Lactic Acid Serum Guide by Shani Darden
Need your skin to glow, fast—with no time to wait? Celebrity Esthetician Shani Darden has your back. As the esthetician of choice for A-listers like Kelly Rowland and Shay Mitchell, Shani has tried it all, on clients and herself, and developed her new Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum to give an instant glow overnight, with powerhouse actives like Lactic Acid and Gluconolactone (PHA). Why Lactic Acid? Read on to see why Shani favors this fast-acting AHA above all others.
Why did you decide to develop a Lactic Acid Serum, after Retinol Reform?
Lactic Acid has been a staple ingredient in my facials and at-home skincare routine because it gently exfoliates and gives a gorgeous glow. Exfoliation is key when looking to achieve your best, brightest skin, and many people are either exfoliating too much, or not enough. It was important to me that we create a daily serum clients could use to gently exfoliate, without irritation.
Additionally, so many clients come to me who cannot use retinol or who cannot tolerate a retinol nightly—this serum is a great alternative because it delivers similar smoothing, brightening benefits.
Why Lactic Acid, over a popular ingredient like Glycolic Acid? What's the difference?
Lactic Acid has a larger molecule size than Glycolic Acid, so it stays on the skin’s surface, penetrating the skin more slowly and is tolerated better by sensitive skin types. I find that most clients respond better to Lactic Acid, with more minimal downtime and less redness versus Glycolic Acid. My Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum contains 9% Lactic Acid and Gluconolactone (a PHA, or Poly-Hydroxy Acid) which is naturally hydrating.
Is Lactic Acid safe to use everyday?
I wanted to create a treatment serum you could use daily that gently exfoliates the skin, to ensure your skin stays smooth and bright all-year round. My Lactic Acid Serum contains an exclusive soothing complex of Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, and Green & White Tea Extract to curb redness and soothe any irritation. Start with 1-2 times per week, and work your way up, alternating with nights you use Retinol Reform®. I still recommend deeper exfoliation one to two times per week, depending on your skin type, with something like Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel pads - these exfoliate deeper with both AHA & BHA, and offer physical exfoliation as well.
Can I use Lactic Acid and Retinol Reform® together?
Absolutely—just not on the same night! Many clients who use Retinol Reform® cannot tolerate it nightly. In this case, you can supplement with Lactic Acid Serum on alternate nights, which will deliver similar smoothing, brightening benefits. It's perfect for clients who want to use actives every night. My Lactic Acid Serum is very gentle and fits easily into your retinol routine. More information about the two ingredients can be found here.