In this video, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dray breaks down how to use AmLactin and retinoids together to improve the appearance of aging skin, including fine lines, rough texture, and uneven tone.
She explains how lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid found in AmLactin lotions, works on the skin as both a chemical exfoliant and a humectant. She also dives into the science behind different concentrations, including why 5% lactic acid mainly provides surface-level exfoliation, while 12% lactic acid can have deeper effects on the skin, including improving dermal thickness and firmness over time.
Dr. Dray clarifies that AmLactin is a brand name with multiple formulations containing different percentages of ammonium lactate, and explains why she typically recommends 12% or higher. She also discusses why a 15% formula is not necessarily more powerful, as formulation differences play a major role in how effective a product is.
The video also covers how retinoids work at a deeper level in the skin to stimulate collagen, improve cell turnover, and target signs of aging and pigmentation. When used appropriately, retinoids and lactic acid can complement each other to enhance skin rejuvenation.
Dr. Dray emphasizes that this combination is best suited for experienced retinoid users and walks through safe ways to incorporate AmLactin into a routine, including alternating use, morning versus evening application, and how to patch test before full use.
She also highlights important safety considerations, including increased sun sensitivity with alpha hydroxy acids, proper sunscreen use, and why facial waxing should be avoided when using these ingredients due to risk of skin injury.
If you are looking to improve skin texture, brightness, and firmness with evidence-based skincare, this video offers a detailed and practical guide.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:39 What is AmLactin
1:11 5% vs 12% lactic acid
3:10 12% vs 15% clarification
4:16 What retinoids do
6:01 Why combine AmLactin and retinoids
7:50 Who should use this combination
8:55 How to use AmLactin with a retinoid
12:33 Sun sensitivity explained
13:57 Side effects and waxing caution
15:36 Bottom line
16:11 Outro
PRODUCTS MENTIONED
AmLactin Daily Lotion 12%
Adapalene
RELATED VIDEOS
AmLactin Lotion Review
For more dermatologist-backed skincare tips on retinoids, anti-aging, exfoliation, and sensitive skin routines, subscribe to the channel and check out Dr. Dray’s other videos.
FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.
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Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Shop products mentioned in today’s video:
AmLactin Daily Lotion 12% https://amzlink.to/az0r9ArzAFr9W
Adapalene https://amzlink.to/az0qNXhCFlS26
Watch my full AmLactin review here:
https://youtu.be/3Gh8y_khwxU
Have you tried using lactic acid with a retinoid? I would love to hear your experience, so leave your questions and thoughts in the comments below.
And as always, don’t forget your sunscreen 😊
Thanks for vids like this.
My only issue is that I have sensitivities to cones, and all amlactin (lotions and creams) seem to include it. Having psoriasis, along with sensitive uber-dry skin in a semi-arid climate requires me to reduce exposure to many things that irritate my skin, such as castor oil & derivatives (which is worse than cones for my skin,) even at a lower amount. Looking for an alternative that doesn’t break the bank.
What do you suggest I use for creepy skin and 56 and I’m starting to get really creepy skin on my legs and it’s really bothering me. I try everything exfoliating retinoid creams.
@Vanilla831TShe has at least one video about crepey skin. 😊
@lynnhoffmann247 THANKS
Any chance you could do a video on sirolimus, where to get it and how to use it?
Many thanks in advance
There was a study showing that 12% lactic acid applied multiple times a week helped reverse facial skin atrophy caused by overuse of hydrocortisone.
Whaaat?! As someone with life long eczema, this is vital information. Thank you!
@thinking7667Have you tried a hypochlorous acid spray for your eczema?
@8coolbeans8I have, I think it can help sometimes. Eczema is so multifactorial in what causes and exacerbates it
And what about atrophic scar??????
@Barbara-l4s4oI don’t think that was mentioned in the study but I’m sure it would help with that also though not sure to what degree 👍
This combination does work! Confirmed by my 53 y.o.skin❤
Are you using on the body or face?
AM or PM?
@MadLadsAnonymous good question! following
What are you specifically combining with the Amlactin?
@NenTTRRMost likely Differin gel, per Dr Dray
So you alternate them each night or you layer them together?
For my skin, best thing ever happened to when I lost my job & was broke….and can only afford what is needed. Cerave SA lotion, Adapalene (Walgreen version), Panoxyl 10% BP cleanser, Blackgirl sunscreen, & Vaseline!
And magic happened! ❤
All thanks to Dr. Dray! Because of her I started to check the ingredients & was able to figure out what works & what doesn’t for me!!! ❤
Vaseline is a petroleum product. Our skin is our second largest organ. Is using it a good idea?
@HerMajesty1did you check Dr. Dray’s take on Vaseline? She highly recommends.
@HerMajesty1yes there is nothing wrong with Vaseline
@HerMajesty1 yes
@HerMajesty1are you seriously asking this in a Dr. Dray video?!! 😮
DO NOT USE AMLACTIN ON FRESHLY SHAVEN SKIN
learn from me 😢
Same goes for AHA’s
Ouch
Sounds like hell on earth 😭
I use it right after lol
🤣🤣🤣
I cannot believe you are telling us about this. I have been using this at night (Amlactin and retinoid)all winter and spring at night. I use AMlactin because of your recommendations and it works. My skin looks great at 64 and am fortunate that I do not suffer from any sensitivities.Thank you for all you do!
Amlactin and retinoid.
Do you apply amlactin first or after the retinoid? Or does the order even matter? 🤔
Omg, I already have Amlactin AND the Gold Bond and NOW I know how to use them together properly. Thank you & SUBSCRIBED👍🏽
you use the amlactin and the differin together? what do you use in the a.m.?
Thank you for sharing your experience. Do you apply Amlactin, then retinoid? Do you let it dry or just one right after the other? ❤ Thank you!
❤❤❤ I’m so thankful for this wealth of FREE information from a credible & credentialed medical professional. ❤❤❤
Amlactin doesn’t get enough love. It helped smooth out my ugly old man hands. The difference is astounding.
I bought it for that exact purpose. How long til you got results?
At a very young age, I’ve always had old looking hands and I do use lactic acid on my hands. I stopped doing it. I wonder if I use a retinoid on my hands with it. Will it help
ajajajajajajaj girl u Lana del Rey cored so hard
hahhaha meeting a man with bad hands is my biggest nightmare! Congrats to you!
@cynthiaclearlyjust a few days.
Being a rn for over 24 years, no one in my opinion comes close to Dr. Drays knowledge and information that she freely gives to us! Thank you Dr. Dray! She is top tier and I am here for all of it! She should say sunscreen and subscribe and you’re welcome! 😅
As another RN I second that. Dr Drey is giving valuable free professional info
Same and same!!!
Her evidence-based content is absolutely fantastic.
I really like Dr Dray, but Lab Muffin, aka Michelle Wong, is the best imo. I’ve learned so much from her.
@lizlemon8035I’m sure this comment is heart warming and appreciated by the content creator on whose video you commented.
@jenwithonen3192 what a dumb, passive aggressive comment. You have a problem with people suggesting other experts to check out? Lab Muffin is probably the most well known and most respected person doing these topics, solely because her knowledge and expertise is unmatched. Enjoy living in your bubble though.
Lmao. When you’ve had skin problems for so long that you look in your medicine cabinet and already have a 12% ammonium lactate cream and tretinoin.
Same same. 😂
Gang gang
And realise you might not have been using it correctly
I started using Amlactin at Dr. D’s rec and I am so impressed. Costco has a 20 oz bottle for $22.
Thank you for this!!
This lotion is very good for dry feet too. ❤
I use it, but didn’t know about Costco (since I send my husband!), thanks. I don’t like the smell, but I think it wears off.
Which product specifically
Got mine for $18 in store!
Everyone running to the drugstore for 12% AmLactin lotion after this video Lol
Rip the affordability. Already has nearly doubled in price over the last few years. :(
Yep, and they will raise the price and we won’t be able to afford it again like cerave, it used to be less than 5 bucks and now it’s 15 if not more.
Until you SMELL IT 👃 😂 😭
@SarahSapphire303 it’s odorless now ☺
😅😅😅😅😅
Dray you could sell me a bridge 😂
Or a 5k DOGE check,
Me too! She also saves me money because if Dr. Dray doesnt approve of it then I don’t buy it!❤
I’ve been using Olay’s retinol with peptides and once it settles in, I follow up with Amlactin 12%. My facial skin has been improving.
I love how she delivers her jokes so dry 😂😂😂 she’s a gem, man
Yes, and agree! I lost my 34-career, so focusing on the best affordable options is key. Dr. Dray is the best at this!
She’s a keeper!
Yes, only that voice …😢
This must be the Dr. Dray Eminem is always talking about 😊
LOL
😂
Ahahahahah
😂
I’ve been using the 15% AHA Amlactin for 3 weeks. It’s my only shincare change. One change I never expected is my new robust tolerance of tretinoin. I can usually tolerate 2x per week. I can now apply tretinoin daily with no issues, no redness, no peeling dry skin. I’ve used tret for 3 years now, Amlactin rocks!
That is great? Curious W@when in your routine are you using amlactin if you are using tret nightly?
Do you apply them together? Thank you !
@PheediepI apply Amlactin morning and night. Tret at night then Amlactin.
@bettyboop8264Amlactin both morning and night. At night, I wait until tret has dried down and absorbed, then Amlactin.
@AC-el7lxperfect! Thanks so much. I really appreciate the response.
I’ve been loving Amlactin for ages. No “luxury” body lotion even comes close. Adding a resinous will be Chef’s kiss!
What is a “resinous”? 🤔
It’s crazy that an in person Dermatologist won’t take this time with you:( Thank you Dr Dray
If he could reach 16,000 people at once instead of explaining it a thousand times to individuals he might
She’s not speaking to only one person. 🙄
Been watching since very early years
The GOAT.