Lactic Acid Peel
Lactic Acid – The Mildest of the AHA Peels
If people think that the other chemical peels are too irritating, the best alternative would be a lactic acid peel. A lactic acid peel uses lactic acid as its peeling agent. Lactic acid is another subtype of Alpha hydroxyl acid or AHA together with citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and the more well-known glycolic acid. Among the AHA subtypes, lactic acid is considered as the mildest to be used in skin treatments since it naturally exist in the cells of the body.
Good candidates for a lactic acid peel
It is good for folks who want to get rid of fine wrinkles, mild acne scarring, sun-damaged skin, age and brown spots. Since a lactic acid peel is not as strong of a peel compared to the others, it is effective for individuals who have rosacea as well. It is a skin disorder wherein the facial veins are visible and sort of engorged. A person who has this condition appears flushed all the time.
A lactic acid peel is also advisable for those having darker skin complexions. Again, because of its mild effect on the skin, hypopigmentation will hardly ever occur. It is great for highly sensitive skin types too.
This kind of chemical peel is also suitable for individuals who have become resistant to the other agents such as glycolic acid.
Varieties and cost of lactic acid peel
Just like glycolic and salicylic acid, lactic acid is commonly found in skin care products. People can easily perform a lactic acid peel at the comforts of their home if they think going to a skin expert is too much. Lactic acid treatments could be bought at skin shops or over the internet and cost for as low as $10. A lactic acid peel by a cosmetologist or physician would be around $40 to $60 per session.
Different concentrations and forms
For first timers, it is recommended that they initiate lactic acid peel with a concentration of 10%-30%. If they think that their skin are getting used to it, they could progressively increase the titration. A bottled lactic acid peel may also contain as much as 30 to 70% of lactic acid. Using such concentrations, especially without consulting a skin expert, could cause harmful effects like blistering, discolorations and painful sensations. Peels that have 50-70% of lactic acid are typically performed in a skin professional’s office or doctor’s clinic.
Besides the home lactic acid peel, there are products such as creams and lotions that contain lactic acid as well. In addition to the face, these kinds of emulsions can be used on the different areas of the body.
Home application of lactic acid peel
Home application of a lactic acid peel is the same with the peeling done with other chemical solutions. An individual should stop using other topical treatments, perform a skin test, and thoroughly wash their face from excess dirt and oil before applying the solution. They must avoid areas near the mouth, nose and eyes to prevent irritations. Folk ought to use sunblocks as well. This is to avoid burning as photosensitivity results after a lactic acid peel.
To achieve the best results, a lactic acid peel needs to be done in 6 separate treatments (5 to 7 days apart), and then people have to wait for a month before beginning a new cycle.