How to Use Lactic Acid and Retinol Together

A glowing radiance is everyone’s dream. To rejuvenate the skin and have a youthful appearance, it is important that you use products that suit your skin the best. There are various products that help you attain the best skin ever but you need to ensure their effect on your skin and their compatibility with each other. 

Both Lactic Acid and Retinol are popular skincare ingredients that can help to get rid of dull skin. This article will explain if you are speculating can I use Lactic Acid and Retinol together.

Lactic Acid is produced from fermented milk. It has been used as a part of skin care routine since ancient times. Technically, Lactic Acid is alpha hydroxy acid that has gentle effects on the skin (1). It provides a moisturizing effect to the skin by hydrating from deep inside and retaining it for a long time. Also, it works wonderfully as a natural exfoliant. 

Lactic Acid brightens the skin and provides a gentle smoothing feel. Except for those who are Lactic Acid intolerant, it works for most people.

Lactic Acid also removes dead skin cells and evens out the skin tone (2). It thickens the top layer of the cell and makes the skin look bright. It has an excellent ability to remove dark spots and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinol gently smoothens the skin by exfoliating the skin. It keeps the skin looking young and radiant from within. Retinol is a mild retinoid that is concentrated vitamin A. It helps to reduce the aging signs and keeps the skin firm and supple (3). Retinol is a common ingredient found in most serums, eye creams, daily cleansers and, moisturisers.

Retinol is a potent skin care ingredient as it increases cell production. Retinol is not as gentle as Lactic Acid. Hence, it is important that it is taken after consultation with a skin care expert. Retinol increases collagen production and preserves previously made collagen. 

Retinol also clears the blemishes by neutralizing the bacteria and reducing inflammation of the pores (4). This creates a youthful skin that shines brightly throughout the day.

Combining Lactic Acid and Retinol

Lactic Acid and Retinol have innumerable benefits for treating skin issues (5). They are both chemical exfoliants and have powerful effects to transform the skin. 

However, before starting to use them together, it is important that you first observe their reaction to your skin. You should also start by using one ingredient first and gradually introducing the other after the skin gets used to the first one.

As they both are potent ingredients, there is a chance for them to irritate the skin that is sensitive in nature. Yet, most people have no severe effects when Lactic Acid and Retinol are used together.

People who have a tendency to react negatively while using Lactic Acid and Retinol together may try alternate ways to introduce them in their skin care routine. Reducing the concentration of Lactic Acid and Retinol may also help to combine them without harming the skin. 

Such sensitive people may begin using Lactic Acid initially as it is gentle on the skin. Retinol may then be introduced later in the skin. Another approach could be using them at alternate times of the day or alternate days. However, those whose skin shows no harmful effects must be included to attain transformative skin.

There are some skincare products in the market having formulas that release Retinol slowly. Such products can be combined with Lactic Acid without any fuss and give spectacular skin results.

How to Combine Lactic Acid and Retinol

There are a few ways in which you can combine Lactic Acid and Retinol to achieve beautiful skin:

• Use products that have time-release retinol formula. This formula releases Retinol gradually overnight that can be used safely by sensitive skin people as well.
• Target gentle formulas of Lactic Acid and Retinol combination first. As your skin gets used to them, you can switch to more concentrated formulas.
• To begin with, start using Lactic Acid and Retinol once a week. Slowly increase the frequency of usage. 
• Include Lactic Acid and Retinol in your night care routine first. Use them in daycare routine once the skin gets used to them.
• Both Lactic Acid and Retinol may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Hence, use them along with sunscreen of at least SPF 50.
• Have patience while waiting for the results. Lactic Acid and Retinol may take up to twelve weeks to show a significant noticeable change in your skin.

Conclusion

Both Lactic Acid and Retinol are strong anti-aging chemical ingredients that have the potential to brighten up the skin. Together, they can revitalise the skin and make it healthy and supple. However, consult a dermatologist if you have doubts about your skin type and are confused about how to include them in your routine.

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