OK! Let’s make a quick bet! Pick any skin lightening product you currently own, or you find in a store. Read the ingredients. If you come across the words lactic acid, you owe me 5 bucks. If you don’t, I give you 5.
Given that 90% of skin whitening products contain lactic acid, and assuming that 20 of you take the bet monthly, I earn 120$/mo. Easily!
I’m kidding here of course! Keep your precious money, or even better, spend it to buy a skin lightening product containing lactic acid. What I only wanted to pinpoint is the fact that lactic acid is so common in skin lightening and general skin care products that it deserves a closer look.
A video fan? Perhaps you can watch our video version instead of reading the whole post?
What is lactic acid? Does it lighten my skin?
Lactic acid is the gentlest (that is the mildest) in the family of Hydroxy Acid (also known as AHAs). AHAs are acids taken from foods. This means that they are safe enough to apply on your skin to treat your skin problems. Whereas citric acid is derived from citrus fruits and glycolic acid from sugar cane, lactic acid is derived from sour milk.
All the above acids have proven to be very useful when it comes to skin lightening. However, Lactic Acid is Number 1, as it is the mildest one amongst them. Thus, you should expect just a little or no irritation at all, which makes it ideal for you, if your skin is sensitive.
How does Lactic acid lighten my skin?
Well, this is a complex question given that Lactic Acid provides a combined action against skin hyperpigmentation (that is over-colored skin).
1) Lactic acid penetrates the upper layer of your skin, working from underneath the epidermis. What it does there is to detach the dead skin cells from your skin. This way, dead cells, dirt, and oil – buildup are removed from your skin, making it appear more radiant, healthy and young. This process is known as exfoliation.
2) Lactic acid stimulates the elastic fibers of your skin and triggers collagen production where applied. This means that your skin regains its elasticity, becomes thicker and wrinkle-free.
3) Studies have shown that Lactic Acid acts as a melanin suppressor. This means that Lactic acid inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin. Simply put, less melanin equals less color. Less color equals spotless skin.
Are there any precautions while using Lactic Acid for skin lightening?
Yes! There are a couple of things you should be aware of.
- Lactic acid makes your skin prone to sunburns. It decreases your melanin production to help you whiten your skin, remember? Without adequate melanin, your skin is not well – defended against the penetrating and dangerous UV sun rays. So please be sure you always protective clothing on the treated areas of your skin, as well as to apply high SPF sunscreen on them
- You should expect mild irritation when starting to use Lactic Acid to lighten your skin. Above all, it’s an acid, even if it’s a mild one. A solid tactic would be to apply over a small area first to see how your skin reacts to the acid. When it gets used to it, expand. However, if the irritation persists, stop using the product immediately and ask for your dermatologist’s advice.
What are my options when it comes to Lactic Acid for skin lightening?
There’s a variety of ways in which you can use Lactic Acid to lighten your skin and get rid of any brown spots on it.
- Lactic Acid Peels: They guarantee fast results. Quicker than any other method that involves LA. There are, however, reports from people having used LA Peels that they leave a patchy skin for a short period.
- Lactic Acid Lotions: They act slower than LA peels, but they provide an even, more consistent result on your skin.
- Ready for you, OTC (Over the counter) skin lightening creams that contain Lactic Acid. They offer a combined action with the help of other substances such as Vitamins E, A and C and several more. You can click the following link to read our best OTC skin lightening cream containing Lactic Acid.
How to use lactic acid for skin whitening – Our recommended products
If you want to try the power of lactic acid for your skin lightening efforts, here are a couple of recommended products to assist you.
Lactic Acid 50% Gel Peel by QRxLabs
Our first recommendation is the Lactic Acid 50% Gel Peel by QRxLabs. As its name implies it’s a peel gel containing 50% lactic avid (of which the benefits you should know by now). What is more interesting about this peel, however, is the fact that it also contains Kojic Acid and Bearberry & Licorice Root Extracts .
We admit that this combination of proven skin lightening acids sounds very promising. This should justify the rave reviews that the product has currently amassed online.
In addition, all the ingredients included in the gel are 100% natural and known enemies of skin hyperpigmentation and discoloration.
What we also like about this product is that it comes in gel and not in a liquid version. This makes its use much easier.
The manufacturer claims that their product can your blemishes, scars, freckles, and skin discolorations go away.
Give it a look and read user reviews on Amazon.
Hydro-Glo 10% Peel Pads by Perfect Image
If you want to try the Peel Pads solution, then we might have just what you need in mind. The Hydro-Glo 10% Peel Pads contain a series of powerful skin lightening ingredients; Lactic acid, Mandelic acid, Glutathione, Kojic Acid, Papaya, Pineapple, Licorice Root Extract, and Bearberry are only some to mention. We are pretty sure that you’ve read or listened these before, haven’t you?
The Kojic Acid and Glutathione are two of the best tyrosinase inhibitors that prevent the production of melanin who is responsible for the color of your skin.
The papain enzyme contained in papaya (and of course in the peel pads) provides excellent exfoliation that allows you to remove any dead cells from your skin. These cells are partially responsible for the darkening of your skin.
The product is produced in USA and is Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Gluten Free
Give it a look on Amazon or read buyer reviews
Below are some of our favorite products containing lactic acid for skin whitening! Give them a look!
Conclusion – How to use lactic acid for skin lightening
Lactic acid is by far, one of the most common and useful substances when it comes to skin whitening. Its beneficial effect cannot be doubted, and this is why many skin lightening products contain it. If you’d like to try Skinlighteningpedia.com suggestions on skin whitening with lactic acid here are the links again:
Lactic Acid 50% Gel Peel by QRxLabs and Hydro-Glo 10% Peel Pads by Perfect Image
Good Luck.
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