How to Perform a Lactic Acid Peel at home

Chemical peels used to be done solely in a physician's office. Those days are over! Chemical peels can be successfully performed at home for a fraction of the cost of a peel performed in a clinic. Many peels can be purchased online at reputable distributors for as little as $15. There are many benefits to using lactic acid in our skincare regimen. It can lessen or eliminate hyperpigmentation, smooth fine lines, remove surface debris, and boost collagen production. A lactic acid peel is considered a mild "lunchtime" peel that has no down time. There is little to no flaking or redness after performing this very simple peel.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• lactic acid solution
• cotton pad
• hair dryer
• watch or clock
• witch hazel or rubbing alcohol

1. The first step is to choose the appropriate peel for your skin. Lactic acid peels are offered in a variety of concentrations ranging from 30% to 70%. If this is your first peel, it is recommented that you begin with a 30% or 40% concentration.

2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Wipe your face with a cotton pad that has been moistened with witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. This removes any excess oil that may be left on your skin.

3. Apply enough peel solutions to a cotton pad to moisten it thoroughly. The pad should not be dripping wet but should be saturated. Wipe the solution all over your face starting with the forehead and work your way down. AVOID YOUR EYES or the delicate area surrounding them. Avoid lips and the creases of your nose also. Begin timing your peel. For the first use, it is recommended that you only leave the peel on for 1-2 minutes. The time can be increased as your face adjusts to the peel but leaving it on too long the first time can result in a nasty burn and possible scarring. Rinse your face thoroughly with cool water when the time is up.

Tips & Warnings

• If you experience discomfort after applying the solution, aiming a hair dryer a your face (on the cool setting!) will lessen the pain.
• Applying vaseline around the eyes, creases in the nose, and on the lips can help prevent overdrying in those delicate areas.
• Watch the clock!
• Rinse with cool water. Hot water can irritate your skin immediately after a peel has been performed.
• Avoid applying AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids immediately after a peel. They can be applied again 24-48 hours afterwards.
• As your skin adjusts to repeated peels, you can increase the time it is on your skin. You can also reapply solution to your face at the one minute mark after you have performed a couple of peels. This is not recommended for your first time.
• I like to apply a light moisturizer after a peel.
• Don't choose a highly concentrated peel as tempting as it is. We all want great skin but it takes patience to get it. A series of peels done weekly or biweekly over a few months will give you very nice results.