A home lactic acid peel is the most gentle of all the peels currently available. It works the same as any other peel to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin tone, but is much less harsh, which makes it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin. Often, this type of peel is also used as a sort of “introductory” peel, for those using a peel for the first time. If you find you do have sensitive skin but you’re committed to taking better care of your skin, you might wish to look for other solutions, such as getting in touch with a medical professional similar to this upper east side dermatologist for example, to see what your other options could be when it comes to having healthier-looking skin.
Lactic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that is derived from sour milk. Because it is a naturally occurring mild form of acid, it is much kinder to the skin, helping to remove toxins, germs and dead cells while it smooths and evens out the skin tone.
It can also help to balance out pH levels in the skin, which makes these peels effective for individuals with dry skin, as returning to a healthy pH level allows the skin to drink in moisture.
Lactic acid peels are an excellent choice if you have any type of skin discoloration such as dark marks, hyperpigmentation and sun spots.
A lactic face peel can be performed in a dermatologist’s office, but since it is the gentlest of all peels, it is more often performed at home. A home lactic acid peel can range in intensity from 30%-50%. The strongest of lactic acid peels, a 50% solution, works particularly well on older skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
A 40% concentration is recommended for normal skin that simply needs some toning or for dry skin, as this is the concentration that will work best to restore moisture. The gentlest concentration, 30%, is the one most recommended for very sensitive skin, as well as skin that is prone to acne or is very oily.
This is also the concentration used most commonly by people who are just trying out a peel for the first time, as it can provide an extremely mild introduction to the world of peels.
While a home lactic acid peel in a 30% concentration can be a great starting point, many people will eventually increase their concentration to ramp up the benefits of the peel. You can easily step your way up through the various levels until you reach 50% or if you prefer you can continue using one of the milder concentrations. It all depends on what your skin will tolerate and what kind of effects you’re looking for.
Though they are very mild, lactic acid peels still require the same precautions as any other peel. You should always choose your home peel product carefully, paying close attention to the list of ingredients, and you should follow all instructions exactly. There will be some redness and peeling of the skin after application but the side effects of this type of peel are generally much less noticeable than those from stronger peels.
After applying a lactic peel, your skin will be much more sensitive to the sun for several weeks, so you’ll want to apply a good sunscreen. If you notice any itchiness or redness, you should report that to your doctor or dermatologist, although these kinds of side effects are usually very rare with lactic acid peels.
Applying an acid face peel can seem like a daunting proposition, but if you’re interested in reaping the benefits of this treatment without risking serious side effects, then doing a lactic acid peel at home is the ideal solution for you. Check out your options and find a safe, gentle peel that will treat your skin right and you’ll love what you see in your mirror!