Best Lactic Acid Skincare Products of 2024

Have you ever felt like your skin can’t hold moisture, especially that rough and bumpy skin? This might indicate that you need exfoliating properties in your skincare routine.

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid used to exfoliate dead and bumpy skin cells. Aside from being found as an ingredient in body lotions, face serums, masks, and cleansers.

Lactic acid is naturally found in the skin. It plays a crucial role in gently breaking down our dead skin cells, revealing a smoother and brighter layer underneath.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about lactic acids, including their benefits and the top pick of the best skin care products containing lactic acid. Without further ado, let’s get right into it.

What is Lactic Acid?

Lactic acid is the most popular Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) available. It eliminates dead skin cells and promotes turnover by making the skin feel hydrated and soft.

It gives yogurt and sour milk their distinctive taste. People still take milk baths as it gently exfoliates the skin and keeps it smooth. Nowadays, most lactic acids in skincare products are made in the laboratory.

Benefits of Lactic Acid for Skincare

1. It gives your skin a brighter complexion
2. It helps in hydrating the skin by stimulating the production of natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) and preventing water loss through the skin’s surface.
3. It improves skin texture
4. It sloughs off dead skin cells
5. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles
6. It also helps reduce hyperpigmentation by fading out dark spots, which may be caused by sunburn.

Top Picks of the Best Lactic Acid Body Lotions in Nigeria

Here are some of the best lactic acid body lotions. These top picks are chosen based on dermatologist recommendations, positive reviews from customers, and demand.

Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion 7.9oz

Amlactin Intensive Healing Lotion with 15% Lactic Acid 7.9oz

Cerave SA Smoothing Cream For Dry Rough Bumpy Skin

Lianor Beauty Goat Milk Lotion

Best Lactic Acid Facial Serums

Here are some of the best picks for lactic acid facial serums.

Face Facts Glow & Resurface Lactic Acid AHA Serum

Beauty Formulas Renewing Serum 10% AHA+2% BHA

Balance Active AHA 10% + BHA 2% Serum

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Which is better: Lactic acid or Kojic Acid

While both are popular skincare ingredients. They work quite differently

Benefits of Lactic Acid

1. Gently removes dead skin cells from the skin surface.
2. Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improves collagen production.
3.  It not only exfoliates the skin, but it also hydrates it.
4. It even skin tone by eliminating dark patches.

Benefits of Kojic Acid

1. This helps to fade dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
2. Enhances the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots
3. Best for individuals with uneven skin tone, dark spots.

Which is better for you?

It depends on your skin goals

• If you are dealing with hyperpigmentation, such as melasma or dark patches. Include Kojic acid in your skincare routine.

One major adverse effect of Kojic acid is that it makes your skin susceptible to sun damage; it’s advisable to use sunscreen along with it.

• On the other hand, choose lactic acid if you want to correct uneven skin tone and enjoy the benefits of moderate exfoliation.

Due to its ability to enhance texture, Lactic acid is an excellent choice for a person with dull skin.

• For the best of both worlds, you can use a combination of Kojic acid and Lactic acid serums in your skincare routine. You can choose Kojic acid serum to target hyperpigmentation during the day, and a lactic acid serum to exfoliate at night.

P.S.: While both ingredients address different skin concerns, it’s also important to consider your skin sensitivity. Before starting a proper skincare routine, perform a patch test on a hidden part of your skin. Keep an eye out for any changes within 2 days.

Choosing the Right Lactic Acid Skincare Products

Several factors must be considered when choosing any lactic acid skincare products. Some of these include;

1.  Product Concentration: Lactic acid concentration is key. As a beginner or someone with sensitive skin, you can choose lotions around 2-5%. Higher concentrations (up to 10%) offer more intense exfoliation for thicker skin or address specific concerns like roughness or keratosis pilaris.

2. Skin Type: Dry skin craves intense hydration, so look for lotions with added ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid alongside lactic acid.

Sensitive skin might benefit from fragrance-free options and lower lactic acid percentages. Oily skin can still benefit from lactic acid, but choose a lightweight, oil-free formula.

3. Additional Ingredients: Many lactic acid body lotions pack an extra punch with other beneficial ingredients. Ceramides help repair the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture, and shea butter or cocoa butter offers extra nourishment.

Is It Safe To Use Lactic Acid Daily

There are many lactic acid products out there that claim to deliver good results. It is best to read product usage instructions for clarity.

Wrapping Up

With the right lactic acid skincare products in your skincare routine, you bid farewell to rough and dry skin. Don’t forget to consider your skin type, seek a dermatologist’s help, and budget.

The exfoliating effects in lactic acid skincare products can leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays.

You can also take sun protection measures by limiting your exposure to the sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take lactic acid to lighten the skin?

A: You can see a noticeable result within 2 weeks. A more pronounced result within 2 months.