Our hands are often a part of the body that is always forgotten when it comes to skincare. We invest time, energy and money to ensure our faces are multi-layered with serum and protected with daily SPF. When it comes to our hands, though, a quick squirt of moisturizer now and then seems to be the solution.
But today we want to give you some of the best tips to help you stop neglecting your hands even more. It also begs the question we’ve seen recently: Can I use a lactic acid scrub on my hands, too? Don’t wait any longer, we’ll explore this further, and by the end of today’s blog post, we’ll have a better idea of ??how to use lactic acid on your hands.
What is lactic acid?
- It’s derived from kefir that contains lactic acid, one of the mildest members of the AHA family.
- Suitable for all skin types, it can be used in professional treatments like scrubs and facials.
- Due to its very large molecular size, it cannot penetrate deeply into the lower layers of the skin. This makes this acid a favorite for those with dry skin types prone to redness and sensitivity.
- It removes the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin that, if left behind, can lead to acne and blemishes.
- Fights the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Helps revitalize dull complexions.
- Has moisturizing properties, which means it draws moisture from the air around the skin and holds it in place.
- Lactic acid is known for its ability to work effectively both alone and in combination with other active ingredients.
- If you want to learn more about lactic acid and its skin benefits, read our dedicated blog post.
Now that you know a little about lactic acid and its effects on your skin, you might be wondering what it can do for your hands and whether you should be using it.
As we age, our hands lose fat and elasticity, causing the skin to become translucent, sometimes gray, and wrinkled, with dark spots and wrinkles on the skin’s surface. This is a common and somewhat unavoidable condition, but there are ways you can incorporate into your daily routine to repair some damage and prevent further hand aging. Here are some of the most popular ways to ensure your hands look youthful.
- Wet your hands — when your hands dry out, you’ll notice they look worse. Staying hydrated will make you feel more comfortable and reduce dry or flaky patches of skin.
- Exfoliation – By exfoliating your hands, you can target dark spots on your skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. Exfoliation is another way to reduce dry skin.
- Apply SPF sunscreen – Our hands are one of the first parts of the body to show signs of aging. Use a hand cream with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from overexposure to harmful UV rays.
Can I put lactic acid on my hands?
Yes, you can definitely put lactic acid on your hands. If you’re looking to get rid of signs of hyperpigmentation or rough skin, a gentle lactic acid chemical peel removes dead skin cells and reduces dark spot hyperpigmentation.
You can find lactic acid in many over-the-counter formulas, and it can be mixed into pharmaceutical formulas.
You may find that the best way to benefit from applying lactic acid to your hands is at night. This is due to limited exposure to free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors, allowing lactic acid to work undisturbed and quickly.
Does lactic acid burn the skin?
Yes, lactic acid can burn the skin. Surprisingly, this popular chemical acid is touted as one of the mildest AHAs out there. But don’t forget that lactic acid is still an exfoliating acid, and if used incorrectly, it can cause itching, burning, redness, and rashes.
If you’re not sure whether to incorporate lactic acid into your routine, talk to your doctor or dermatologist to find the products that are best for you and your skin’s needs.
Need to wash off lactic acid?
This largely depends on the product formulation. Lactic acid is used in a variety of products, including facial cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. These all come in different consistencies and are applied to the skin in different ways. The beauty of lactic acid is that you can rinse it off your skin or leave it on overnight, especially if it’s in over-the-counter skincare products. The latter may require you to build a tolerance first, especially if you have an allergic skin type. To avoid unnecessary irritation, perform a 24-hour patch test. You can apply 10p to the inner forearm and leave it on overnight. In the morning, check to see if the skin in the area looks irritated, itchy, or red. This is a clear indication that the product is not suitable for your skin.
You can learn more about lactic acid and whether you can use acid peels on your hands here. As I mentioned before, don’t forget to consult your doctor to make sure you’re not using products that aren’t right for your skin. You can also find us on Instagram if you have any other questions.