What is lactic acid in skincare?
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid originally derived from milk, now usually produced by fermentation. Its molecule is larger than glycolic acid’s, so it penetrates more slowly and irritates less – which makes it the AHA of choice for drier or more reactive skin.
It is also part of the skin’s own natural moisturising factor, so unlike most exfoliants it hydrates while it resurfaces. Research shows it increases ceramide production in the stratum corneum.
What skin concerns does lactic acid treat?
It smooths dullness, flakiness and rough texture, fades pigmentation and post-acne marks, and softens fine lines. Because it improves barrier lipids at the same time, it suits dry, mature and mildly sensitive skin better than stronger acids.
A controlled study pairing lactic acid with ceramides found measurable gains in both moisturisation and even shedding within two weeks.
What ingredients are best paired with lactic acid?
Ceramides are the standout partner, since lactic acid supports the skin making its own. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane and panthenol round out the hydration side.
Niacinamide layers comfortably, and vitamin C works well on alternate mornings. Keep it out of the same step as retinoids or BHAs while your skin adjusts, start twice weekly, and use SPF daily. Take our Skin Quiz.
What is hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is acne whose timing and pattern track with hormonal activity rather than with cleansing habits or diet alone. It typically appears along the lower face – jawline, chin and upper neck – as deep, tender papules and cysts that flare on a predictable cycle.
It is most recognisable in adult women, where breakouts often arrive in the week before menstruation and settle again afterwards.
What causes hormonal acne?
Androgens – testosterone and DHT in particular – bind to receptors on the sebaceous gland and increase sebum production. When androgen activity rises or oestrogen falls, oil output climbs and follicles clog more readily.
Menstrual cycles, starting or stopping contraception, pregnancy, perimenopause and PCOS are the usual contexts. Stress raises cortisol, which amplifies the same pathway. Persistent hormonal acne with irregular cycles or excess hair growth is worth investigating medically.
What ingredients are best for hormonal acne?
Retinoids are the most effective topical, because they stop the plug forming regardless of how much oil is being produced. Azelaic acid reduces inflammation and the marks that follow, and niacinamide helps regulate sebum.
Salicylic acid keeps pores clear between flares, and benzoyl peroxide targets bacteria in inflamed lesions. Because hormonal acne is driven from the inside, topicals manage rather than cure it – consistency across the whole cycle beats spot-treating during a flare. Take our Skin Quiz.
