Downtime:5 days
Post-care:After a lactic acid peel, strictly avoid direct sun exposure and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, reapplying every two hours when outdoors. Keep the skin well-hydrated with a gentle, bland moisturizer, and refrain from using harsh cleansers, exfoliants, retinoids, or active ingredients for at least 5-7 days. Avoid picking at any flaking skin, and limit excessive heat exposure or strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours post-treatment to aid recovery.
Risks:Common side effects are generally mild and temporary, including redness, slight swelling, dryness, tightness, flaking, or peeling, which usually subside within a few days. A mild stinging or tingling sensation may be felt during the peel application. Rare risks include prolonged irritation, allergic reaction to ingredients in the peel solution, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or hypopigmentation (more common in individuals with darker skin tones or those with excessive sun exposure post-treatment), and in very rare cases, superficial burns or scarring if the peel is too strong for the skin type or improperly applied. Not suitable for individuals with active cold sores, warts, open wounds, active skin infections, or certain inflammatory skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, rosacea flare-up) in the treatment area, or those with an allergy to lactic acid or milk products.