Is A Lactic Acid Peel For You? Tips and a Review

Dr Song 50% Lactic Acic #drsong #sponsored

A lactic acid peel is a powerful way to deeply exfoliate the skin. The benefits include the reduction of age spots, freckles, sun spots,  hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines. It is no wonder that lactic acid peels are a popular treatment at spas and medi-spas.

In the quest for nice skin, I always am interested in different methods of exfoliation.  When done correctly, exfoliation reveals your most beautiful skin, allows serums to be more effective and reveals radiant skin. When done wrong, it can go very wrong and cause sore, irritated, sun sensitive skin.

I have wondered about lactic acid peels, but a trip to a medi-spa is sadly not in my budget. When Dr. Song offered me the opportunity to try their 50% Lactic Acid Face Peel, I jumped at the opportunity. In this sponsored post, I will share my experience and give tips to use before, during and after a home lactic acid peel to help ensure a positive skin experience.

First, I need to mention that I am not a medical or skin care professional. My tips are really just from the point of view of a user and reviewer of many skin care products. Everyone’s skin is different and we all have varying levels of sensitivity.

About Dr. Song’s 50% Lactic Acid Face Peel

First, a little about the product and company…

“Dr Song Medical is a medical cosmetic laboratory that originally manufactured natural based products for professionals, doctors, and medical facilities. Dr Song Medical products are made in the USA and is FDA compliant and a provider of professional products that focus on natural ingredients.” (Quote from Dr. Song’s description of their own company., they say it well so I quote them).

The 50% Lactic Acid Face Peel is strong. Lactic Acid Peels come in a variety of concentrations ranging from 15% (maybe even lower) to 85% (or more). I have in the past used an Alpha Hydroxy Acid Mask that was a lower concentration. Professionally applied peels vary in concentration but I commonly see anywhere from 30% to 75% advertised.

Tips to consider Before Applying 50% Lactic Acid Face Peel

Please remember, this is not professional advice…

1. Carefully read all instructions. I mention this because this was what I did wrong (more about that later), I skimmed the instructions a few days before application and did not reread them the day I applied the treatment.

2. If you are new to peels, do not apply this treatment within 3 days of an important event where you want to look your best. If you have a wedding, reunion, family portrait, prom, or job interview scheduled please apply it a week before. This is another mistake I made, I had a few cosmetic product reviews planned that would involve photographs or video. It was a week before I was comfortable posting photographs or video of myself.

3. Do a spot test on a small patch of skin the day before. I suggest choosing an area that is sensitive, but more than 1″ away from any orifice such as your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. Again, this was a mistake I made. I usually do a patch test for new treatments, but did not this time.

To be fair, Dr. Song sends detailed instructions to everyone who purchases their 50% Lactic Acid Face Peel. I found these instructions (including those I did not follow) to be very detailed and correct. So please, carefully read and follow to ensure a good experience.

Tips On How To Apply Dr. Song’s 50% Lactic Acid Face Peel

1. Start with clean, dry skin. Cleanse thoroughly and use a toner to remove any oils. I rarely use toner as my skin is fairly sensitive, but I did this time since Dr. Song suggested it. 

2. Apply a small amount of Lactic Acid Peel using a brush or cotton ball. Start with less sensitive areas of the face and apply to the more sensitive areas last. Be sure and avoid application within 1″ of any orifice.  Leave the product on for specified time. For the first application, 1 minute is suggested. In my experience, one minute is a little too long. Next time, I will leave it on about 40 seconds (on my thickest skin). This varies by the person and their experience with this type of product.

Keep the peel at least a quarter of an inch away from the eyes and mucus membranes.
If skin irritation occurs remove the product by neutralizing with cool water immediately and consult a physician. 

3. Thoroughly rinse off with cool water. I used a soft wash cloth to assist.  Some suggest using a gentle toner after rinsing. You want to make sure all the lactic acid is removed. I have also seen suggestions to use ice or a baking soda and water solution to neutralize the peel. I did use a little ice.

Wait 1-2 weeks between peels. According to Dr. Song, many people increase the time to 1-2 minutes, depending on their skin’s tolerance and response.

This selfie was taken about a week after the peel. This was probably the first day I felt comfortable being photographed. My skin has been a little shinier in photographs in recent days.

Tips After Your Peel:

Your skin may be pink and sensitive for a few days after a peel. Please keep in mind, these are general guidelines, and everyone’s skin is different. According to the product instructions, you will want to avoid sun exposure in the days following a peel and wear a good sunscreen. I was not able to apply my usual sunscreen the day after the peel, but I think my experience is not typical.

Be gentle with your skin for the next couple of days.  My skin was red and sore hours and a day after the peel. After the soreness and mild inflammation subsided, my skin started to flake. The flaking was not painful and lasted a couple days. After the flaking and healing were complete, my skin was very soft, smooth and radiant. 

I had one mishap due to my own mistake. I applied the peel too close to my mouth and developed  tiny open sores near my mouth. I have never had a cold sore in my life, I think it was just that skin was over-exfoliated and irritated. It took about a week for it to heal. The product instructions from Dr. Song do say to avoid application within an inch of any orifice. 

My Experience and Conclusion:

I applied the peel to my face, neck and chest. The only lasting irritation I experienced was near the mouth (as earlier described).  Two-Three days later that skin was soft and smooth. I keep touching it because I am amazed at the smoothness and it was over a week since the peel! My skin feels baby soft.

I would use this product again, but I would more carefully follow the instructions and I would personally only leave it on 30-40 seconds next time. I really like how it smoothed my neck, chest and forehead. It has been about two weeks since I applied the peel, and I would probably use it every 2 – 4 weeks. I use a gentle exfoliant most days (my Konjac sponge or a microfiber cloth) so I really don’t build up a lot of dead skin.

I would suggest that anyone with very sensitive skin should seek professional advice first. My skin is moderately sensitive and I felt it was a little powerful for me. I can not recommend it for those with very sensitive skin.
 

Where to Purchase Dr Song 50% Lactic Acid Peel & Other Peels:

For more information visit the Dr Song Website or Amazon. I have included my affiliate links to purchase Dr Song’s lactic acid from Amazon as well as some of their other peels in lighter concentrations.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.