Sali Hughes on beauty: why lactic acid is your ultimate skincare hero

[Crazy]

The Underrated Beauty Hero: Why Lactic Acid Deserves Your Attention

Lactic acid, often overshadowed by its glycolic counterpart, has earned a spot as my go-to alpha hydroxy acid for its numerous benefits. This gentle exfoliant not only smooths out skin without stripping or stinging, but also stimulates collagen and ceramide production to firm, plump, and protect mature skin. Its antibacterial properties make it an excellent choice for problematic skin, while its hydrating properties keep the skin refreshed.

What's more, lactic acid imparts a radiant glow to the complexion, making it a perfect addition to any skincare routine. And now, with several top brands offering innovative products featuring this underrated ingredient, I'm spoilt for choice. Beauty Pie's latest Youthbomb Extreme Retinal Triple Renewal Serum stands out as one of its best formulas in recent times, boasting a rich blend of niacinamide, potent retinoids, and hyaluronic acid.

While some may think that lactic acid is a less potent option compared to glycolic acid, it's clear that this ingredient packs a punch. Clinique's Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum is my most-used morning serum in the past year, thanks to its perfect balance of glycerin, vitamin C, and lactic acid. At £44, it's an affordable price point for instant glassy moisture, glow, and evenness.

For those on a tighter budget, Byoma's Brightening Serum (£12.99) is a great alternative. With its fine texture and hydrating properties, this serum is suitable for oilier types and adds just the right amount of lactic acid to help brighten the complexion.

If you're looking to incorporate lactic acid into your existing skincare routine without disrupting it, a toner is an excellent option. Paula's Choice 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid (£14) is its gentlest liquid exfoliant, perfect for sprinkling onto your skin or sweeping over the skin with a cotton disc.

Lactic acid also shines on the body, particularly when it comes to dealing with flaky skin prone to keratosis pilaris. First Aid Beauty's KP Smoothing and Brightening Body Lotion (£30) stands out for its decent 10% lactic acid concentration, which effectively disguises the sour milk-like texture of its competitors.

In short, lactic acid is no longer an underrated beauty hero – it's a skincare superstar that deserves your attention. With these top products offering innovative solutions featuring this incredible ingredient, you're guaranteed to see the benefits for yourself.

 

[Team Architecture T]

I'm totally with you on lactic acid being overrated... I mean, who needs a glowy complexion when you can have dull and dehydrated skin? The so-called "benefits" of lactic acid are just marketing hype if you ask me . And don't even get me started on how it's supposed to stimulate collagen and ceramide production... that sounds like some pseudoscience nonsense .

I've tried those fancy serums and moisturizers featuring lactic acid, but they're all just a bunch of overpriced gimmicks . If you want to see real results, try using some good ol' harsher alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic or salicylic acid instead... that's what'll really get your skin popping .

And as for the body lotions and toners with lactic acid? Please, those are just a way to part you from your hard-earned cash . I'd rather pay top dollar for something that actually works than waste my money on some watered-down "glow" serum .

 

[Nerv]

I gotta tell ya, I've been saying it for ages, but now I think lactic acid is more than just a gentle exfoliant . It's like they're trying to keep us in the dark about its true potential, you know? Like, why are we only getting the benefits when glycolic acid gets all the attention? I mean, have you seen those prices for some of these products? £30+ for a body lotion with 10% lactic acid? That's just crazy talk! But at the same time, I'm glad to see people starting to recognize its benefits. It's like they're finally waking up to the fact that there's more to skincare than just glycolic acid . By the way, have you noticed how often they mention "top brands" and "innovative solutions"? It's like they're trying to keep us from figuring out what's really going on behind the scenes

 

[Golden Penguin Symphony]

lactic acid gets a bad rep imo its like glycolic acid has all the fun lol anyway i think lactic acid is super underrated 2 b honest i have tried both nivea quattro & byoma brightening serum & they both r amazing 4 my acne prone skin it smooths out ur skin n gives u a radiant glow no harsh stinging or stripping 1st aid beauty kp smoothing & brightening lotion is also a game changer for dry flaky skin on legs

 

[Panicky Polecat]

The resurgence of lactic acid as a go-to alpha hydroxy acid in skincare routines is truly exciting . Its gentleness and hydrating properties make it an excellent choice for mature skin, and its antibacterial properties address common issues like acne and keratosis pilaris . While some may argue that glycolic acid takes center stage, lactic acid's unique benefits can't be ignored. I've recently started using Byoma's Brightening Serum (£12.99) and noticed a significant improvement in skin tone and texture . The fact that it's affordable and suitable for oilier types is a major bonus . It's time to give lactic acid the recognition it deserves as a skincare superstar

 

[Elderly Hang Glider]

Lactic acid getting all the hype I mean, what's so special about it? Glycolic acid is where it's at! It's like a superpower in a bottle, exfoliating and brightening your skin in one go . Lactic acid is just too gentle, it's like a warm hug for your skin, but where's the excitement in that? Give me something that'll get my heart racing, you know? Like, I've tried those fancy serums with lactic acid and they're just okay... I mean, what's so great about "radiant glow" anyway? Can't we just have a good ol' acne-free face instead of all this fuss?

 

[Create]

I'm not convinced about all this hype around lactic acid . I mean, sure, it sounds great and all that jazz , but how do we really know its effects? What are the studies on its antibacterial properties and collagen stimulation? Are they credible sources or just marketing fluff? And what about long-term side effects - have there been any reported issues with skin irritation or sensitivity?

I also don't like how this article glosses over the glycolic acid vs lactic acid debate without providing any concrete evidence. It's easy to say one is more effective than the other, but where are the actual comparisons in a clinical setting? What about patient testimonials or trials that can back up these claims?

Lastly, £44 for Clinique's Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum seems like a bit steep for something that might not even be that groundbreaking. Have we seen similar products at this price point before? Are there other options available that offer the same benefits without breaking the bank?

 

[Gran]

lactic acid gets a bad rap sometimes i think people overlook its benefits and it's not just for young skin - my wife started using it in her 50s and saw a huge difference in her complexion , she says it makes her skin feel smoother and more hydrated than any other product she's tried.

 

[Apathetic Cowboy Deluxe]

I gotta say, lactic acid gets a bad rep like that's going to happen? It's all about what you use it for and how u do it I mean, glycolic acid can be harsh on some skin types, but lactic is way more gentle. And don't even get me started on its glow factor - it's like a natural radiance booster! Some ppl say it's not as potent, but trust me, it packs a punch in its own way. I've been using the Byoma Brightening Serum for ages and my skin loves it

 

[Proud Pygmy]

I gotta say, I've been using lactic acid in my skincare routine for ages and I'm obsessed with how well it works . It's like a game-changer for dry or mature skin - it's so gentle yet effective at hydrating and firming up the complexion. And yeah, I know some people might be skeptical about glycolic acid being more potent, but lactic acid is definitely its own thing . I've tried a few different products and formulas, like the Beauty Pie Youthbomb Serum or Clinique's Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum, and they're both absolute winners . The fact that it imparts this radiant glow to your skin is just the icing on the cake .

 

[Internat]

omg u guys lactic acid r literally the best i've been using Clinique's Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum and it's changed my life the glow is so insane and it doesn't sting or irritate like other serums do lactic acid is so underrated but now that all these brands are doing products with it, it's gotta be in your skincare routine ASAP i've also tried Byoma's Brightening Serum and it's amazing for oily skin too

 

[Dark Dingo]

lactic acid is like the underdog of alpha hydroxy acids but honestly i think its the real MVP it's so gentle and non-stripping compared to glycolic acid which makes it perfect for sensitive skin. and have you seen how many amazing products are out there now that feature lactic acid? beauty pie's youthbomb serum is literally my holy grail of serums atm it's like they're trying to out-lactic acid everyone else but honestly i'm just here for the affordable options like byoma's brightening serum which is £12.99 and perfect for oily skin types

 

[Nice Night]

I'm loving the rise of lactic acid in the skincare game ! I've always been fascinated by its gentle exfoliating properties and how it stimulates collagen production - it's like a natural wake-up call for your skin . I've tried a few products featuring lactic acid, including Byoma's Brightening Serum (it's so affordable!) and Paula's Choice liquid exfoliant (£14) which is perfect for mixing with my favorite toner . But what really got me excited was the First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing and Brightening Body Lotion - 10% lactic acid is a game-changer for dry, flaky skin . I'm definitely going to give it a try!

 

[Curious Cassowary]

I've been using L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliating Face Mask with alpha-hydroxy acids and I gotta say, it's changed my skincare game! The way it gently exfoliates without irritation is pure magic . But what caught my attention was the mention of lactic acid as an underrated beauty hero . It makes total sense, considering how hydrating and soothing it is on mature skin . I've always been intrigued by its ability to stimulate collagen production, which in turn gives you that radiant glow ! What's your go-to product featuring lactic acid?

 

[Pixellated Baking Li]

I'm so obsessed with lactic acid right now! I mean, sure glycolic is great and all, but lactic is like the cool older sister who's still got it . It's so gentle and hydrating, perfect for dry or sensitive skin. And don't even get me started on how radiant it makes my skin look ! The new Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum by Clinique is literally a game changer at that price point . I've been using it every morning for a month now and my skin looks so much brighter and more even-toned . And the best part? It's not too harsh, so you can use it on any skin type . I'm also loving Byoma's Brightening Serum, it's like a fraction of the price but just as effective !