Did you know that right in your refrigerator there are products that have a beneficial effect on facial skin cells? Remember that our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used sour cream and sauerkraut to rejuvenate their skin? The famous Cleopatra added not ordinary milk to her face masks, but fermented milk. The famous actress Sophia Loren constantly makes scrubs and peels based on oatmeal and kefir. The main ingredient in all ancient recipes is lactic acid for the face. Reviews from modern cosmetologists about this product are extremely positive.
Cosmetologists use it. But many ordinary people will think: “Lactic acid - what is it?” Let's explain. In industrial conditions, as a result of lactic acid fermentation of sugars (glucose), lactic acid is created artificially. It is formed naturally in our body and in some foods (cabbage, milk).
Of course, it is not necessary to wait until the milk ferments and acid forms in it. Today it is sold in its pure form. Where to buy lactic acid? There are many options: in specialized cosmetic stores, on online resources or in a regular pharmacy. In addition, lactic acid in pharmacies can be sold not only in its pure form, but also as part of cosmetic scrubs or face masks.
Properties and benefits
Lactic acid copes well with problem skin. It gently cleanses, exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs clogged pores. Cosmetologists use lactic acid to treat acne, pimples, and acne. With its help, you can remove scars and acne scars, as well as lighten freckles and remove age spots. Cosmetologists recommend it to people with sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
But these are far from the only problems that can be eliminated with lactic acid. With proper and systematic use of products based on it, a lot of other problems can be solved.
Action
It is important to understand that cosmetic products, including those such as lactic acid, should be used on the face from a certain age and strictly according to indications. If girls under thirty do not have serious skin problems, then cosmetologists do not recommend using acids for facial cleansing. But if there is a serious reason - an indication for use, then you should not delay. The product acts in a wide spectrum.
- Cell renewal.
- Removal of free radicals.
- Improving skin texture.
- Exfoliation of the top layer.
- Smoothing wrinkles.
- Improving microcirculation.
- Stabilization of the sebaceous glands.
- Protection from the harmful effects of the environment (frostbite, temperature changes, sunburn, wind, sea salts, etc.).
- Skin moisturizing.
- Acceleration of collagen synthesis.
Beneficial features
Lactic acid (lactate) is of natural origin - it is found in sour milk or sauerkraut, but its beneficial properties are maximized in cosmetic products, where this chemical compound has been previously purified from unwanted impurities. Correct and regular use of the product allows you to cope with even the most advanced dermatological problems, because among its beneficial properties are:
- Gentle exfoliation of the keratinized upper layer of the epidermis;
- Activation of regeneration processes;
- Smoothing of skin texture;
- Fighting fine wrinkles;
- Getting rid of toxins;
- Pore cleaning;
- Face whitening;
- Hydration;
- Normalization of the sebaceous glands;
- Increasing the protective functions of the skin.
In order for a substance to be as effective as possible, it is important to understand who it is recommended for, how to apply it correctly, and what we should not forget about during direct use.
Indications for use
Ladies over thirty should definitely adopt this remedy. Rejuvenating lactic acid for the face works real wonders on aging, fading skin. However, some properties of lactic acid can be quite aggressive and should be used with caution. Cosmetologists recommend using lactic acid-based products for the following problems;
- Abundant sebum secretion, facial skin shine.
- Enlarged pores.
- Formation of wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Postpartum stretch marks.
- Dryness and flaking of the skin.
- “Clogged” pores.
- Blackheads, acne.
- Dark spots.
- Acne.
- Uneven epidermis.
- Age 35 years or more.
Contraindications for use
Lactic acid, in general, remains a safe component of comprehensive facial care. But due to its rapid permeability and aggressive effects, it is not without a number of contraindications for use, such as:
- Individual intolerance;
- Inflammatory processes;
- Damage to the skin (open scratches, wounds);
- Acute form of herpes;
- Cancer and colds;
- Diabetes;
- Pregnancy and lactation period.
Salon beauty treatments, visiting a solarium and active exposure to direct sunlight also do not allow the use of lactic acid. It is recommended to wait a few weeks before using it to reduce the risk of rashes or swelling.
Important! Due to the effective exfoliation of dead epidermal cells, the top layer of skin is susceptible to the negative effects of sunlight. Therefore, frequent use of acid requires daily application of products with high SPF protection.
Important to remember!
Lactic acid for the face can be used one to two weeks after salon beauty treatments, prolonged sunbathing or visiting a solarium. Before using lactic acid, try testing the product on a small area of skin. And only after making sure that there is no allergy, apply it all over your face.
Whatever the product you choose, you should use a sunscreen moisturizer for a week after using it. Delicate, exfoliated skin becomes hypersensitive to sunlight. Lactic acid: what is it? First of all - acid! And the effect of any substance in high concentration is dangerous for the body. Cosmetologists advise using a weakly concentrated solution of 4%. If necessary, it can be further diluted with water.
Treatment with lactic acid should be carried out no more than once every ten days. Daily use is permitted in case of low acid concentration in cosmetic products, for example, in creams, tonics or scrubs. It is strictly prohibited to use a pure acid solution so often to avoid negative consequences.
Mask
To prepare a homemade mask, you will need to take regular sauerkraut and squeeze some juice out of it. Soak gauze or a soft cloth with juice and apply to face. Leave the mask on for ten to fifteen minutes.
The mask can also be prepared from sour milk. Mix two tablespoons of oatmeal with three tablespoons of sour milk. The resulting mixture should be placed between layers of gauze and placed on problem areas of the skin. Keep on face for fifteen minutes.
It doesn’t matter which option you choose: a homemade mask or purchased lactic acid, the price of which is only about 100 rubles per 20 ml bottle. The effect won't take long. Prolonged contact of the mask with the skin of the face allows the epidermis to receive all the beneficial substances. Masks are perfect for those who want to get rid of age spots, freckles, smooth and moisturize the skin.
Cream
If you want to pamper your skin with lactic acid every day, we advise you to pay attention to creams containing it. Preparing cream at home is problematic and troublesome. Cosmetologists advise giving preference to ready-made options. The main thing is to choose a product from a trusted manufacturer (Israel, Korea, USA) so that it contains beneficial lactic acid for the face; reviews of the cream should be positive. The cream is indicated for women who want to get rid of wrinkles and age spots.
Peeling
Homemade scrub can be prepared at home. To do this, you will need squeezed sauerkraut mixed with coarse sea salt. Facial peeling is best done after a bath or shower, when the face is steamed. In this case, lactic acid for the face will be more useful and effective.
You can prepare home peeling with pure lactic acid purchased at the pharmacy. Take a 30% acid solution, wet a cotton pad and wipe your face. You can linger on problem areas of the skin for a minute. After this, you need to remove dead skin particles. They will just roll off. Wash your face and use your moisturizer.
Peeling is best used for acne, acne, increased pigmentation, and freckles. It perfectly helps to narrow pores and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Facial products with lactic acid
The last step is to decide whether you will splurge on buying a store-bought cleanser with lactic acid or prepare homemade masks with sour milk and sauerkraut. Both will please you equally.
Mask
In stores you can look for the following well-proven mask:
- Collagen Milk/Bath Mask (anti-aging mask with collagen and lactic acid) from Madame Heng (Thailand).
You can also prepare something similar at home:
- Squeeze the juice from the sauerkraut and apply it to your face for 10 minutes.
- Mix sour milk with oatmeal until creamy and leave on the skin for at least 15 minutes.
Any store-bought or homemade mask with lactic acid is good because it comes into contact with the epidermis for a long time, managing to saturate it with all the useful substances.
Cream
For daily rejuvenation and cleansing, you can use a cream with lactic acid for the face, but preparing it at home is a troublesome and sometimes dangerous task, so it is better to purchase such products in stores. Pay attention to the following brands:
- Medi-Refine - Face & Body (smoothing cream with L-retinol and lactic acid) from the USA;
- Kart Medicare Lactic Cream from Israel;
- Lactic microdermabrasion peeling cream (peeling cream for micro-resurfacing of the skin) from Theraderm (Korea).
Creams are good because they allow you to pamper your skin with micro-cleansing of pores with lactic acid in small quantities every day. Results are usually noticeable immediately.
Peeling
From store-bought products, pay attention to the following:
- NL Peeling facial scrub with lactic acid and allantoin from New Line (Russia);
- peeling Milk mousse from Premium (Russia);
- Lactopiling for the face from Belita-Vitex (Belarus).
As for homemade scrubs, you can prepare them using the following recipes:
- Mix squeezed sauerkraut with coarse sea salt, rub over your face, and rinse.
- Sour milk is mixed in small quantities with coarse cottage cheese and used as a scrub.
Cleansing is the main function of lactic acid as a cosmetic product. Therefore, be sure to use scrubs based on it to care for your skin.
Tonic
If it is better to purchase creams in stores, then it is much easier to prepare a facial toner with lactic acid with your own hands in accordance with the following recipes.
- Wipe your skin daily with juice squeezed from sauerkraut - this is the best homemade tonic.
- Before going to bed, you can wipe your skin with sour milk - the toning will be amazing.
Lactic acid is a unique cosmetic product that not only effectively cleanses, but also rejuvenates the skin. When used correctly at home, the epidermis blossoms, and a number of problems are eliminated in the shortest possible time. If you are not sure that you can use such products yourself, go to a salon: they make excellent peelings based on this unique substance.
Tonic
If we advised you to buy face creams in stores, then it is best to prepare a toner at home. Tonics can be of two types: morning and evening. To make your morning tonic, you will need sauerkraut juice. Squeeze out the juice, soak a cotton swab and wipe your face every day after washing.
Evening tonic is prepared using sour milk. Lactic acid contained in dairy products perfectly tones the skin, allows it to fully rest at night and saturates it with useful microelements. Homemade tonics can be prepared for future use. They keep well in the refrigerator for a week.
Lactic acid is an amazing remedy that allows your skin not only to become cleaner, but also younger. With proper use of cosmetics containing lactic acid, your skin will change, bloom and look younger before your eyes. Don't believe me? Try it and see for yourself.
Methods of using lactic acid
Products with lactic acid can be both professional and adapted for use at home. In addition, you can buy lactic acid in a pharmacy in its pure form and independently conduct a facial skin rehabilitation session.
Attention! Before applying the product, you need to make sure it is safe. A small area of skin on the inside of the wrist is treated with the prepared solution. If after a few minutes a burning sensation occurs, the skin turns red and itches, you should wash off the product and find an alternative.
Features of using pharmaceutical lactic acid
When caring for your face, you should purchase a solution with an indicator of 40 percent, however, at first the concentration of the product should be increased to 25 percent. In this case, the effect of acid on the skin should be minimal - from 30 seconds (for normal and dry skin) to 1 minute (for oily skin). Gradually, the concentration and time of the procedure can be increased.
To dilute the acid, use clean water (the correct ratio of components is indicated on the product packaging). For application, you can use a brush or cotton pads (the latter should not be completely soaked in the solution, the solution should not drip from them).
Before the procedure, the face is cleansed of remnants of makeup and existing impurities with the usual product, after which it is degreased with a tonic based on fruit acids. The product should be applied as carefully as possible, avoiding contact with mucous membranes. If desired, the area around the eyes and lips can be additionally lubricated with a rich cream.
Facial peeling with lactic acid begins from the forehead, smoothly moving towards the cheeks and chin along the massage lines. If you feel discomfort, you can use a hair dryer with the cold air function set, or a fan.
Upon completion of the procedure, the face is thoroughly washed with cool water, wiped with a soft towel (no rubbing - gentle, blotting movements), a moisturizing mask is applied and, as the final stage, the skin is lubricated with your favorite nourishing cream.
Lactic acid in professional cosmetics
Speaking of cosmetics, we should highlight the lactopilling for the face with 30% lactic acid in its composition Lactic Re-Generation from the company Premium Professional . This drug is aimed at activating the regeneration of skin cells. When using a peeling course, wrinkles disappear, pigmentation and acne decrease, and the relief becomes smooth, radiant and velvety.
Don't ignore the Premium Gliko product. Lactic acid is present here as an additional component (the composition also includes citric, malic and pyruvic acids). The result of this peeling is:
- Whitening;
- Removal of inflammatory processes;
- Normalization of the sebaceous glands;
- General rejuvenating effect.
Milk facial scrub is used in courses: taking into account the age and condition of the skin, the number of procedures varies from 5 to 10. Between procedures there is a break of up to 1 week.
For oily, aging skin, another product from Premium Professional is suitable - Sebum & Age Control cream . Its components (including lactate and glycolic acid) normalize sebum production and reduce the manifestation of age-related changes.
From time to time, you can pamper your face with an anti-aging mask with collagen and lactic acid at home Collagen Milk/Bath Mask from the Thai brand Madame Heng .
If there is puffiness and bruising under the eyes, the Premium Professional Intensive , which restores the tone of the blood vessels, gives them elasticity, and normalizes microcirculation.
Lactic acid is a unique product that can effectively cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. Correct use of the drug allows you to forget about various dermatological problems in a short time and enjoy the healthy glow of your face.
