My skin does best when my routine is quiet, consistent and slightly boring. I have dry, sensitive skin with an eczema-prone tendency, so the products that promise instant smoothness can quickly become the products that leave me tight, itchy and uncomfortable. Exfoliation has a place in my routine, but it needs to be carefully measured.
I use a lactic acid exfoliant once a week rather than reaching for glycolic acid several nights in a row. Lactic acid gives me a smoother, brighter-looking finish without making my cheeks feel stripped. The result is subtle, which is exactly what I want from a treatment intended to support my skin barrier rather than dominate my routine.
This is also a practical choice for Australian conditions. Strong sun exposure, air conditioning, dry indoor heating and sudden weather changes can all make sensitive skin harder to manage. My approach is less about chasing a dramatic peel and more about finding a gentle rhythm that remains comfortable through summer in Sydney, dry winters in Melbourne and humid days in Brisbane.
Lactic acid and glycolic acid are both alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs. They loosen the bonds between dead surface cells, helping skin look fresher and feel softer. Glycolic acid has the smaller molecule, so it can penetrate more readily and often feels more intense. Lactic acid has a larger molecular structure and is generally considered a gentler option for people who are new to chemical exfoliation or prone to sensitivity.
That difference does not make lactic acid completely risk-free. Any acid can sting, cause redness or worsen dryness when the formula is too strong or used too often. However, I find lactic acid easier to fit around a moisturiser, a hydrating serum and occasional flare-ups. It gives me enough exfoliating action without creating a constant need to repair my skin.
I also like that many lactic acid products are formulated with humectants. Lactic acid is related to the skin’s natural moisturising factors, although the finished product still depends on its concentration, pH and supporting ingredients. A well-made formula can leave skin soft rather than squeaky, which suits my preference for a comfortable, hydrated finish.
For a deeper comparison of how I think about both acids, I keep these notes on gentle acid exfoliation alongside my own product testing.
I exfoliate in the evening, usually after cleansing with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser. I apply the lactic acid to completely dry skin when possible, because damp skin can increase the sensation of tingling. I follow it with a simple moisturiser and leave the rest of my routine uncomplicated.
I do not use retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C in a low-pH formula or another exfoliating product on the same night. Combining several active ingredients can make it difficult to identify what caused irritation, especially when the reaction appears several hours later. My weekly treatment is intended to replace other strong steps, not join them.
Once every seven days gives my skin plenty of time to settle. If my cheeks feel tender, flaky or unusually tight, I skip that week. I also avoid applying acid over eczema patches, cracked skin, freshly shaved areas or any place that is already stinging. A smooth texture is never worth pushing through a damaged barrier.
My preference for lactic acid is not a claim that glycolic acid is unsuitable for everyone. Glycolic acid can be useful for resilient skin, uneven texture, dullness and the appearance of fine lines. Some people tolerate it beautifully, particularly when the formula is low strength, buffered and used infrequently.
The issue is that glycolic acid can feel deceptively easy at first. A product may create a convincing glow after one use, which makes it tempting to apply it again before the skin has recovered. With dry or eczema-prone skin, repeated tingling is not proof that the product is working. It can be a sign that the barrier is becoming stressed.
Product format matters as well. A five per cent lactic acid serum, a ten per cent glycolic treatment and a professional peel cannot be compared by percentage alone. The pH, delivery system, other acids, preservatives and time left on the skin all affect the experience. I prefer a modest formula that I can use reliably rather than a powerful one that forces me to stop.
Australian shoppers see a wide range of options at Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, department stores and online retailers. The packaging can make every exfoliant appear equally approachable, but the local regulatory context is worth remembering: products making therapeutic sunscreen claims are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, while ordinary cosmetic products are governed through Australia’s cosmetic ingredient and industrial chemical framework. Regulation does not replace careful reading of an ingredient list or patch testing.
Sun protection is essential whenever AHAs are part of a routine. In Australia, the UV index can be high even when the temperature feels mild, especially during bright spring days or while walking near reflective surfaces. I apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen each morning and reapply when I am outdoors for an extended period. This is particularly important in Perth, where clear skies and strong sunlight can make daily exposure easy to underestimate.
The same weekly treatment can also feel different as the seasons change. Air conditioning in Queensland can leave my skin dehydrated, while a cold Melbourne morning and indoor heating can create a dry, tight feeling. During Sydney’s humid summer, I may use a lighter moisturiser after lactic acid; during a dry winter spell, I choose a richer, fragrance-free cream instead.
I am cautious after beach days, outdoor sport and long periods in the garden. Salt water, chlorine, wind and sun can all make the skin more reactive, so I wait until it feels calm before exfoliating. A weekly schedule is a guide, not an obligation to use the product on a particular calendar day.
The cleanser I use before lactic acid is deliberately plain. I avoid strong fragrance, scrubbing particles and foaming formulas that leave my face feeling stripped. If I have worn heavy sunscreen or makeup, I remove it gently and rinse thoroughly, but I do not keep cleansing until the skin feels completely bare.
After the acid, I use hydrating and barrier-supportive products rather than adding another treatment. Ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol, squalane, ceramides and colloidal oatmeal fit comfortably into this part of my routine. Facial oil can be useful over moisturiser when my skin is especially dry, although I use only a small amount and avoid assuming that oil alone provides hydration.
The next morning, I return to my regular routine: gentle cleansing or a water rinse, moisturiser and sunscreen. I do not expect my face to peel. Visible peeling is not a requirement for effective exfoliation, and trying to accelerate it with scrubbing would defeat the purpose of choosing a gentler acid.
I assess lactic acid by the condition of my skin over several weeks, not by the immediate glow in the mirror. The improvements I value are modest: a more even surface, less roughness around my chin and a cleaner-looking finish under tinted moisturiser. If the treatment causes persistent redness or makes my usual products sting, I treat that as useful information and pause.
Patch testing is part of my process, particularly when trying a new brand or a higher concentration. I apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area and observe it over a day or two. This cannot predict every reaction, but it can help me avoid covering my whole face with a product that is immediately uncomfortable.
There are times when I stop exfoliating altogether. During an eczema flare, after a cosmetic procedure or whenever my barrier feels compromised, moisturising and protection take priority. If irritation persists, becomes painful or looks unusual, I seek advice from a GP or dermatologist rather than trying to correct it with another active.
A once-weekly lactic acid treatment works for me because it respects the rest of my routine. Glycolic acid may be the better choice for another person, and some skin types may prefer no exfoliating acid at all. My goal is a calm, hydrated complexion that can cope with real Australian weather, daily sunscreen and the occasional imperfect week—not the strongest possible resurfacing effect.