I love peels and I admit I'm an exfoliation addict, so you bet I was thrilled when I was able to review Dr. Song's Lactic Acid peel in 50%. Before I go into the review, below is a little information on the acid and my non-professional steps when I do my own peels.
What is Latic Acid:
You have heard of products containing "AHA", well this is the product, alpha hydroxy acids. Available in several percentages from a mild 20% to higher ones like 50% to 70%. The acid is derived from milk and considered to be mild when it comes to irritations and used in "peel/mask" form by many, and especially first-time users.
Why use Lactic Acid:
There are many benefits in a peel of this form because it provides a deeper exfoliation. Great for resurfacing of the skin, cleaning out debris from pores and especially beneficial for mature/aging skin. The acid helps with acne scars, fading of dark circles, and even hyper-pigmentation. You get skin that is smoother, younger looking, and firmer in tone. Great for fading finer lines and improving overall the look of your skin. You will notice improvements in tone and even a glow.
How-to-Use:
Since we are dealing with an acid, you will need to first do a "spot test", to get an idea how your skin will react. Next, comes choosing a time and it may seem small but for first-time users, it's best to start with 30 seconds and slowly progress next time depending on your skin's reaction. If you know you have sensitive skin/spots or areas, decreasing to a lesser time span is suggested. No longer than 5 minutes as you work up and adjust to how the peel reacts over time, but always spot check first!. Always avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and areas of that kind. The longer the lactic acid is in it's active state, the deeper it will clean and resurface but like with any product, you can cause severe irritation and/or damage (i.e. burns) to your skin. This is not one of those times you want to get a peel a day before a big event! Lastly, comes the neutralizing phase; removal and making sure the acid is "deactivated". Some people use toners, Witch Hazel, just water, mild soap, to even a baking soda rinse. The rinse is something crucial and you must make sure to get all the acid off and a good 45 seconds to a minute rinsing is suggested.
What to Expect:
Like with any beauty product, time and regular use will yield the best results. The first peel you may see little results and this is why the time of how long the lactic acid peel stays on increases, as you get to know what your skin can tolerate. With time and regular use, you should start seeing positive changes but taking it slow is best to avoid any negative reactions. I would start with a every 2 weeks schedule if you experience positive results, then see how once a week does.
After Care:
Always wear sunscreen (if going out) and protect (moisturizer) your skin as you just had a peel. Your skin may be red/pink in color, so this is why I never do a peel prior to a big event. I have used Aloe Vera gel to just a mild lotion to make sure I heal well. I usually give myself a peel a week prior to any event, to make sure I look my best! Always consult with a doctor/dermatologist first because what works for one person, may not for you.
Dr Song 50% Lactic Acid Gel Peel (Professional)
Dr. Song's Lactic Acid comes in gel form and I find that beneficial, as you don't want to be chasing the acid around when applying. I first did a "spot test" and after 45 seconds, I felt that was my good start point. I let a day lapse to make sure my spot did not have a negative reaction. I applied with a cotton ball all over my face, avoiding the sensitive areas like my eyes, lips, and nostrils. Set the timer and I then used a mild facial wash to deactivate the acid.
Ingredients (as listed on the site):
Lactic acid, purfied water, sodium carboxylmethylcellulose, propylene glycol
Lactic acid, purfied water, sodium carboxylmethylcellulose, propylene glycol
Retail Price Point: 24.99 for a 4 ounce bottle on Amazon (15-20 full facial peels)
Results:
My first peel let me know I can increase the time to one minute and I did just that and started seeing results with my second peel, which were more noticeable. Dr. Song's Lactic Acid peel provided the deep exfoliation in a milder way for me. I could never get these results with my facial brush and sometimes I tend to over focus in one area and cause irritation. This was a simple peel that does all the work, all treated areas at one time, and you just wash it off. Like with any acid peel, as long as you read the directions and follow them carefully, you should be happy with the results. My only con is that the directions are not included with the product and are e-mailed, also available on their website. You could accidentally delete an e-mail, so I suggest printing them and sticking them in the box with the product.
Dr. Song offers several products to fit your beauty needs:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Dr. Song. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the honest and informative review. I am planning to use this serum for peeling, and yes, you are right about the need to provide instructions WITH the bottle.
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