Lactic Acid Peel

What is Lactic Acid Peel?

Lactic acid peels are a type of chemical peel that is made from AHA (alpha hydroxy acids). They are very mild as they are derived from milk, with a very small chance of an allergic reaction happening. If one has sensitive skin or has never done a chemical peel before, a lactic acid peel is a wonderful choice. They are available in a dermatologist’s office or can also be done at home with any of the wide variety of lactic acid peels that are on the market today. Lactic acid peels are wonderful for mature skin, as well as dry or oily skin. A lactic acid peel usually range from 40% to 70% in concentration. More than one peel is usually needed for the desired effect. There is not a lot of downtime needed when a lactic acid peel is done. Redness, skin flaking and some dryness can be seen on the skin, but the skin is usually resolved within 72 to 96 hours after the peel is done.

Benefits of a Lactic Acid Peel

Lactic acid peels have many benefits for the skin. They exfoliate the surface of the skin, while deep cleaning the pores. They stimulate natural collagen production, even out the skin tone and improve hyper pigmentation of the skin, and will fade dark spots. They can brighten and lighten the skin, and improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Lactic acid peels can help to improve acne and dry up oily skin.  A lactic acid peel will also remove dead skin cells, toxins, and debris that are on the skin. They will help the skin to maintain the ideal PH level.

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How its done

Before a lactic acid peel is applied to the skin, the skin will be cleansed. A prep solution will be applied to the face to ensure that the face is clean, oil free and primed. This will also ensure that the peel does not penetrate too far into the skin. The peel will then be applied to the skin and a timer will be set. When the timer goes off, the peel will be neutralised. Do note the longer the peel is left on the face, the more it will penetrate into the skin. Usually a peel will start off with a short time and a smaller concentration, and one will work their way up to longer peels with higher concentrations. After the peel is neutralised, the skin will be pink in color. During the peel, the skin could feel warm. In the days following the peel is when the skin will see the biggest difference. Improvement in the skin will generally not be seen right away.

Your dermatologist will be able to determine what strength of lactic acid should be used. A 30% concentration is often used for sensitive skin. Those that have never had a lactic acid peel should also opt for this concentration as it is a great starter peel to get used to having peels done. A 40% concentration is good for those with normal skin. This concentration will allow moisture back into the skin. Many times those with mature skin will opt for a 50% concentration as it will help to reduce the effect of wrinkles on the skin. A lactic acid peel can be done on the skin every few weeks as they are extremely gentle.

Lactic Acid Recovery

After a lactic acid peel, the skin will be very sensitive. It is a good idea to wear sunscreen after the peel and to avoid the sun if possible. Wearing wide brimmed hats and sunglasses with the sunscreen add extra protection. Should the skin see any itching or redness, one should let their dermatologist know.

6 replies
  1. Jolene
    Jolene says:

    I do lactic acid peels and love them. I have always been very faithful keeping my skin in top notch shape. I first discovered lactic acid a few years back and have been using it on a regular basis. I think that my skin has never looked better. My pores look much smaller to me and my skin is very bright. I love that it is derived from sour milk so it is all natural. I have never done a professional one, have only been using over the counter lactic acid peels. My all time favorite one is Skin Solutions Lactic Acid skin peel 60%. Granted I did have to work my way up to 60%, but I am glad that I found this one. My skin is not dull, it has really refined it. I would recommend anyone to use a lactic acid peel to help step up their skin care regime.

    Reply
  2. Brenda
    Brenda says:

    I have very oily skin and have tried nearly everything to calm it down. Everyone says that oily skin is a blessing for when you get older because you will not have as many wrinkles. Granted it will be nice then but right now I crave to have skin that is not so greasy. I will try a lactic acid peel. I like the fact that they are gentle and you can use them every few weeks. I have never heard of them before but am so glad that I found this article. There may be hope for my skin yet!

    Reply
  3. Georgette
    Georgette says:

    Ladies, if this article does not convince you to use lactic acid peels, maybe my story will. I have always had really large pores. No matter what I used, they would stay large. Sure they might shrink for a bit but then enlarge themselves again. I have been using lactic acid peels, both from my dermatologist office and over the counter for about 18 months. The effects have been simply stunning. My pores look so much smaller now, my skin is smoother and just feels so good that there are days when all I want to do is touch it. Lactic acid peels made this happen for me and it can work for you as well.

    Reply
  4. Enthusiastic Elle
    Enthusiastic Elle says:

    This article makes me want to schedule a lactic acid peel. I have never had one done before but they sound like they can really help my skin out a lot. I have some acne, and my skin is slightly discolored. I would love to take care of both issues. But I am scared to try anything new because my skin is very sensitive as well. It will break out with so many different products and treatments that I use. However, since this is all natural, it might not make me break out and have a reaction to it. I am willing to try it out as I want my face to look like it should- gorgeous!

    Reply
  5. Daissy
    Daissy says:

    I love lactic acid peels. I have had five or six done by my dermatologist. What a difference they have made on my skin. I used to have skin that was pretty much lifeless. It was dull and had some acne scars on it from when I had very bad acne. The lactic acid peels worked to bring life back to my skin and helped to eliminate some of the scarring. My blackheads have really diminished as well, and the peels just leave me feeling more confident. I will never go back to not using a lactic acid peel as they are truly wonderful for my skin!

    Reply

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