Lactic acid is said to work best at a lower pH, Emma Hobson, education manager for Dermalogica and the International Dermal Institute, told Harper’s Bazaar in 2018. If you wish to incorporate multiple Vitamin C’s, Retinoids, and/or Direct Acids into your skincare regimen, we suggest using them on alternate evenings and waiting until your skin has adjusted to one before introducing another. (AKA L-ascorbic acid.) Some links in my stories are affiliate, meaning that if you care to purchase any, I make a small commission, it does not change the price in any way, however it enables me to make more content without having to do as many sponsored posts. The article has truly peaked my interest. Retinol esterification (activation) occurs optimally at a pH of 5.5 or higher. Retinol encourages cellular turnover and skin renewal, diminishing the appearance of fine fines, wrinkles and brown spots, while also addressing acneic/oily skin. Kills bacteria: Based on our Google deep dive, research around lactic acid's efficacies as they relate to the skin are limited in the early to mid-1900s, but in 1985, a study found that lactic acid helped to kill skin infections in newborn infants. AHAs/BHAs. Lactic acid on the other hand, is an exfoliant. Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane (30ml), Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Retinol Serum, Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum, In conversation with: Kathy Narayn-Webb – founder of Palm and Sole, Do Anti Aging Products Work? You would use the lactic acid before a prescription retinoid? Using retinoids and an AHA or BHA typically diminishes the effectiveness of both ingredients. Right now I’m trying to clear up some bumps on my forehead, I have a couple pimples but many small little bumps. The results are great though and I love The Ordinary products! If not can I use the retinol with the drunk elephant glycolic serum? This is helpful because even on days you don’t use the retinol, your skin is still extra sensitive to light. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are the most common and effective AHAs. Adding in Glycolic sounds like too much, though. Lactic acid is a key ingredient to remember for sensitive skin types. Lactic acid as a solution is also used as a food additive as preservative or for flavor. Just make sure you are also using a moisturizer at night and an spf of 30 or higher everyday. Can I use both the ordinary lactic acid and 2% retinol together? And with retinol, you don’t need a prescription; with tretinoin, you do. Best for signs of aging. If you’re not sure about retinol try bakuchiol first, see if that does anything for you and if it does invest in some retinol and use it once a week with plenty of suncreen! Alpha hydroxy acids and retinol are powerful skin care products—here's how to use them together for the best results without damaging your skin. What it is: A power duo that combines the power of lactic acid (an AHA) and retinol ester to exfoliate and brighten the skin for visibly smoother and more radiant-looking complexion. Retinol penetrates deep into the skin while Lactic treats the surface. I blog frequently and I really thank you for your content. It simply tells older cells to die faster whilst helping new cells to form more rapidly. Formulated with a blend of (1.25%) Cylasphere ™ Encapsulated Retinol, (10%) Lactic Acid and (5%) Glycolic Acid, along with Sea Algae addresses skin texture, clarity and hydration.