For years, I used to wonder why celebrities always have that flawless makeup look and glowing skin. I understand that there is a huge crew of professionals whose job is to make sure to accomplish that fabulous look, but always wished to know how? By time I found that it is about the base on which you “paint” your foundation. Makeup artists, including celebrities’ makeup artists, always swear by exfoliation as the number one key for flawless makeup look. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Applying makeup to your skin is similar to painting a wall; you need to prepare the wall before painting. Same thing applies to your skin!
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is mainly two kinds; physical exfoliation ( those that include small grains that scrub your skin), and chemical exfoliation “peel” (mainly AHAs; Alpha hydroxy Acids ). Lactic acid is a member of the AHA family that is derived from sour milk (also naturally found in yogurt). (Other members of the AHAs family are citric acid from fruits and glycolic acid, from sugar cane).
Read about my story using a lactic acid peel that is gentle but still powerful in exfoliating my skin.
How Does Lactic Acid Peel Work?
Lactic acid “burns” the outer layer of your skin, causing it to peel off; that is why it is called “chemical peel”. You will not see your skin peeling off, as it all happens on a molecular level.
How does lactic acid work to improve your complexion?
- As all AHAs, lactic acid helps improve skin-cell turnover rates, which in turn; stimulate collagen production in the skin. As we all know, more collagen means less fine lines and wrinkles.
- As it exfoliates your skin, it reveals healthier skin and reduces the appearance of age spots and acne scars; i.e. it even out your skin tone.
- In addition, removing all the dead skin prevent clogging the pores, thus preventing the formation of new acne.
- It is also great for dry skin since exfoliation allows moisturizers to penetrate through the skin.
Lactic acid peels range from 30-70% , you can start with a mild 15% peel to see how your skin reacts. However, it could still irritate sensitive skin. To help you avoid irritation, here is a list of precautions that will help you use lactic acid without harming your skin.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using a Chemical Peel
- Lactic acid is a mild exfoliator compared to other exfoliators, but you still have to test it on a small portion of your skin if this is your first time of using an AHA product.
- Start slow; starting with a 70% lactic acid may harm your skin and be a very painful experience. Your skin may not be able to handle that, irritation, redness and pain may result from that.
- There is no One-For-All cure to all your skin’s problems, while lactic acid can reduce the appearance of mild scars, delay the appearance of wrinkles, and remove discoloration. It is NOT the magic wand! You need to love what you are, and keep your expectations realistic.
- Lactic acids are like all AHA’s, it increases the sensitivity of your skin towards sunlight, make sure to wear sunscrean, and limit your sun exposure in the following few days of your treatment.
- Your skin may appear reddish for few days after the treatment. This is not the case for all women, your skin’s reaction will not be the same of your friend, make sure to treat your skin gently; don’t exfoliate the following day.
- If you are PREGNANT or BREAST-FEEDING, ask your doctor before using any AHAs product.
Remember that you are using a chemical peel; you need to be gentle with your skin, read the labels, give your skin time to heal, and be patient. Well, it does worth spending 5 minutes or so once a week to get that glowing skin of celebrities at your own home, doesn’t it?!
Over to You Now
Have you ever used a chemical peel? What ingredients have you used in your peel?
Copyright: floydine / 123RF Stock Photo
Thank you for this wonderful post. I believe that some of the products that will make us have glowing skin are found in the kitchen. This is a great way to save money and still be beautiful.
That is 100% true. You don’t have to spend $$$ to get healthy glowing skin. It can be as easy as a yogurt mask with few drops of fresh lemon juice. You still need consistency, making this part of your beauty routine for best results.
i think , natural products works fine , when we need glowing skin 🙂
Yes, you are right!
Natural products are always the best.
My name is Sangeeta. ..I have a problem of pegmentation in my face ….so kindly suggests if u have any home remedies or medicine ….my age is 40+
Hi Sangeeta,
You can use both, home remedies and skin care products. Best home remedy, in my opinion is the yogurt face mask [yogurt and turmeric]. You can also use chemical peelings like AHA’s or a retinol cream.