Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid: Here's the Best for Sensitive Skin

SadaNews - Recently, the platform "TikTok" has witnessed a large number of videos comparing the benefits of both glycolic acid and lactic acid for caring for sensitive skin, highlighting their roles in enhancing skin radiance and the contraindications associated with each skin's sensitivity and needs.

Before diving into the comparison between these two acids, it should be noted that they belong to the family of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) that activate the skin and help dissolve the bonds between its dead surface cells. These mild exfoliating acids accelerate the skin cell renewal process, thus ensuring a more radiant and bright complexion, provided that this process is gradual and controlled.

Properties of Glycolic Acid

This acid is known as the most effective of the alpha hydroxy acids and is extracted from sugar cane. It has the smallest molecular size among all the acids in this family. The secret of its strength and potential weakness for sensitive skin lies in its small molecular size. This allows it to penetrate deeper and act more quickly, but it also means a risk of increased skin irritation. Some of the most notable benefits of this acid for sensitive skin include:

• Faster cell renewal: It enhances skin radiance more quickly than other gentle acids.

• Collagen production stimulation: This helps reduce fine lines and improve skin texture over time.
• Dark spot treatment: It is effective in removing pigmentation and even acne scars.

• Effect on pore appearance: It helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Research has shown the ability of glycolic acid to improve skin texture and reduce the development of aging signs with regular use.

Ironically, the very properties that make glycolic acid effective can also lead to problems, the most notable being:

• Increased risk of sensitivity: Its penetrating ability can cause redness and peeling.

• Photosensitivity: Its use may make the skin more susceptible to UV damage.

• Over-exfoliation risk: It is easy to over-exfoliate with its use, weakening the skin barrier.

• The initial stage of use may record temporary breakouts while the skin adjusts to this usage.

Properties of Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is extracted from fermented milk. It features a larger molecular size than glycolic acid. This means it does not penetrate as deeply, making it naturally gentle on the skin. The large molecular size of this acid is an advantage rather than a disadvantage for sensitive skin, providing exfoliating benefits without the intense penetration that may cause skin irritation. Some of its notable benefits for sensitive skin include:

• Gentle exfoliation: It removes dead skin cells without strong penetration.

• Hydrating properties: It helps the skin retain moisture during exfoliation.

• Improved skin texture: It contributes to gradually and gently smoothing the skin surface.

• Skin brightening: It helps even out skin tone and remove spots that appear on it.

• Supporting the skin barrier: It reduces the likelihood of damaging the skin's protective barrier.
The dual action is one of the most prominent features of lactic acid; it exfoliates the skin while also acting as a moisturizer, attracting moisture to the skin. This makes it ideal for sensitive skin that tends to be dry.

Dermatologists recommend starting to use lactic acid on sensitive skin as it is less likely to cause severe reactions. The gentle nature of this acid makes it perfect for anyone looking to start using cosmetic acids in skincare or for anyone with bad experiences using harsh exfoliants in the past.

Direct Comparison

The differences between these two acids are more significant than we might think. They encompass the following aspects:

• Differences in molecular size and penetration ability: The smaller molecular size of glycolic acid allows for deeper penetration compared to lactic acid with its larger structure. This difference is extremely important for sensitive skin.

• Effectiveness comparison: Both of these acids work in different ways, with each having its effectiveness in caring for sensitive skin.

• Speed of results: Glycolic acid shows results within a period of 2 to 4 weeks, while lactic acid shows results within a period of 4 to 6 weeks.

• Exfoliation intensity: Glycolic acid provides a deeper exfoliation while lactic acid offers a gentle renewal of the skin's surface.

• Hydration factor: Lactic acid is the best in this area, as it helps the skin actually retain moisture.

• Tolerance: Lactic acid provides better tolerance for the skin as its action is more gentle on it.

The side effects of glycolic acid include: redness, peeling, tingling, and increased sensitivity to light. Meanwhile, lactic acid may cause milder reactions that could be limited to slight tingling and temporary redness that quickly subsides.