Lactic acid is a popular skincare ingredient that can help exfoliate and brighten the skin, leaving it looking more youthful and radiant. The Ordinary, a well-known skincare brand, offers lactic acid products in two different concentrations: Lactic Acid 5% + HA and Lactic Acid 10% + HA. Selecting the right concentration and incorporating these powerful products into your skincare routine can transform the appearance of your skin.
When starting with The Ordinary’s lactic acid serum, it’s important to begin slowly to ensure your skin can tolerate the active ingredient. If you’re new to acids, opt for the milder Lactic Acid 5% + HA serum, and use it once a week at night after your toner but before moisturizer. As your skin builds tolerance, gradually increase the usage up to daily or every other day, depending on your skin’s needs.
In addition to concentration and frequency, it’s essential to properly patch test the product before using it on your entire face. Apply a small amount to a discreet area, and wait 24 hours to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction. By following these recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the exfoliating and brightening benefits of The Ordinary’s lactic acid products in your skincare routine.
What is Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from milk. It is a naturally occurring substance that can be found in various skincare products, including The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid. This powerful ingredient serves as a chemical exfoliant, providing numerous benefits for the skin.
Lactic acid is known to:
- Gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing a brighter, smoother complexion.
- Promote collagen production, improving the skin’s elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Help reduce acne breakouts by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
- Improve skin hydration, as it attracts moisture to the skin’s surface.
The Ordinary offers two concentrations of Lactic Acid: 5% and 10%. The 5% concentration is suitable for those new to chemical exfoliants or with sensitive skin, while the 10% concentration is recommended for more experienced users or for those with normal to oily skin.
While lactic acid is generally safe and effective, it is important to use it properly and follow the directions on the product packaging. It is typically best to use lactic acid at night, as it can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
If you’re new to using The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid, you might want to start with the 5% concentration and gradually work your way up to the 10% formula. This will help minimize any potential skin irritation and allow your skin to adjust to the product. Remember to always patch test the product on a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to ensure no adverse reactions occur.
Incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine can offer significant results, leaving your skin feeling radiant and refreshed. However, it’s important to always listen to your skin and adjust your routine as necessary.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid Products
The Ordinary offers two lactic acid products: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA. Each product contains different concentrations of lactic acid to cater to various skin types, sensitivities, and desired outcomes. Lactic Acid 10% + HA is a higher strength formula for those with more experienced skin in using acids.
Both products feature a pH of around 3.8, which strikes a balance between efficacy and skin tolerance. The lower pH enhances the effectiveness of the lactic acid in promoting skin exfoliation and improving overall skin texture.
Lactic acid’s pKa value is 3.86, meaning that in formulations with pH close to its pKa, there will be a balance of the free acid and its inactive salt form. This balance is important to control acid availability in the skin, preventing excessive irritation and ensuring optimum performance.
Below are some key aspects of The Ordinary Lactic Acid products:
- Lactic Acid Concentration: Choose between The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA for beginners or 10% + HA for more experienced users.
- Usage Frequency: Start by using the chosen lactic acid serum once a week and gradually increase frequency depending on skin tolerance.
- Application: Apply at nighttime after toners and before moisturizers.
- Patch Testing: Always perform a patch test before fully incorporating the product into your skincare routine.
By choosing the right lactic acid concentration and following the recommended usage guidelines, The Ordinary Lactic Acid + HA can provide multiple benefits for your skin, including improved texture and exfoliation.
Benefits of Lactic Acid
Lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), offers numerous benefits for your skin. Found naturally in sour milk and synthetically produced for skincare products, it acts as a chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This gentle exfoliation can address several skincare concerns, making it a valuable addition to your routine.
One of the primary benefits of lactic acid is its ability to improve acne-prone skin. By exfoliating the top layer of your skin, it helps unclog pores and reduces the buildup of debris that leads to breakouts. Its larger molecule size also ensures that your skin remains moisturized and does not feel stripped, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
In addition to acne treatment, lactic acid plays a significant role in anti-aging. It can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting cell turnover, encouraging the growth of new, healthier skin cells. This process leaves your skin looking smoother and more youthful.
Lactic acid’s exfoliating properties are not only limited to acne and anti-aging. It also works to improve the overall tone and texture of your skin. By brightening dull skin and reducing dark spots or uneven pigmentation, lactic acid reveals a more even complexion.
Here’s a summary of the benefits:
- Acne treatment: Unclogging pores and reducing debris buildup
- Anti-aging: Improving fine lines and wrinkles through cell turnover
- Skin tone and texture: Brightening dull skin, reducing dark spots, and revealing an even complexion
If you’d like to incorporate lactic acid into your skincare routine, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA is a great option to consider. This water-based serum provides effective exfoliation and is ideal for dry skin types. Remember to start with a lower concentration (such as The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA) and gradually increase as needed to avoid irritation. Happy skincare!
Lactic Acid for Different Skin Types
Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant suitable for various skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. This Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) provides numerous benefits such as smoothing skin texture, brightening the complexion, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. However, it’s essential to use lactic acid properly, depending on your skin type, to avoid irritation.
Sensitive Skin
For those with sensitive skin, lactic acid is an ideal choice due to its mild nature compared to other AHAs and BHAs. When incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine, it’s best to start with a low concentration, such as The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA. Before applying the product, perform a patch test by applying a small amount on a discreet area of your skin (e.g., behind the ear) and observing for any adverse reactions after 24 hours.
Dry Skin
Individuals with dry skin can benefit from lactic acid’s ability to provide gentle exfoliation, revealing healthier and smoother skin. Its humectant properties help retain moisture, preventing further dryness. It is recommended that those with dry skin use a moderate percentage of lactic acid, such as the The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA. This product offers both exfoliation and hydration.
How to Use Lactic Acid for Different Skin Types
- Start by cleansing your face thoroughly.
- Apply a small amount of lactic acid on your fingertips and gently massage it into your skin. Avoid the eye area.
- Wait for the product to fully absorb into the skin before applying a moisturizer or other skincare products.
- Use sunscreen diligently, as lactic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Initially, apply lactic acid once a week to build tolerance. Ensure to monitor your skin’s response, and if no irritation occurs, gradually increase the frequency to two or three times a week, depending on your skin type and needs.
How to Use Lactic Acid from The Ordinary
Lactic Acid is an effective and gentle exfoliant, making it a popular choice for many people looking to improve their skincare routine. One of the most popular lactic acid products on the market is The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid serum. This section will guide you through the proper use of this product to help you achieve the best results.
The Ordinary offers two concentrations of lactic acid: 5% and 10%. If you’re new to using acids in your skincare, it’s recommended to start with the 5% concentration. As your skin builds tolerance, you can gradually increase the concentration to 10%.
To incorporate The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid into your routine, follow these steps:
- Cleanse your face: Before applying the serum, make sure your face is clean and dry.
- Patch test: When using an active serum for the first time, it’s best to do a patch test to ensure you won’t experience any adverse reactions.
- Application: Apply a thin layer of the lactic acid serum to your face in the evening, after using toners but before applying moisturizer.
- Frequency: Start by using the lactic acid serum three times a week, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Eventually, you may be able to use it daily.
While there are various forms of lactic acid available, such as creams and masks, The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid serum offers a more targeted and effective treatment. This serum also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin hydration by strengthening the lipid barrier.
It’s important to note that certain ingredients may not be compatible with lactic acid. For example, peptides may be less effective when used alongside acidic products. If you’re unsure whether your current skincare products are compatible with The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid, consult a dermatologist for guidance.
In summary:
- Choose a lactic acid concentration (5% or 10%) based on your skin’s tolerance.
- Apply the serum at night after toners, but before moisturizers.
- Begin by using the serum three times a week and increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
- Be cautious when using lactic acid with other ingredients, such as peptides.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, and results might vary. By following these steps and consulting with a dermatologist, you can safely incorporate The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid into your skincare routine for improved skin texture, tone, and hydration.
Exfoliation and Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which is a type of chemical exfoliant that works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This process allows for the removal of dead cells and encourages cell turnover, resulting in a smoother, brighter complexion.
In comparison, beta hydroxy acids (BHA) like salicylic acid, work more deeply within the pores to unclog them and help reduce acne. While both types of acids can be beneficial for skin exfoliation, lactic acid is more suitable for sensitive or dry skin types, as it’s generally more gentle.
The Ordinary offers two concentrations of lactic acid solutions: 5% + HA and 10% + HA. If you’re new to using acids, it’s recommended that you start with the 5% concentration to see how your skin responds. You can slowly build up the usage frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Although it’s possible to use lactic acid daily, most people find that using it a few times a week is sufficient.
When using The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid, follow the steps below:
- Cleanse your skin: Make sure your face is clean and dry before applying lactic acid.
- Apply the lactic acid: Using your fingertips or a cotton pad, apply a thin layer of the lactic acid solution to your skin. Be careful to avoid the sensitive eye area.
- Wait for it to absorb: Allow the solution to absorb into your skin for a few minutes. You may experience mild tingling, which is normal.
- Moisturize: Follow up with your favorite moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Remember to always wear sunscreen during the day, as AHA can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Remember, when incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine, it’s essential to start slow and follow the product’s instructions. Everyone’s skin is different, so be patient and monitor the results to find the perfect balance for your skin type. And don’t forget to enjoy the benefits of smoother, brighter-looking skin with the help of lactic acid!
Sun Sensitivity and Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making it more susceptible to sunburn and sun damage. Because of this, it’s essential to take extra precautions when using products containing lactic acid, such as The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid serum.
To protect your skin from sun exposure, it’s crucial to include daily sunscreen use in your skincare routine. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, which will shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to apply the sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours when outdoors, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
In addition to using sunscreen, consider incorporating other sun protection measures, such as:
- Wearing protective clothing like long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats
- Seeking shade during peak sun hours (usually between 10 AM and 4 PM)
- Wearing sunglasses with UV protection
Since The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid + HA serum is best used at night, you can minimize sun sensitivity risks by including sunscreen in your morning skincare routine. Remember to apply the serum after toners, but before moisturizers, to ensure its effectiveness.
When looking for sunscreen products, you can find a variety of options from reputable beauty brands. A few examples include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen and AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen.
Incorporating sun protection measures while using The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid serum can significantly reduce the risk of sun sensitivity and ensure the safe and effective exfoliation of your skin.
