What is lactic acid peel?

What is lactic acid peel?

Lactic Acid is one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) found in products specially formulated for dull, dehydrated, or mature skin. Like other AHAs, Lactic Acid is known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. What differentiates it from the others, however, is its gentler nature: Lactic Acid is effective on delicate skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight.

Lactic acid peel is used to exfoliate the skin, lighten dark spots, and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Lactic acid in skincare are synthetic because that form is easier to formulate with and stabilize. Concentration between 5 to 12% exfoliate on the surface of the skin by breaking down / softening the keratin holding the top layer of skin together. This helps the dead skin cells fall off. But it can cause irritation, rash, redness flaking, scaling and itchiness and increase sun sensitivity.

Besides sun sensitivity, lactic acid can also cause skin irritation. Be on the lookout for:

• Redness
• Burning
• Peeling
• Dryness
• Itchy skin
• Swelling

Lactic acid bacteria commonly found in decomposing plants and milk products, produce lactic acid  as the major end product of carbohydrates fermentation. The source of commercial lactic acid used in consumer products is almost always carbohydrate fermentation. And it is almost always from plant sources.

When you start using lactic acid, you must be committed to protecting your skin from the sun. And not just on days you're actively applying your lactic acid product. Some studies have suggested that the sun sensitivity can last for two weeks after you've stopped using your product or after your peel treatment (and maybe even longer).

Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily to protect your skin from sunburn and sun damage If you don't, you could inadvertently be making the very issues you're trying to improve (like dark marks and wrinkles) worse in the long term.

If redness and irritation doesn't go away after a short period of time. If you have swelling or a rash, wash it off right way and go seek medical advice.   

Questions: Can you use lactic acid if you are lactose intolerant or have milk allergy?

As mention above, lactic acid bacteria in commercial use is almost always carbohydrate fermentation, it almost always from plants sources. The bacteria feed on sugars (they can only grow when some sort of sugars are present) and, as a result of 'carbohydrate fermentation', they produce lactic acid.  

However, if we cannot be sure that the  lactic acid bacteria is cultured on plant base, it could be from dairy (eg lactose) .The difficulty for those with milk/lactose sensitivities, is, on what substrate was the bacteria grown? If it was lactose , then will enough lactose still be present in the bacteria to affect someone who is hyper sensitive?  Theoretically,  yes,  but very unlikely.  The lactose which causes the sensitivity should have been metabolized. If you are a hyper-sensitive to milk products, should avoid it – just in case.

what are some of the signs of someone who is dairy intolerant or has a dairy allergy?

Here is some of the symptoms:

- Stomach cramps
- A feeling of being bloated often accompanied by gas
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headaches

what are some of the signs of someone that's likely to be suffering from dairy allergy?

Here are the additional symptoms on top of the ones mentioned above:

 - Asthma
- Constipation
- Eczema
- Skin rash or hives
- Nasal congestion
- Rectal itching
- Anaphylactic shock
- Blood in urine or stools

Other great gentle enzyme peels:

For other great, effective  exfloiating options, use Gelmersea Ceuticals'  Enzyme Peeling Gel, it is a gentle enzymatic & manual exfoliator. It breaks down and removes dead skin cells on skin's surface for easier penetration to the skin of other products for better results. Very strong antioxidant and age defying benefits. It exfoliates to refine  and even skin tone and assists with hyperpigmentation and regenerates the skin and restore elasticity.

Key Ingredients

Papaya Enzyme (Papain): exfoliates to reduce surface imperfections without irritation, soften skin and evens skin tone, refines complexion and brightens skin for new luminosity and visibly improved overall appearance of skin.

Pineapple Enzyme (bromelain enzymes) :  gently digest keratinized dead epithelium cells on the skin’s surface, reducing inflammation while maintaining protective lipid layers.

Aloe Barbadensis Gel: soothes rashes & skin irritations

Chamomila Recutita Flower Extract: calm sensitive skin, antioxidant protection & moisturize

Prickly Pear: hydrates, soothes and rejuvenates the skin

Results:

Skin is prepared to receive further treatment for increased benefits

Skin clarity and texture is improved

Complexion is revitalized, even and luminous

Visible signs of aging are reduced