For sensitive skin.. Which is better, glycolic or lactic acid?

Properties of glycolic acid
This acid is known as the most effective alpha hydroxy acid, and it is extracted from sugar cane. It has the smallest molecular size among all acids belonging to this family. In its small particle size lies the secret of both its strength and its potential weakness for sensitive skin. This allows it to penetrate deeper and work more quickly, but it also means increased skin irritation is possible. The most prominent benefits of this acid for sensitive skin are:

• Faster cell regeneration: It enhances skin freshness faster than other gentle acids.

• Stimulating collagen production: which helps reduce fine lines and improve skin texture over time.

• Treating dark spots: It is effective in removing pigmentation and even the effects of acne.

• Effect on the appearance of pores: It helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Research has shown that glycolic acid can improve skin texture and reduce the development of signs of aging when used regularly.

One of the paradoxes that may be encountered when using glycolic acid serum on sensitive skin is that the same properties that make it effective may also lead to it causing problems, most notably:

• Increased risk of allergy: its ability to penetrate the skin may cause redness and peeling.

• Photosensitivity: Its use can make the skin more susceptible to damage from ultraviolet rays.

• Risk of over-exfoliation: It is easy to over-exfoliate when using it, which leads to weakening the skin barrier.

• The first stage of its use may result in the appearance of temporary blisters until the skin adapts to this use.

Properties of lactic acid
Lactic acid is extracted from fermented milk. It has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid. This means that it does not penetrate 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, as it provides the benefits of exfoliation without the strong penetration that may cause skin irritation. Among its most prominent benefits for sensitive skin:

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

• Moisturizing properties: Helps skin retain moisture while exfoliating.

• Improving skin texture: It contributes to smoothing the skin’s surface gradually and gently.

• Skin lightening: It helps unify skin color and remove spots that appear on it.

• Skin barrier support: It reduces the possibility of damaging the skin barrier.

One of the most important features of lactic acid is the dual effect, as it exfoliates the skin and works at the same time as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin that tends to dry out.

Dermatologists recommend starting using lactic acid on sensitive skin because it is less likely to cause severe reactions. The gentle nature of this acid makes it ideal for anyone who wants to start using cosmetic acids in skin care, or for anyone who has had bad experiences with harsh exfoliants in the past.

Direct comparison
The differences between these two acids are more important than we think. It covers the following aspects:

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

• Comparison of effectiveness: Both of these acids work in a different way and each has its effectiveness in the field of sensitive skin care.

• Speed ​​of results: Glycolic acid shows its results within a period ranging between 2 and 4 weeks, while lactic acid results appear within a period ranging between 4 and 6 weeks.

• Intensity of exfoliation: Glycolic acid provides deeper exfoliation while lactic acid provides gentle resurfacing of the skin.

• Moisturizing agent: Lactic acid is considered the best in this field, as it actually helps the skin retain moisture.

• Tolerance: Lactic acid provides better tolerance to the skin, as it has a gentler effect on it.

Side effects of glycolic acid include: redness, peeling, tingling, and increased sensitivity to light. As for lactic acid, it can cause milder reactions that may be limited to slight tingling and temporary redness that goes away quickly.