A lactic acid peel can be done on the skin every few weeks as they are extremely gentle.

For a lighter peel, look for a product with a 5 percent acid content. Medium peels can range from 10 to 15 percent lactic acid, and deeper (professional) peels have even higher concentrations. As a rule of thumb, the higher the concentration, the stronger the results.

A lactic acid chemical peel is a technique that uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing its damaged upper most layers. It promotes the growth of a new layer of skin that is smoother and younger-looking.

At-home lactic acid products should generally be 10 percent or less, at least to start with (you can find OTC version at 50 percent and above). You can also get a professional-grade lactic acid peel from a dermatologist, though the deeper peel can also mean more recovery time (up to 2 weeks).

How to Apply 40% Lactic Acid Peel?

1. Do a patch test on a quarter-size area such as wrist or neck. Wait for 24 hours.
2. Clean your skin. Allow to dry.
3. Apply pH prep solution with a cotton ball.
4. Apply lactic acid serum with finger tips.
5. Leave on for 3 to 7 mins.
6. Rinse with soap and water.
7. Rebalance with pH prep solution.

What risks do lactic acid peels have? Lactic acid peels are safe. After your peel, you may experience slightly more sensitive skin including some redness and swelling. The most common side effects of a peel resemble a mild sunburn, and your skin may be more sensitive to sun immediately after your peel.

AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid): You can start seeing results within minutes of the first application, but peak results — such as anti-aging effects — don’t appear until 12 weeks.

Lactic acid offers the same benefits as the stronger glycolic acid, but because it has a larger molecule size, it does not penetrate as deeply. People with sensitive skin will find lactic acid to be the gentler acid between two. Or if you have skin that can naturally tolerate more exfoliation glycolic is a good option.

Benefits of a Lactic Acid Peel. Lactic acid peels have many benefits for the skin. They exfoliate the surface of the skin, while deep cleaning the pores. They stimulate natural collagen production, even out the skin tone and improve hyper pigmentation of the skin, and will fade dark spots.

A Lactic Acid peel is also recommended for the reduction of Rosacea as it is the mildest of AHA peels. Cosmeceuticals are then applied to supplement the skin and to assist in correcting specific conditions such pigmentation and fine lines.

“Because lactic acid is a humectant, it attracts moisture to the skin. This, in turn, helps with acne by speeding up the rate which cells turnover and produce new, healthy skin.” Another way it helps with acne is by unclogging pores .

Lactic acid works by gently exfoliating the outer layer of your skin, explains Dr. Hollmig. Sloughing off the dull, dead cells makes way for the brighter, smoother complexion underneath, research shows. It may be helpful in reducing acne.