Lac Hydrin (Lactic Acid)
Lac Hydrin is a lactic acid formulation that can help your skin in a number of ways. Lactic acid is an effective alpha hydroxy acid derived from fermented milk. It is perhaps one of the oldest skin care ingredients and evidence of its use has been found over the centuries. In fact, Queen Cleopatra was known to have used milk baths (rich in lactic acid) enriched with red rose petals to deliver glowing skin. And, people from ancient Rome and Egypt used goat milk in their spas and baths.
Like other alpha hydroxy acids including glycolic acid, mandelic acid, malic acid and tartaric acid, lactic acid is an effective exfoliating agent. It works by helping to remove dry, dead skin cells that sit on the skin’s epidermis, or uppermost layer. This action allows newer, healthier skin cells to show through, thereby improving the appearance of skin.
Lac-Hydrin In Anti Aging Skin Care
Aging can result in a decreased ability of skin to shed dead skin cells which is why topical exfoliants like lactic acid can be extremely beneficial. The exfoliating abiltity of lactic acid can help to improve the texture of skin and improve the look of dry, flaking skin. It has also been shown to improve the appearance of sun damaged skin. There is also some research to suggest that lactic acid may increase collagen production which can help to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Lactic acid can be found in Lac-Hydrin Lotion, a useful treatment for managing dry skin on the body. Lac-Hydrin combines lactic acid with glycerin and other emollients to provide relief to itchy, dry skin.
Lac-Hydrin Benefits
The removal of dry, dead skin cells in the stratum corneum (skin’s uppermost layer) not only improves the appearance of skin, but also helps to increase the penetration of other skin care ingredients such as moisturizers. This helps skin to lock in moisture. Lactic acid has more gentle exfoliating action than glycolic acid, making it an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive skin.
A Word of Caution
Like all alpha hydroxy acid preparations, Lac Hydrin can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. For this reason, it is recommended that you use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day. Look for one that contains effective sun filtering agents including Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL, Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
