For years, I’ve wondered why celebrities always have flawless makeup and glowing skin. I understand that there is a large team of professionals whose job it is to achieve a stunning look, but I always wanted to know how. That’s when I learned that it’s about the base that you “paint” your foundation onto. Makeup artists, including celebrities, always consider exfoliation to be the number one key to flawless makeup. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Applying makeup to your skin is like painting a wall; Before painting, you need to prepare the wall. The same applies to your skin!
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is mainly of two types: physical exfoliation (those that involve tiny beads that cleanse the skin) and chemical exfoliation “peeling”. Lactic acid is a member of the AHA family and is derived from sour milk (naturally found in yoghurt). (Other members of the AHA family are citric acid from fruits and glycolic acid from sugar cane).
How does lactic acid peel work?
Lactic acid “burns” the outer layer of skin, causing it to peel; That’s why it’s called a “chemical peel.” You will not see skin peeling because everything happens at the molecular level.
How does lactic acid work to improve your complexion?
- Like all AHAs, lactic acid helps improve the rate of skin cell turnover, which in turn kindles the production of collagen in the skin. As we all know, more collagen means fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
- Exfoliating the skin becomes healthier and reduces the appearance of age spots and acne scars; that is, it evens out the skin.
- Moreover, removing all the dead skin prevents the pores from becoming clogged, thereby avoiding the formation of new pimples.
- It’s also great for dry skin because exfoliation allows moisturizers to penetrate the skin.
Lactic acid peels range from 30 to 70%; you can start with a gentle 15% peel to see how your skin reacts. However, it may still irritate sensitive skin. To help you avoid irritation, here is a list of precautions to help you use lactic acid without harming your skin.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using a Chemical Peel
- Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant like other exfoliants, but you still need to test it on a small area of skin if this is your first time using an AHA product.
- Start slow; starting at 70% lactic acid can damage your skin and become a very painful experience. Your skin may not be able to cope with this, which can lead to irritation, redness and pain.
- There is no cure-all for all skin problems, while lactic acid can reduce the appearance of mild scars, delay the appearance of wrinkles and eliminate discolouration. This is NOT a magic wand! You must love yourself and maintain realistic expectations.
- Lactic acids, like all AHAs, raise your skin’s compassion for sunlight, so be sure to wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure for the next few days after treatment.
- Your skin may become red for several days after treatment. This does not apply to all women, and your skin will not react the same as your friend’s, so be sure to handle it with care. Do not exfoliate the next day.
- If you are PREGNANT or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional before using any AHA product.
Remember that you are using a chemical peel; You must treat your skin with care, read labels, give your skin time to heal, and be patient. Well, it’s worth spending 5 minutes or so once a week to get celebrity glowing skin at home, isn’t it?!
