Amlactin Intensive Healing Lotion with 15% Lactic Acid

Review

Intensive Healing Lotion with 15% Lactic Acid from AmLactin is a good product.

Let me explain what it can and can’t do…

This product’s star ingredient is 15% lactic acid. It uses three different lactic acid derivatives, equivalent to 15% lactic acid. Ammonium lactate is the primary derivative. Sodium and potassium lactate are the other two derivatives. Lactic acid belongs to a class of skincare ingredients called AHAs. AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acids. These acids gently exfoliate the skin.

The distinctive feature of this product is its high lactic acid concentration. Also, it uses derivatives of lactic acid rather than straight lactic acid. These derivatives, primarily the ammonium lactate, are more effective than the pure form of lactic acid.

The manufacturer does not recommend using this product on our face. It is for the body (minus the face).

Old dead cells must fall off our skin regularly, making way for younger cells. But often, some of these old cells don’t fall off. The cells that don’t fall off cling to each other and form a thin layer on the skin’s surface.
This layer falls off when we exfoliate regularly. But sometimes, some of these dead old block the openings of the hair follicle. This results in red bumps on the skin (almost like goose bumps). This section of skin becomes itchy, flaky, dehydrated and red. It is uncomfortable. This skin condition is called keratosis pilaris.

Keratosis pilaris mainly occurs in the arms, legs, back of neck and butt area. People with eczema and dry skin are more prone to getting keratosis pilaris.

The good news is keratosis pilaris is easily treatable.

This product is effective at treating keratosis pilaris. Dermatologists often recommend it for treating this condition.

Sometimes, you might not even be experiencing keratosis pilaris. It could just be an over-accumulated layer of dead old cells. Or it could just be flaky, dry skin.
This product helps in all the above three conditions.
15% lactic acid also stimulates the production of ceramides. More ceramides in the skin mean a strong skin barrier, which means the skin stays hydrated and is less prone to breakouts.

Additionally, this product contains ceramides as some of its ingredients, which strengthen the skin’s barrier function. A strong barrier leads to hydrated skin and fewer skin breakouts.

The product contains glycerin, a powerful water magnet that hydrates skin.

This product’s lactic acid derivatives exfoliate rough bumps while hydrating the skin, boosting ceramide production and increasing cellular turnover. An increase in cellular turnover means more younger cells form, which move up and are ready to replace the old cells that exfoliation removes.

The product has mineral oil and petrolatum. These two ingredients do an excellent job of sealing in hydration in the skin. This is important because hydration is needed for the skin to heal. You see, this layer of bumps has aggravated the skin. This section of skin needs some healing. So, for it to heal well, hydration is essential.
Hydration is also needed to remove the dryness on the skin. So, ingredients that can help seal in hydration are necessary because otherwise, the hydration will escape into the atmosphere through evaporation.

In summary, the product provides intense exfoliation, hydrates, heals, and strengthens the barrier. Strengthening the barrier is always helpful because a strong barrier prevents skin from many concerns.

Because of its high level of lactic acid, it can be irritating for some. So, if you have sensitive skin, be cautious. Maybe consider the 12% lactic acid from AmLactin.
If you experience a persistent tingling irritating sensation, discontinue. A mild sensation for some time is okay, but discontinue if it persists.

One other thing to be mindful about…
Sometimes, some of these old cells have gone too deep into the pores, and lactic acid might not effectively clean out what’s inside the pores. Lactic acid works on the surface of the skin. If you notice that the red, bumpy, flaky skin is not going away despite using this product regularly, it could be because of cells stuck in pores. So, in addition to this, use a product with salicylic acid. Please don’t use them both on the same day. Salicylic acid exfoliates skin by entering the pores and cleaning out what’s there.

If you have dry, flaky skin or keratosis pilaris, use it daily, as the label recommends. If your skin is clear, this product can still be used, but maybe not as regularly.

How to use the product?

Don’t use this product on the face. Apply 1-2 times daily or as directed by a physician.