to avoid lactic acid when your skin is irritated or actively inflamed.
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.
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.
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.
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid , or AHA, used in over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products and professional treatments. Lactic acid is used to remove dead skin cells, lighten dark spots, and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
With niacinamide having a higher pH the less it absorbs into the lower layers of the epidermis, working mainly on the surface. With lactic acid having a lower pH level, meaning it is more acidic, it can penetrate further. Although it is a lot gentler compared to its potent cousins, such as glycolic acid and malic acid.
Niacinamide and glycolic acid are both common ingredients in exfoliating products. Glycolic acid helps to break down the top layer of dead skin cells to encourage a smoother complexion. Niacinamide increases the skin's elasticity to help improve the appearance of fine wrinkles and lines.
Hence, they are both pretty gentle acids, which is why they are great for sensitive skin. However, lactic acid is widely known to be the 'tamer' acid. Commonly known to be better for sensitive skin, so you may find yourself wondering why if the pH is almost the same?
Glycolic acid is an effective exfoliant, meaning it can remove dead skin cells. It's well suited to reducing hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. If you have acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is usually a better option. It can get rid of excess sebum and prevent or treat acne.
BHA seems to be more effective for treating skin conditions like acne because of its antibacterial properties. AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acid, may be effective in treating changes in skin color such as melasma, solar lentigines, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Benefits of glycolic acid
When applied to the skin, glycolic acid works to break the bonds between the outer layer of skin cells, including dead skin cells, and the next skin cell layer. This creates a peeling effect that can make the skin appear smoother and more even.
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.
No, glycolic acid is not a skin lightening (as in whitening) agent, so glycolic acid will not lighten or whiten your skin tone. Glycolic acid, however, does fade darks spots and hyperpigmentation making it a safe ingredient to brighten and even your complexion.
Lactic acid can help reduce the appearance of large pores, age spots and hyperpigmentation. Linker notes that both glycolic and lactic acids should be used under the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist because they can cause sun sensitivity.
If you're new to AHAs, Kim recommends starting with a concentration lower than 8 percent. However, if you've "built up a tolerance to lower concentrations or have more serious concerns with anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, and roughness," look for an AHA concentration of around 8 to 10 percent, says Kim.
According to Isaac, the ideal percentage of glycolic acid for at-home use would be 8 percent to 30 percent, with 30 being what she called the “high normal.” “Most face washes are somewhere between 8 to 10 percent. Creams can be 15 percent and be used daily.
The strongest of them all
That title falls to fluoroantimonic acid – a superacid mixture of antimony pentafluoride and hydrofluoric acid.
Benefits of Mixing Niacinamide with Lactic Acid
A research study that subjected 52 volunteers to an anti-aging skincare routine containing alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamins B3 (niacinamide), C, and E saw significant improvement in wrinkles and fine lines with an improved skin texture without adverse effects.