Topical Lactic Acid

I have some liquid magnesium by Nutricology on the way which contains lactic acid, so I wanted to see if lactic acid would be detrimental if applied topically (since that is how I intend to use it). I did a quick search and found that it actually has a positive effect in skin. Maybe I lucked out and the lactic acid in the magnesium will help with hair:

"RESULTS: Treatment with 12% lactic acid resulted in increased epidermal and dermal firmness and thickness and clinical improvement in skin smoothness and in the appearance of lines and wrinkles. No dermal changes were observed after treatment with 5% lactic acid; however, similar clinical and epidermal changes were noted."
(source) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8784274

"CONCLUSIONS: Topical 8% glycolic acid and 8% L-lactic acid creams are modestly useful in ameliorating some of the signs of chronic cutaneous photodamage. These agents are well tolerated and available without prescription."
(source) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8651713

"Of the different medicines available for the topical treatment of acne, locate lotion is the only remedy which is non-toxic and non sensitizing as its main constituent is a normal metabiolite of the body. It was introduced for the treatment of acne with the presumption that the individuals who develop more severe forms of acne are probably secreting less lactic acid on their skin surface. Topical applications of lactic acid would thus reinforce the natural mechanism for controlling the bacterial proliferation on the skin.[1] The range of antibacterial activity of lactic acid/lactate had been shown to cover most of the pathogenic bacteria of significance to dermatology.[2] Swanbeck[4] had also proposed a similar mechanism for ethyl lactate, i.e. that ethyl lactate applied topically would penetrate the sebaceous follicle ducts where it would be hydrolysed to ethanol and lactic acid and thus reduce the pH. As a consequence, the bacterial lipolysis of sebum triglycerides to free fatty acids would be reduced.[5],[6] It seens however, that he failed to realize that lactic acid and even lactate have strong and a wide range of antibacterial activity.
A previous study on the efficacy of topical 5% lactate lotion in the treatment of acne vulgaris showed 61 % improvement in the inflammatory lesions and 43.3% in the non-inflammatory lesions at the end of 12 weeks.[7]"
(source) http://www.ijdvl.com/article.asp?issn=0378-6323;year=2002;volume=68;issue=3;spage=137;epage=139;aulast=Garg

"Lactic Acid Cream is used for:

Treating mild to severe forms of dry, scaly skin.

Lactic Acid Cream is a humectant. Exactly how it works is unknown but it increases the amount of water in the skin, making it softer and more pliable."
(source) http://www.drugs.com/cdi/lactic-acid-cream.html

I would have thought it would be beneficial for your hair, most acids thin the outer layer of skin.... allowing better penetration of any other topicals you are using.

jobey wrote:I would have thought it would be beneficial for your hair, most acids thin the outer layer of skin.... allowing better penetration of any other topicals you are using.

Jobey,

It seems that those studies are saying that it is beneficial for skin. Many things that are beneficial for skin, also help with alopecia. I like that it helps with acne through its antibacterial properties. The liquid will be delivered today and I will use it on my temples. Hopefully it will be of some benefit.

Lactic acid may work in a similar way to retin a...... so is likely to be good for hairloss. The addition of magnesium could benefit too. Good luck

I emailed Nutricology and they said the amount of lactic acid is only .08%. According to the study I posted, that is no where near enough to do anything (8-12%). Oh well. I tried the mag liquid yesterday and liked it. I put some on my scalp and body and left it all night. No residue or irritation at all.

Jharsh how is the nutricology oil going?Have you tried true MgCl before?
How does it compare one w the other? I was thinking of giving this brand a go...