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Lactic acid is an organic acid that’s present in our blood, deposited there by muscle cells and RBCs. It is a product of anaerobic respiration – that is, it’s made when cells produce energy without oxygen. It is produced in our body when oxygen levels are low, but the body needs to convert glucose into energy.
Lactic acid encourages the production of collagen, which reduces wrinkles and fine lines, giving you firm, younger-looking skin. It can also be used to treat age spots and hyperpigmentation. Using lactic acid can improve your skin tone and reduce the size of pores. You can use a lactic acid peel to achieve these results.
Lactic acid is considered fairly mild, but after you use a peel, your skin will be vulnerable to the sun’s radiation. Make sure you use sunscreen. In addition, the application of lactic acid can cause irritation, itchiness, and rashes. The problem usually subsides with time, but if you have eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, avoid using lactic acid.
Pigmentation is simply skin’s coloration, determined by the amount of melanin produced by the skin cells. This umbrella term can include a wide variety of skin pigmentation disorders that can affect small or large areas of the skin. It includes genetic conditions, as well as environmental ones, such as sunspots or liver spots. Hyperpigmentation, for example, refers to a darkening of the skin, such as with age spots and sunspots.
To prevent discoloration from damaging UV, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like acai oil, alpha-lipoic acid, jojoba oil, green tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, caffeine, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is also a good brightening agent for hyperpigmentation. Hydrolyzed collagen also enhances the appearance of dull or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring the overall vitality of the skin.
lactic acid may be effective for pigmentation, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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