Source: Naturally obtained from the oxidation of lactose.
A polyhydroxy organic acid with numerous skin care benefits, not causing any irritation to the skin. Because of the multiple hydroxyl groups, lactobionic acid is a strong humectant and high water content/supplemented moisture, keeping the skin glow and plumping.
This performance is reportedly better than some traditional humectants such as glycerin and sorbitol. It can prevent the cell membrane from oxidative damage, promote the formation of dermal matrix components including collagen and enhance self-renewal ability of the skin.
- Excellent skin moisturization and humectancy benefits
- Antioxidant, chelating, and other skin protective benefits
- Improvement in the appearance of skin clarity, thickness, and quality
- Protective benefits for photoaged skin
- Milder with low irritation
In peelings PHA are the next generation of superficial chemical peels. Lactobionic acid is an active ingredient that treats skin very gently without affecting deeper layers. The effect is very similar to that of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids or fruit acids like glycolic or lactic acid), but as a type of polyhydroxy acid lactobionic acid is more beneficial. Since it is a larger molecule, lactobionic acid penetrates the skin slowly without burning it like the other chemical peels with alternative active ingredients do. It suits dry and hypersensitive skin.
PHA when used alone don ́t require a basic neutralizer application after the treatment and can be washed off with water only. It is a very delicate skin treatment that can be used as often as you wish to achieve desired result. The mild effect of the peel makes it suitable for people with low pain threshold, causing no burning on skin or any other discomfort feelings. In addition, the risk of post-peel symptoms such as redness and swelling is significantly reduced avoiding post-inflammatory pigmentation. Lactobionic acid doesn't accumulate in the cells and is easily excreted from the body. But even in relatively high concentrations it doesn't have a mutagenic or toxic effect.
Indications for lactobionic acid peels:
1. skin aging;
2. premature aging;
3. hyperpigmentation;
4. reduced skin elasticity;
5. skin predisposed toward allergies;
6. wrinkles – both fine lines, and age-related deep wrinkles;
7. down turning mouth, sagging face;
8. scars and ingrown hairs;
9. photo ageing.
Properties of lactobionic acid peels:
1. Regeneration. Lactobionic acid includes galactose, which is famous for its wound-healing properties. The acid allows for repair of damaged skin structures and faster regeneration. Thanks to its unique ability to stimulate wound healing, it can be used successfully on skin that is prone to acne and inflammation.
2. Gradual skin penetration. Lactobionic acid has considerable molecular mass and consists of relatively big molecules. As a result, it penetrates skin gradually, layer by layer, which is less damaging than peels performed with glycolic or lactic acids. Thanks to gradual penetration, lactobionic acid does not cause severe burning sensation during the treatment or complications after the peel.
3. High biocompatibility with human skin. Skin easily adjusts to the lactobionic acid; when all stages of the chemical peel are performed properly, no severe flaking, itching, or hyperaemia occur.
4. Anti-photoaging activity. Lactobionic acid inhibits matrix metalloproteinases, which are the main cause of skin aging. They destroy the major components of the extracellular matrix of the skin, collagen in particular, causing elasticity loss, deep wrinkles and a sagging face. Metalloproteinases are responsible for skin aging process and the development of telangiectasia – oblong red areas on the face. Their activity is stimulated by long-term exposure to sunlight and leads to rapid photo ageing.
5. Antioxidant properties. Lactobionic acid can function as a link between iron ions, providing strong antioxidant effect. It removes free radical intermediates and protects skin from dangerous UV radiation.
6. Deep moisturizing. Lactobionic acid helps to moisturize skin. It is capable of adsorbing water and trapping it inside the skin even when the skin is exposed to adverse weather conditions, i.e. increasingly dry air, for a long period of time. Lactobionic acid creates a water film on the surface of skin, which helps to tackle signs of skin dryness, itching, and tightness for a long time.
7. Peeling action. Lactobionic acid activates renewal of cell structures, allows for deep cleansing and gentle removal of dead cells, and particles of dust and dirt that cause clogged pores.
8. Capable of being used at any time of the year. Both mandelic and lactobionic acids effectively protect skin from UV radiation. Thanks to this fact, peel treatments can be performed in any season, even in summer, without fear of developing unexpected side effects, like freckles or pigment spots.
9. Rejuvenation, improved skin firmness. The skin is rejuvenated thanks to the acid’s ability to increase collagen production and slow down photo-ageing.
