Derived from milk and fruit sugars, or manufactured synthetically, these chemicals exfoliate the skin by loosening the “glue” that binds dead surface skin cells together. The most common ones used in skincare products are lactic acid and glycolic acid. Lactic acid recalibrates skin to a youthful pH, increases our skin’s natural moisturising factor, thereby hydrating the skin. It also promotes healthy collagen synthesis and regulates pigment production.
Fact checked by Dr Shyamalar Gunatheesan, Consultant Dermatologist BMedSc, MBBS, FACD