Lactic Acid

Description

Lactic Acid, also known as Lactate, is a colorless liquid Alpha-Hydroxy Acid that usually occurs as the end result of anaerobic respiration.  It is produced as an endogenous product during metabolis, can be consumed directly via the diet and is also utilized topically as a cosmeceutical product.

Digestive System

 Lactic Acid is more digestible than Lactose (which - when not digested due to Lactase enzyme deficiency- can cause various ailments of the Digestive System):

 When Lactase deficiency occurs, the conversion of Lactose to Lactic Acid is desirable as it allows the digestion of Lactose. 

Metabolism

 Endogenous Lactic Acid can be reconverted to Glycogen within the Liver for future use in the production of Energy (this is not particularly necessary as the body has other means of obtaining Glycogen).

Skin

 Lactic Acid (92% lotion applied topically) may reduce the severity of Chloasma and the discoloration associated with Chloasma.  ^[1]

 Lactic Acid applied topically may improve the visual appearance of the Skin and may improve the overall texture of the Skin:  ^[2]

 Lactic Acid applied topically may stimulate the production of Collagen in the Skin.  ^[3]

 Lactic Acid applied topically may alleviate Skin - Dry and may slough off dry, flaky, dead cells that accumulate on the surface of the Skin.  ^[4]

 Lactic Acid is a component of the Skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).  Anecdotal Evidence

 Lactic Acid is naturally present in the Stratum Corneum where it may enhance the retention of Water in the Skin (it functions as a moisturizer).

 Lactic Acid applied topically may reduce fine Wrinkles.  ^[5]

 The effects of topically applied Lactic Acid on the Skin may vary according to the potency of Lactic Acid used in the product being used:  in one study 12% Lactic Acid resulted in increased firmness, thickness and smoothness of the Epidermis and Dermis and an improvement in the appearance of Wrinkles after three months of use, while 5% Lactic Acid was concluded to affect only the Epidermis.

 Lactic Acid applied topically may alleviate Skin - Thin.  ^[6]

Lipids

 Lactic Acid applied topically may increase the production of Ceramides in the Stratum Corneum layer of the Epidermis of the Skin.  ^[7] 

Proteins

 Lactic Acid (applied topically) may increase the production of Collagen in the Dermis.  ^[3]