Many of my clients dealing with acne-prone skin approach me feeling frustrated and disheartened. They've experimented with countless skincare products, each promising miraculous results but consistently falling short of delivering the clear skin they desire. They feel like they've tried every acne skin product on the market.
 

I approach the delicate matter of tending to acne-prone skin with utmost care, recognizing that such skin is often quite sensitive. It is often sensitive due to the nature of ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and even lactic acid in the wrong doses or the overuse of these acne-safe skincare ingredients. The key lies in identifying ingredients capable of effectively unclogging pores without causing excessive dryness or exacerbating your delicate skin cells.
 

One of my trusted remedies in this regard is lactic acid. In this article, I will identify the root causes of breakouts, educate how lactic acid functions on the skin, and elaborate on why I advocate its inclusion in any skincare routine tailored for those grappling with blemish-prone skin.

 Welcome to Elizabeth Steffen Skincare where we are dedicated to helping you achieve flawless and radiant skin. Acne can be a persistent concern, but fear not—our mission is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of one of the popular ingredients we have our clients use: lactic acid. It has remarkable benefits and it can be your partner in defeating acne.

Lactic acid, a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), can be found in milk and various fruits. This gentle yet potent exfoliant has gained recognition for its remarkable ability to refine skin texture, fade hyperpigmentation, and, most notably, combat acne.

Lactic acid is often said to be best for dry skin types (and you can definitely have dry skin AND acne). Why is this? The molecular structure of lactic acid is the largest of all the alpha hydroxy acids. This makes it less irritating and drying on the skin. Now, don't get me wrong. Lactic acid products can still be drying on the skin, especially when you consider the other ingredients in the formulation. 

 Whenever I am addressing a client's skin concerns, I almost always assume they are going to have sensitive skin. It's not that their skin is actually sensitive, but I want to care for their skin as though it is. The reason why is that they are going to be using a full program of skincare products that will address dull skin cells, and uneven skin tone that will bring a brighter complexion, improve skin texture, and smooth skin. 

 All of this requires an approach that if they don't have sensitive skin, they may react as though they have sensitive skin. That's why following proper instructions is necessary while dealing with overall skin health. 

Now that we've explored the impressive benefits of lactic acid, let's discuss how you can seamlessly integrate it into your skincare routine for maximum effectiveness.

Exfoliating and Decongesting - Lactic acid's exfoliating action clears away dead skin cells that can clog pores, effectively reducing the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.

pH Balance - By maintaining an optimal pH level, lactic acid discourages the growth of P. acnes bacteria, minimizing the risk of acne breakouts.

Scar Healing - Lactic acid's collagen-boosting properties accelerate the healing of existing acne scars, providing a smoother complexion.
 

Moisture Infusion - Unlike many exfoliants that tend to strip the skin of moisture, lactic acid helps the skin retain its natural hydration levels, preventing excessive dryness.

Disclaimer: This article serves as an informational guide and should not substitute professional medical advice. Consult with a dermatologist or skincare expert before incorporating new products into your skincare regimen, especially if you have specific skin concerns or conditions. If you are looking for customized skincare products, you may schedule a consultation with someone from our team.