Lactic Acid For Exfoliating Skin

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Lactic acid is a chemical exfoliator that is found naturally occurring in many household products and skincare products. Skin exfoliators are available in two types: a physical exfoliator that clears the buildup form skin with a course or gritty texture that physically removes it, or a chemical exfoliator that removes buildup and dirt with a chemical reaction.

As a naturally-produced AHA - or alpha-hydroxy acid -  lactic acid is a popular exfoliator. It is found in many skincare products and is known for its ability to exfoliate the skin, removing dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and from within the pores, while boosting the skin’s ability to repair itself and help it to maintain hydration.

While naturally occurring lactic acid is found in several dairy products including yogurt and sour milk, it can also be produced synthetically.

Sensitive skin exfoliator

Those with sensitive skin will find lactic acid a better fit then some others due to the size of the molecules, which allows it to enter the pores of the skin without being too strong and causing damage to the skin.

Some chemical exfoliators will have smaller molecules that can be rough on sensitive skin, while those with larger molecules may not be able to enter the pores at all, leaving them clogged or allowing buildup to remain.

Exfoliator benefits

The advantages and benefits of using an exfoliator are often similar, no matter which is chosen, though some are better at certain tasks than others. Lactic acid is known for its ability to exfoliate away the dead skin cells, damaged skin cells, and by dissolving the keratin that holds the dead and damaged cells to the rest of the skin.

As the outer layer of damaged cells are cleared away, the lower layers of skin begin to multiply faster and replace that layer with healthy layers of new skin cells. By clearing out the buildup of cells, oil, and bacteria from within the pores it also decreases the occurrence of acne and skin infections, which reduces inflammation and helps reduce scars and other blemishes.

It also boosts the hydration levels by attracting moisture and absorbing it to retain the hydration within the skin.

As the dead and damaged cells are cleared away, they also reduce the discoloration on the skin by removing those cells. For this it needs to be used in a higher concentration than for general exfoliation, but it is safe to use for decreasing sun spots as well as age spots. Along with this correction it boosts the production of collagen, slowing and even reversing the signs of aging including wrinkles and sagging skin.

This product may need to be used on a regular basis in order to create and maintain the most benefits. Buildup will continue to occur, and using lactic acid regularly can help to stave off the effects and keep skin and pores clear and clean.

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.