Lactic Acid (AHA) and Acne: Gentle Exfoliating Acne Treatment Guide
When treating acne and improving skin texture, one key ingredient often takes the spotlight: lactic acid and we show you a gentle exfoliating acne treatment. Known as an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), lactic acid is renowned for its gentle exfoliating properties. But how exactly does it work to combat acne? And can it help achieve smoother, brighter skin? In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of lactic acid for acne, how to use it in your skincare routine, and the science behind why it’s so effective.
What is Lactic Acid (AHA)?
Lactic acid belongs to the Alpha Hydroxy Acid family, a group of acids commonly used in skincare to promote exfoliation. Lactic acid dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, making it easier for your skin to shed these cells and reveal fresh, healthy skin. While it is a chemical exfoliant, it is one of the gentler AHAs, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
How Does Lactic Acid Help Acne?
It comes to mind when you think of acne, clogged pores, dead skin buildup, and excess oil, Lactic acid helps treat acne in several ways:
Exfoliation
Lactic acid loosens the top layer of dead skin cells, preventing them from clogging pores. Regular exfoliation with lactic acid helps to keep pores clear and minimises the risk of breakouts.
Cell Turnover
Lactic acid promotes faster skin cell turnover, helping speed up the healing process for acne marks and scars, resulting in more precise and brighter skin.
Hydration
Unlike some harsher acne treatments, lactic acid has hydrating properties. It attracts moisture to the skin, helping to prevent the dryness and irritation that sometimes accompany acne treatments.
Fades Acne Scars
Lactic acid is also known for its ability to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which are dark spots left behind by acne. Regular use can help brighten these areas and even out your skin tone.
Balances Skin
Acne-prone skin can often be sensitive and imbalanced, especially when exposed to harsh treatments. Lactic acid provides a gentle yet effective solution by exfoliating without overly stripping the skin, helping to restore a healthy balance.
Benefits of Lactic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin
Gentle Exfoliation Without Irritation
Unlike harsher exfoliants that can strip the skin’s natural barrier, lactic acid works gently but effectively. It’s perfect for those with sensitive or combination skin who may struggle with traditional acne treatments that dry out the skin.
Improved Skin Texture
If you suffer from acne, you’re likely familiar with the uneven texture of clogged pores or acne scars. Lactic acid smooths out rough patches and enhances the skin’s overall texture, giving it a more refined and polished appearance.
Reduced Inflammation
Acne is often accompanied by redness and inflammation. Lactic acid helps soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing the appearance of red, inflamed breakouts.
Targets Hyperpigmentation
Acne doesn’t just leave behind pimples—it often leaves dark spots and uneven skin tone. Lactic acid is highly effective at lightening hyperpigmentation and evening out discolouration. This makes it an excellent addition to any acne treatment routine, especially if you want to fade scars.
Hydration Boost
One of the best things about lactic acid is that it doesn’t dry out the skin. Instead, it helps draw in moisture, making it ideal for those who need an acne treatment that won’t leave their skin feeling tight or irritated.
First Lady Maxi Tone Brightening Range and Lactic Acid
For those looking to brighten their complexion while tackling acne, the First Lady Maxi Tone Brightening Range offers a variety of products that work synergistically with lactic acid. This range focuses on improving skin tone, texture, and clarity and can complement the use of lactic acid to enhance your results. Here are a few products worth considering:
Maxi Tone Lightening Self-Foaming Face Wash
This gentle yet powerful cleanser is expertly formulated to help brighten and even out skin tone. Infused with skin-lightening ingredients, this self-foaming formula deeply cleanses impurities, leaving your complexion feeling fresh and revitalised.
Designed to target hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin, the Maxi Tone Face Wash works to promote a more luminous, flawless appearance with regular use. Suitable for all skin types, this foaming face wash helps you achieve a glowing, more radiant complexion without harsh scrubbing.
-60% OffOriginal price was: £12.49.£4.99Current price is: £4.99.First Lady Maxi Tone Lightening foaming is the first step for the lightening treatment. This foaming face wash cleans the face and neck and lifts dirt and make-up from the skin without over drying the skin.
Fast Active AHA Maxi Tone Dark Spot Remover Lightening Exfoliating Soap
This potent formula combines the skin-brightening power of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) with gentle exfoliation to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. Designed to target stubborn pigmentation, this soap works deep within the skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells and impurities, leaving your complexion looking brighter, clearer, and more radiant. Ideal for daily use on both face and body, the soap softens and smooths skin texture while promoting a more even, luminous complexion.
- £4.99
Dark spot remover lightening exfoliating soap with beta carotene, vitamin C, collagen and elastin proteins is the perfect base for your lightening regime.
Read our blog: Discover Radiant Skin with First Lady Fast Active AHA Maxi Tone Dark Spot Remover Lightening Exfoliating Soap
AHA Maxi Tone Strong Brightening Dark Spot Remover PRO – SERUM (red 60ml)
This potent brightening serum is specifically designed to fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne scars, sunspots, and discoloration. Infused with exfoliating AHAs, the serum accelerates skin cell renewal, helping to reveal a more luminous complexion with consistent use. Perfect for all skin types, the lightweight texture of this serum allows for quick absorption without leaving a greasy residue.
£7.49First Lady AHA Maxi Tone Strong Brightening PRO – SERUM Dark Spot Remover with collagen & elastin perfect for lightening dark areas of the skin and for looking youthful.
Fast Active AHA Maxi Tone Lightening Body Lotion
Infused with the power of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), this advanced formula gently exfoliates and renews your skin’s surface, helping to lighten dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Enriched with natural brightening agents, this lotion deeply moisturizes while targeting blemishes for a smoother, clearer complexion.
Designed for all skin types, this lightweight lotion promotes skin rejuvenation and boosts radiance. Use regularly to experience softer, firmer skin with a luminous glow.
- £12.49
First Lady AHA Maxi Tone body lotion with Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Kojic Acid is a lightening toning lotion with fades skin discolouration.
Fast Active AHA Maxi Tone Lightening Face & Body Cream
Suitable for both the face and body, this cream penetrates deeply to moisturize and hydrate while addressing discoloration. Its fast-acting formula ensures noticeable results with continued use, making it the perfect addition to your skincare routine for those seeking a lighter, more even skin tone.
Ideal for all skin types, this cream not only lightens but also improves skin texture and tone, giving you a smooth, youthful appearance. Whether you want to enhance your skin’s natural radiance or diminish signs of aging, First Lady Fast Active AHA Maxi Tone Cream is the solution.
- £12.49
First Lady Lightening Face & Body Cream contains active ingredients that help tackle a dull and uneven complexion while clearing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The product’s unique formula allows easy application, quick absorption and boosted nourishment.
It is also helpful in treating acne, as it soothes irritated skin and keeps it nourished and healthy.
Who Should Avoid Lactic Acid?
While lactic acid is safe for most skin types, there are a few instances where you may want to avoid it:
- Extremely Sensitive Skin: If your skin is highly reactive, consult a dermatologist before introducing lactic acid into your routine.
- Open Wounds or Active Breakouts: Avoid applying lactic acid to open acne lesions or wounds, as it can irritate.
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Be cautious if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Lactic acid increases skin sensitivity to UV rays, so diligent sunscreen use is essential.
Final Thoughts on Lactic Acid and Acne with Gentle Exfoliating Acne Treatment
Lactic acid is a powerful yet gentle exfoliant that can work wonders for those struggling with acne. Promoting cell turnover, hydrating the skin, and fading acne scars offers a multi-faceted approach to more precise, smoother skin. Combined with products like those from the First Lady Maxi Tone Brightening Range, it can help you achieve a glowing, even complexion.
If you’re new to acids or looking for a more gentle approach to acne treatment, lactic acid is worth trying. Remember to start slow, patch test, and always pair it with sun protection for the best results.
