Having problem skin, even if it's just an occasional breakout can be so distressing. That's why helping people improve their skin is the most important thing we do. We believe the use of lactic acid in our products is a key to healthy, glowing skin. All of the before and after images we receive from our customers are a result of using lactic acid within the complex formulations in our products.
In the world of skincare, when people hear the word ‘acid', it’s usually associated with getting a chemical peel at a spa. There are many types of acids that are used in skin care. If you’ve ever had a professional chemical peel, you’ve probably been treated with either a high percentage of a alpha hydroxy acid, a glycolic or a even a trichloroacetic acid. These treatments are higher percentage acids that are applied to your skin to chemically exfoliate your skin and reveal new, healthy cells. Depending on the type of peel, you may have some downtime or at a minimum, some redness and sun sensitivity, as well as some expense.
Our favorite acid is lactic acid. Derived from sugar, it’s an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that is safe and gentle enough to use every day, not just once in a while for a special treatment. It is a chemical exfoliant that breaks down and releases dead skin cells to reveal healthy, glowing skin.
Why We Love It
- It’s well tolerated by sensitive, mature or acne-prone skin;
- It promotes cell turnover and rejuvenation;
- It helps to improve pigmentation and discoloration issues;
- It works to build and protect your skin’s natural barrier layer and improve hydration;
- It prevents clogged pores and congestion,
- Skin looks younger, fresher and plumper, brighter, softer and smoother;
- It improves skin texture and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles;
- It’s derived from natural ingredients that are found in many foods.
Formulation is Key
When you have a professional chemical peel, you’re getting a clinical treatment that includes products to prepare your skin for the acid application as well as ingredients that will nourish and protect your skin after the acid is removed. You may even have some 'down time' as your skin recovers.
For daily, at-home use, the formulation is a very important consideration. We recommend a ‘low and slow’ approach to using products that contain lactic acid which means using a low percentage of lactic acid on a daily, long term basis with a formulation that has nurturing ingredients that support each other in an optimal pH level base.
Retexturizing Night Cream — Formulated with 9% lactic acid (the highest you can buy without a prescription), it breaks down dead skin cells and to reveal smooth, glowy skin.
Triple Active Reclaiming Serum — Formulated for sensitive skin and designed specifically for those who have had difficulty tolerating retinol in the past, ths is is a nurturing formula with niacinamide, vitamin c, gorgonian extract and a drop of lactic acid.
Daily Brightening Tonic — For all skin types, the lactic acid in this toner helps to gently exfoliate, fade pigmentation, reduce the incidence of breakouts and reveal young cells.
Moisture Renew Cream — A touch of lactic acid in our rich, hydrating leave-on moisturizer helps to improve texture and plump the skin.
PRO TIP: Since lactic acid encourages cellular turnover, it's a great ingredient to use for ingrown hairs or to gently exfoliate bumpy arms and legs!
A Word About Sun Sensitivity
As with all types of acids, since you’re stimulating cellular turnover, your young cells are susceptible to sun sensitivity and we always recommend using SPF, even if it’s cloudy!
Here’s to one of our favorite ingredients for healthy, glowing skin!