The Benefits of Lactic Acid Peels vs. Glycolic Acid Peels

Lactic acid is also known as alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs.  Lactic acid is natural and derived from human metabolite, so there is almost no chance that a person will have an allergic reaction to it.  One use of lactic acid is as a chemical peel for the face.  This acid comes from milk and they can be used as gentle chemical peels.  Another common peel that is used is glycolic acid peels.

Knowing the Differences Between Lactic and Glycolic Acid Peels

Lactic acid is thick, sticky and has a yellowish color.  It is also more expensive compared to other types of acids that are designed as skin peels.  Lactic Acid peels will make the skin feel warmer and there is usually little to no downtime required for a person to take right after the peel.  Gylcolic acid peels can sometimes burn a person’s skin and may require a little down time for proper healing of the skin.  Both lactic acid and gylcolic acid will cause irritation of the skin if it is left on the face longer than necessary.

Regardless of which peel a person is using the esthetician giving a person the peel will set a timer in regards to when the peel should be neutralized.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Like almost all chemical peels lactic acid peels will take time to show promising results.  Most people tend to see their skin showing improvement right after their chemical peel while others may not see results until days later.  For specific skin issues lactic acid peels may require 1 to 2 treatments for six to eight weeks until optimal results are achieved.  Results will also depend upon the type of skin a person has, strength of the peel and post-skin care regimens.

Lactic Acid peels are a wonderful choice for those undergoing a peel for the first time and they are a good option for those who have dry, oily, mature and sensitive skin.  Glycolic acid peels can yield similar results like that of lactic acid peels but they can be a little harsher on skin, especially sensitive skin.

Consider Avalon Institute

If you are looking to start a career in the esthetics field, you’ll find yourself in great hands at Avalon Institute. Our accredited institution offers students access to the most cutting edge and current esthetics techniques used in the beauty world today. If you are looking to enroll in a esthetics course, contact us.