Lactic acid brightens dull skin by gently exfoliating dead cells, hydrating, and boosting cell turnover. It's ideal for sensitive or dry skin struggling with a lack of glow due to pollution, stress, or poor skincare habits.
Dull, uneven skin can be stubborn, especially when you’re doing all the “right” things. If your glow is still missing despite good sleep and hydration, the issue might be surface-level buildup.
Lactic acid offers a gentle yet powerful way to reset your skin. At KarinaNYC, we help you get past skincare confusion to what actually works.
In this guide, you'll discover how to use lactic acid the right way, and which products truly make a difference.
Dull Skin? Here’s How I Bring Back The Glow Every Time
Dull skin is something I see every single day in the treatment room. It’s not dramatic , it’s just that your skin looks… off. A little grey, a little uneven, like it’s lost its spark.
And most of the time, it’s not about needing an expensive device or trending peel. It’s about removing what’s not serving your skin and supporting what is.
We’re so used to treating skin as something we need to fight, but skin thrives when you create the right conditions. That glow you’re missing? It comes back fast when you support the skin’s natural processes instead of overwhelming them.
The Hidden Reasons Your Glow Is Missing (And How To Spot Them)
These are the root causes I see most often, even in clients who are meticulous with their routines:
Dead Skin Cell Buildup
Your skin naturally sheds dead cells every day, but when that process slows down (thanks to age, stress, or a compromised routine), those cells pile up. They block light, texture starts to feel uneven, and even your best serums can’t penetrate.
If your skin feels rough and looks muted, buildup is likely the culprit.
Dehydration (Internal + External)
Dry skin and dehydrated skin aren’t the same; and most people confuse the two. Dehydrated skin lacks water.
If you’re drinking coffee all day, flying often, or skipping hydrating products, your skin will feel tight, look flat, and won’t reflect light the way plump, hydrated skin does.
Pollution + Oxidative Stress
Living in a city like NYC? Your skin is under constant attack from environmental pollutants. Microscopic particles can clog pores, trigger inflammation, and disrupt your barrier.
That "tired" look you can't explain? Pollution often plays a big role.
Lack Of Quality Sleep
This is when your skin does its deepest healing work. No sleep means your skin has less time to repair, regulate oil, and build collagen. I always tell my clients: your night routine matters, but so does your actual night.
Poor Diet (Yes, It Shows on Your Skin)
Your skin needs antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals to function properly. When your diet is mostly processed or low in nutrients, skin can look sallow, reactive, or just “off.”
Skincare That’s Doing More Harm Than Good
So many clients come in with damaged, dull skin from layering too many strong actives or using products that aren’t right for their skin type. Stronger does not mean better, especially when your glow is on the line.
Quick Fixes That Actually Work
The good news? Dull skin often responds quickly once you give it the right kind of support. You don’t need 15 steps or the latest device.
You need smart habits and high-performing products that work with your skin, not against it.
Hydrate Inside + Out
Start with the basics: water, electrolytes, and hydrating foods (think cucumbers, berries, leafy greens).
On the skin, use a water-based hydrating serum (like Serum Amniotique VG if your skin runs dehydrated or Serum Extraits Tissulaires if you’re oily) and seal it in with a lipidic layer like Serum TEWL or your moisturizer.
Get Real Sleep
Seven to nine hours of quality sleep is non-negotiable if you want consistent radiance. Your skin’s healing hormones peak at night, so protect that time like your skin depends on it (because it does).
Daily Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable
Dullness often starts with sun damage, even the kind you don’t feel or see.
UV light breaks down collagen, creates inflammation, and speeds up uneven pigmentation. Apply a mineral sunscreen every single morning, and your glow will thank you.
Cleanse Gently, Consistently
Over-cleansing strips your barrier. Under-cleansing leaves grime behind.
Find a cleanser that suits your skin: Lait S.R. if you’re oily, Lait E.V. if you’re dry, or Lait Dermo-S if you’re reactive, and commit to cleansing properly, especially at night.
Use the Right Active Ingredients (Lactic Acid Is My Favorite Start)
If you're new to actives or have sensitive skin, lactic acid is an incredible place to begin. It’s gentle, hydrating, and effective.
It doesn’t just resurface, it restores glow without triggering flaking or redness.
When clients come in looking dull, we almost always start with lactic acid in a smart, buffered way: Mask Vivant once or twice a week, P50W a few times a week, and layered hydration to follow.
Why Lactic Acid Works Wonders For Dull Skin
If you’ve ever stood in front of your mirror thinking, “Why does my skin look so tired no matter what I do?” , this is for you. One of the best tools I’ve found for bringing back that healthy, fresh glow is lactic acid.
It’s gentle, it’s effective, and it’s one of my personal favorites, especially for clients with sensitive, dry, or dull skin.
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), but don’t let that scare you. Not all acids are harsh.
This one actually hydrates while it exfoliates, which is why it’s become a staple in my own routine and a go-to in our treatment room.
Here’s how it works:
- Exfoliates → It lifts away dead cells that are blocking light and making your skin feel rough.
- Hydrates → It helps your skin produce more ceramides (those lovely lipids that keep moisture in and irritants out).
- Brightens → By increasing skin turnover, it gradually improves clarity and glow.
- Gentle → Its larger molecular size means it penetrates more slowly than glycolic acid, reducing the risk of stinging or flaking.
I often recommend it for first-time exfoliant users or anyone who’s had bad experiences with “harsh” peels or scrubs.
What Not To Combine With Lactic Acid
Now, just because it’s gentle doesn’t mean you can throw it into a routine with everything else. That’s where I see clients run into trouble.
Avoid these combos unless you're working with a pro:
- Strong retinoids: Too much stimulation at once can cause redness or flaking.
- Other AHAs or BHAs: No need to double up. This leads to barrier damage, not better results.
- High-strength Vitamin C: It can destabilize the formula or trigger irritation if your skin’s not ready.
My Skin Got Worse Before It Got Better, Am I Purging Or Reacting?
Lactic acid can cause a short-term purge as your skin starts to renew itself. This usually settles within 2–4 weeks. Stick with 5% strength to start and don’t skip your moisturizer.
Should I Apply Lactic Acid Over Or Under My Moisturizer?
If you have sensitive skin, apply your moisturizer first. This buffers the acid and helps prevent that tingly, hot feeling some people get.
Lactic acid is one of those rare actives that delivers results and respects your skin’s limits. When used wisely, it brings real transformation , and that glow you’ve been missing.
5 BR Products That Bring the Glow Back, Without Overdoing It
When it comes to dull skin, you don’t need to start over. You just need to use the right tools in the right way.
These are five BR products I personally use and trust; not only because they include lactic acid, but because they’re beautifully formulated to bring skin back to life without stripping or irritating.
1. Masque Vivant
If your skin looks congested, flat, or just off after travel, stress, or sugar (yes, sugar shows up on your face), Masque Vivant brings it back.
Lactic acid gently exfoliates while yeast extract, cucumber, and witch hazel calm and rebalance. You can even customize it.
I mix it with baking soda for oily skin or Masque VIP O2 for sensitive clients who need a glow boost.
2. Masque VIP O2
City skin? This one’s for you. It detoxifies, oxygenates, and revives. It uses a proprietary oxygenating complex plus lactic acid to smooth texture and brighten skin that’s dull from pollution and late nights.
I love using this the night before a big event or after flying; it resets everything.
3. Lotion P50W
A cult classic for a reason, but gentler than the original.
This toner includes lactic acid to resurface without overwhelming the skin. It’s what I reach for when clients are new to acids or coming back from irritation.
Prepping skin with this makes everything you use after work better: serums, masks, moisturizers. It’s foundational.
4. Crème VIP O2
Don’t underestimate your daytime moisturizer. This one subtly boosts glow while protecting skin from city stressors. Its formula includes lactic acid derivatives in a way that supports hydration and radiance without overwhelming your skin barrier.
Clients who use it say their skin looks more even and feels “awake.”
5. Masque Biosensible
This is our go-to for reactive, irritated, or post-treatment skin that still needs help with dullness.
It’s comforting, hydrating, and includes a gentle lactic acid component to encourage renewal without triggering sensitivity. I often pair it with Toleskin [M] during flare-ups , the results are incredible.
The Smarter Way to Get Glowing Skin: A Word From KarinaNYC
If your skin still looks dull after doing all the right things, you’re not alone.
In my clinic, I meet women and men who eat clean, hydrate, and invest in skincare; yet their glow still isn’t showing up. Nine times out of ten? It’s because they’re using the right ingredients in the wrong way… or products that simply don’t fit their skin.
That’s exactly why I started KarinaNYC.
Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all , especially when it comes to actives like lactic acid. What your skin needs is expert guidance and a routine that’s built for you , not for Instagram.
For High-Commitment Clients Ready To Level Up, Here’s How We Can Help:
💡 Free Virtual Skin Consultation
Let me personally review your routine, identify where things are falling short, and guide you toward the right Biologique Recherche products. No more guessing. Just real results.
🛍️ Masque Vivant
My go-to for clients who need to reset after stress, travel, or flare-ups. It brings skin back to balance, visibly clarifies, and brightens in under 20 minutes.
🧴 Lotion P50W Starter Set
Perfect if you're new to acids. This curated set introduces your skin to gentle exfoliation without compromising its barrier. You’ll notice clarity, glow, and smoother texture , the healthy way.
Explore the full collection or book your 1:1 consult at KarinaNYC.com. Beautiful skin isn’t about chasing trends , it’s about finding what works for you, staying consistent, and trusting the process. Let’s get you glowing.
