Does Lactic Acid Cause Redness?
Have you ever tried a new skincare product and suddenly found yourself with blemishes and rashes? It doesn’t necessarily mean what you first thought! Granted, it could be due to the ingredients in the formula you’re trying, especially if it’s a rich cream or it contains certain ingredients you haven’t yet incorporated into your skincare routine. Usually we would recommend that you stop using these products altogether. Another reason for redness in the skin could be a normal skin reaction called redness. If you’ve never heard of it, you’ve had a perfect day!
In this blog post, we explore the redness that can be caused by AHAs, especially lactic acid, as it’s known as one of the gentlest chemical peels.
What is Redness?
What is often mistakenly thought of as a sudden flushing of the skin is actually caused by ingredients that clog the pores. Instead, the long-term effect of skin cleansing is to increase cell turnover by removing the top layer of dead skin, making the complexion look younger, fresher, and more radiant. The downside to this is that the accelerated exfoliation of the skin in the short term can lead to a lot of blackheads and rashes. This will usually last 4-6 weeks and the product needs to be used consistently to ensure the skin develops tolerance and reaps the full benefits of cleansing the skin and removing all the excess dirt beneath the pores.
How does cleansed skin feel?
You will notice that the marks from cleansing look like small red bumps which can sometimes be painful to the touch. You will also notice more common blemishes that appear during cleansing such as: B. Whiteheads and blackheads, which explains why they are often confused with acne. As the red bumps can look and feel like an allergic reaction or irritation, we always recommend doing a patch test, applying a 10p-sized amount of the product to the inside of your forearm and leaving it on the skin for 24 hours. If there are no signs of skin irritation after this time, this is a good sign that your skin is happy with the formula and you can safely use it topically without any reaction.
How long does it take to cleanse the skin before it heals?
Generally, a cleanser can start to work on your skin two weeks after you first use a new skincare product, especially if it contains ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover, such as chemical peels (AHAs), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, being two of the most popular. Normally, the skin renews its cell cycle every 28 days, a process that slows down with age, often leading to a buildup of cells that can make the complexion look dry, dull, and cause premature signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Skin cleansing effects can be expected to last up to 6 weeks. However, keep in mind that everyone has different skin, so it’s difficult to say for sure how long a cleanse will last. Many experts and dermatologists say anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks is normal. However, if you continue to see symptoms for longer than that, you should see your doctor or dermatologist to discuss what steps you can take to calm and reduce breakouts, especially if adjustments to the product’s dosage or frequency of use are needed.
Which acids work as cleansing agents?
Some acids and certain ingredients can provide a cleansing action, such as:
Retinol/Retinoids
AHAs, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid
BHAs, primarily salicylic acid
All of the ingredients mentioned have a chemical exfoliating action, i.e. they remove dead skin cells and other dirt and debris from the surface of the skin that can lead to clogged pores and various breakouts and blemishes. Once the initial cleansing action of the skin wears off, you can expect the clarity of the skin to improve and other products to be better absorbed by the skin.
Does Lactic Acid Harm the Skin?
In short, the answer is no, Lactic acid is a popular member of the AHA family and is known as one of the gentlest substances in skincare formulas. Their molecular size is very large compared to other well-known ingredients such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid. This also makes this acid more widely used for all skin types, as it only works on the top layer of the skin and does not penetrate too deep into the dermis to cause irritation and other reactions. Another advantage of using lactic acid compared to other stronger acids is that it is a humectant, which means it is a moisturizer. h. It draws moisture from the surrounding facial area and from product formulas and locks it into the skin, making it look hydrated, reducing visible signs of aging and giving the skin a youthful appearance. complexion.
How long does lactic acid cleansing last?
You can expect the skin cleansing effects after the first use of lactic acid to last for a similar amount of time as any other cleansing effect, which is 4-6 weeks. As mentioned before, if you find that the side effects are still very active and noticeable, it is best to consult a dermatologist to find out how to best address this without over-drying and irritating the skin. Due to the mild nature of lactic acid, the cleansing effects may not last very long. Always remember to consider your skin type when adding ingredients to your routine. If you find that you have sensitive skin that is prone to rashes and inflammation, it is best to do a 24-hour patch test to avoid any adverse reactions.
So here you can learn what cleansing really is and how long the cleansing effects can last on the skin. All AHAs have different benefits and can affect the skin in different ways. However, detoxing is inevitable, and while it may seem silly at first, in the long run you can expect your skin to look its best, feel good, and benefit from a well-thought-out daily skincare routine. If you want to know more about this clever acid, you can read our dedicated blog on lactic acid and its skincare benefits.
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