L ACTIC ACID

Cleopatra was certainly on to something when she bathed in milk to keep her skin soft and beautiful. Milk is full of lactic acid. You’re more likely to find it as a synthetic ingredient in skincare for stable and consistent results. Along with its exfoliating effect, it helps to increase skin’s natural moisture and ceramide levels, in turn improving the skin’s barrier.

WHERE YOU’LL FIND IT Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel, $159 (10x 3ml home peels). These Rapid Reveals are as close as you’ll get to a professional peel without the downtime and expense. Lactic acid is at the heart of the formula that works best left on your skin for up to seven minutes before rinsing. Boost results by using one tube every evening for three days, then move to one a week. Priori LCA fx141 Hand and

Body Replenisher, $53. Lactic acid can help turn around dehydrated, crepey or bumpy skin all over your body – which is exactly what this gem of a product has been designed for. Use it regularly to get back that youthful glow on your arms, legs and hands, and make your skin more resilient. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA, $20. In this serum, lactic acid works to resurface the skin, while hyaluronic acid helps to boost moisture levels and make it look plump. Use this product after cleansing and before your regular moisturiser.

Environ Sebu- Clear Masque, $90. Pimples on wrinkles? If you suffer from breakouts, this one is for you. It combines lactic acid with salicylic acid, which is particularly good at breaking down sebum and cleaning out pores as well as having an anti-inflammatory effect.