Milk peeling - how to do it, benefits + before and after photos, recipes

Peeling with the addition of lactic acid is recognized as the most gentle and safe, since the product is used even on very sensitive skin. In general, milk peeling is called superficial - with the exception of specific aggressive agents produced by some manufacturers (which have a high percentage of concentration and low pH). In other words, the result from some products can be equated to a superficial-medium or medium peeling. However, in this article we will consider a superficial procedure that affects the stratum corneum of the epidermis.

Milk peeling

The event we are considering is recommended mainly for those with young skin with minor defects or for women over 35 years old (then this peeling is included in a set of other measures), since it affects the upper layers of the epidermis. Clients leave mostly positive reviews about milk peeling. An additional effect is good skin hydration.

A little about lactic acid

Lactic is a group of naturally occurring acids. Its formation occurs during the breakdown of glucose. Since the said acid is natural, it is safe for the human body, because it takes part in carbohydrate metabolism, being an important component of the natural moisturizing factor of the skin.

Lactic acid does not harm the body

Large-scale production of the named substance involves the use of an enzymatic reaction - lactic acid fermentation of glucose must occur. Under natural conditions, this acid is easily found in spoiled dairy products, pickled or pickled vegetables, mature cheese, and is also formed during the fermentation of wine or beer. The molecule of this substance is small in size, as a result of which it penetrates through the cell membrane without problems. Thanks to this, lactic acid evenly affects the treated area of the skin and acts equally.

As already mentioned, the milk peeling procedure is gentle and does not injure the skin. It is perfect for very sensitive skin, dry or problematic oily skin.

Important ! In other words, the use of such acid in peeling is suitable for absolutely any skin type.

This acid is suitable for any skin type

The active component stimulates the regeneration processes of epidermal cells, has a positive effect on microscopic circulation, and accelerates the production of lycosaminoglycans and collagen in the skin. Milk peeling also enriches the skin with essential moisture and improves the protection of the fat barrier.

Milk peeling improves the main processes in the facial skin

Features of lactic acid peeling

This type of peeling is suitable for any skin type. It belongs to the superficial type, since the smallest elements penetrate only to the granular layer of the skin. As an independent care product, lactic acid is used in facial cosmetology for women under 30 years of age.

Older women are recommended to use it only as part of comprehensive care. Due to its beneficial properties, the product is used for the following indications:

dark complexion with age spots; increase in the stratum corneum of the skin (hyperkeratosis); for acne, the disease should be in remission; wrinkles caused by facial contractions; pigment spots located in the upper layers; loss of healthy appearance due to aging; scars and scars after acne; decrease in elasticity and turgor; enlarged pores.

What are the indications for this procedure?

Main indications.

Lack of moisture in the skin structures - dry, dehydrated, flaky skin.
Mild acne - blackheads, pimples, post-acne phenomenon.
Recent and not too deep stretch marks localized on the skin of the face or body.
Excessive skin pigmentation.
The stratum corneum of the epidermis is too thick, disrupting the skin texture.
Problems with the functioning of the sebaceous glands, as a result of which the skin is prone to rashes and oily sheen.

If your skin is prone to oily shine, this procedure is perfect.
Increased sensitivity of the skin, acute reaction to any influence. Tendency to allergies.
Enlarged pores.
Insufficient tone, firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Unhealthy skin color.
Aging of the skin caused by exposure to sunlight.
Small wrinkles.
Local impact on the area around the eyes with a preparation with a slight acidity and high pH.
Preparation for more radical cosmetology procedures. Milk peeling can also be one of the components of a skin rejuvenation complex.

This type of peeling can be performed as a preparatory measure for larger procedures.

Indications and contraindications

However, milk peeling is a cosmetic procedure, and not a panacea for all facial imperfections. Therefore, it has both indications and contraindications.

Indications

Here are some facial problems you need to run to a cosmetologist for milk peeling:

photoaging;
dark spots;
decreased tone and dyshidrosis of the skin;
the appearance of superficial facial wrinkles;
hyperkeratosis;
acne - comedonal form of I degree;
seborrhea.

Contraindications

Here's what milk peeling is incompatible with:

individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
presence of injuries on the face;
inflammatory foci in the active phase;
heart and vascular diseases;
pregnancy;
lactation period;
malignant neoplasms;
skin diseases (psoriasis, neurodermatitis, rosacea and others);

What are the contraindications?

Main contraindications.

Specific reactions of the client to the components included in the peeling preparation.
Herpes in the acute stage.
Carrying a baby or breastfeeding.
Inflammation in the acute stage.
Skin injuries - scratches, cuts, etc.
The use of medications that increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight are retinoids and some antibiotics.

You cannot perform milk peeling if you have increased sensitivity to sunlight due to medications.
Recent hair removal through epilation.
A fresh tan obtained naturally or in a solarium.
Spider veins and dilated capillaries. In this case, you can use peeling with a low acid content and high pH.
Cold or flu.
Cancer diseases.
Diabetes.

The procedure is prohibited for diabetics

Advantages of this procedure

When talking about milk peeling, one cannot fail to note the advantages that set it apart from other similar cosmetic procedures. Perhaps the main advantage is that the use of lactic acid practically does not cause discomfort or pain.

Important ! This substance is normally perceived by the human body and does not cause allergies.

After the manipulations, the client does not need to sit at home for a long time and be afraid to go out. There is no such active peeling of the skin as with other types of peeling, since the keratinized cells disappear in the form of completely invisible layers.

Short rehabilitation period is one of the advantages of the procedure

The milk peeling procedure in cosmetology often does not require preliminary preparation at home, since the manipulations are quite gentle. Quite often, this event is included in a set of preparatory measures for any radical cosmetological manipulations.

If we compare lactic peeling with similar manipulations that involve the use of other acids, then lactic acid does not dry out at all. On the contrary, the substance supplies the skin structures with the necessary moisture, activates cell protection and restoration.

Important ! Thus, the event is advisable for both dry and overly oily skin.

Lactic acid does not dry out the skin

This acid is not sensitive to sunlight, so it is advisable to use it in any month of the year. You need to remember that in the summer it is best to use sunscreen with a protection factor of SPF 30. You also need to carefully listen to the advice of a cosmetologist - this way you will protect yourself from unwanted effects. It is best to avoid the sun and not overheat.

You will be able to notice the first changes after the first peeling - the skin will be pleasant to the touch, its surface will be evened out, and the shade will become healthy. Consider an important factor: using lactic acid for this type of peeling will not correct serious skin defects.

The first procedure is enough to see the first changes

Since the effect of peeling is gentle and gentle, there is no need to purchase a huge amount of skincare cosmetics. All you need to do is get some nourishing cream and sunscreen.

By the way ! Cosmetologists sometimes recommend using cosmetics with a high content of lactic acid - this will significantly improve the result and preserve it for a longer period.

After the procedure, you can use products that contain lactic acid.

Milk peeling is optimal for various parts of the body; it is designed to solve a wide range of problems - everything depends on the concentration and pH of a particular drug.

In general, the acid used does not pose a particular danger to those with dark or dark skin, since heavy pigmentation caused by the procedure occurs very rarely. Since peeling does not involve the use of abrasive particles, it is suitable for clients who have sensitive skin that is susceptible to such influences.

This procedure is suitable even for dark-skinned people.

Application for face

Since the product belongs to the class of fruit acids, its main property is exfoliation. Comparing the action with the action of analogues, we can say that it has a milder effect. Therefore, it is suitable for delicate, sensitive surfaces.

After application, it penetrates into the mouth of the sebaceous glands and removes keratinized scales that accumulate in the ducts and lead to the formation of pimples and blackheads. By using lactic acid, you will get rid of scars and marks after acne removal. Use a natural remedy regularly, and the epidermal renewal cycle is reduced by almost half.

It approaches the physiological norm when the epidermis is renewed within 25 days. Rapid change of cells and removal of keratinized particles leads to rejuvenation and whitening.

The second important property is hydration. At the molecular level, it, along with urea, amino acids, and pyrrolidone carbonic acid, forms the basis of the moisturizing factor. The substance binds water, retaining it on the surface of the epidermis. The important thing is that the liquid is collected and directed to the deeper layers, which promotes uniform hydration.

The third property is strengthening the protective barrier. Lactic acid, when used in cosmetology, causes an increase in the production of ceramides. This is a substance that, together with other elements, creates a fatty layer, reducing moisture consumption and strengthening protective barriers.

Water retention systems act both on the surface and in the depths where lactic acid penetrates. It affects fibroblasts, which are responsible for the production of hyaluronic acid. This is a natural filler that retains moisture and increases turgor. Thanks to this property, small wrinkles are smoothed out, the skin becomes elastic and elastic.

The fourth property is whitening. This property was known to the beautiful Cleopatra, who took milk baths.

The whitening effect is based on exfoliating abilities, when the pigment comes off along with the top layer.

A natural component has this property. Included in high concentrations in cosmetics, it brightens the surface by blocking the action of the enzyme that is responsible for the production of pigment.

The fifth property is the removal of irritation. It has anti-irritant properties, as it has an acidifying effect. Special elements lactathiones prevent the development of pathogenic microorganisms.

Unlike other peelings in cosmetology, lactic acid has significant advantages:

does not cause allergies or pain; can be used for dry and sensitive skin, as it does not dry out, but has a moisturizing effect; can be used in summer; rarely causes post-peeling redness.

What should you know?

Please note: some manufacturers produce milk peeling preparations that act excessively harsh on the skin, so that the effect of the procedure can no longer be called superficial. It is necessary to find out from a specialist which manufacturer’s product he is using and how active the effect of this drug is.

Not all milk peeling products are gentle on the skin

You should also find out what components the drug used by the specialist includes. Unscrupulous manufacturers use hydroquinone to better whiten the skin, and this component is dangerous because it negatively affects the endocrine organs. It was banned in many countries.

Important ! Due to the accumulating effect, only one-time local use is allowed, which is necessary to get rid of the problem of age spots.

It is necessary to study the composition of the drug

It is important to know that some moisturizing creams contain glycerin. At a certain air humidity, this substance begins to extract moisture from the depths of the skin, “locking” it from above. And a similar effect prevents water from being obtained from the air. As a result, the skin becomes dry.

The result of what has been said ! To avoid complications and unpleasant phenomena, before milk peeling you need to ask a specialist all your questions and carefully study the drug used.

Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant Peeling Mask

The combination of fruit enzymes and acids in the peeling mask improves skin texture and starts the process of cellular renewal. To soften their effect, aloe vera extract was added to the product - it will also provide a moisturizing effect. The most important thing is not to overdo it with the product. It is recommended to apply the mask no more than 2 times a week for 10–15 minutes.

About the face Powder for washing: how enzymes work in cosmetics

How is this peeling done?

Let's talk in more detail about each stage of the procedure.

Preparatory activities

Before this procedure, it is not necessary to prepare the skin for a long time and persistently. It is recommended to avoid tanning for a couple of weeks and use sunscreen cosmetics. If you suffer from persistent herpes, you should take a course of antiviral drugs.

You need to prepare for the procedure by taking medications if necessary.

However, some experts still advise preparing for peeling - this is due to the specifics of the client’s skin. Then, half a month before the procedure, you need to treat the skin daily before going to bed with a product containing one or two percent lactic acid or a product containing small volumes of fruit acids.

Makeup removal, skin cleansing

At this time, the cosmetologist uses special cleaning products. The skin is cleaned with specific products that remove all dirt. The skin is prepared for further manipulations.

Toning

For this purpose, use a tonic with lactic or fruit acids.

Pre-peeling

In order for the active substance to properly penetrate the skin structures and distribute correctly, as well as to determine the skin’s sensitivity to the drug used, the cosmetologist applies a special drug that includes the desired active component.

Important ! In some cases, this stage is omitted - then you need to use a minimum concentration of the active ingredient, and the specialist carefully monitors the client’s reaction to the manipulation.

Before the procedure itself, you need to apply a special preparation.

The use of lactic acid itself

The skin is covered with the active substance 30-90% in a couple of layers using special devices. The exposure takes a maximum of twenty minutes. The skin is covered with acid in the following sequence: frontal area, temples, cheeks on the sides, neck, décolleté, front neck, chin, skin around the mouth, nose, area around the eyes. The specialist must carefully monitor the person’s susceptibility to peeling.

Important ! At the first suspicion of problems, it is necessary to immediately neutralize the peeling.

It is recommended to carry out the first manipulation using a very small amount of the active substance. It stays on the skin for a minimum period of time. If everything went well, you can gradually increase the concentration and time of peeling on the skin.

The procedure itself involves the use of lactic acid

The bioavailability of the acid we are considering is related to the pH and the amount of the active component.

Important ! All of the listed nuances must be selected exclusively by a specialist who has analyzed the condition of the client’s skin.

Neutralization of peeling

A special preparation is applied to the peel as follows: from skin areas with less sensitivity to areas with greater sensitivity. After this, wash your face with cool water, never warm or hot. The ban on warm water is due to the fact that lactic acid reacts with it. In the future, irritation may occur. Then the treated area should be blotted with a towel.

Skin treatment to soothe and hydrate

At the end of the manipulations, it is necessary to apply a mask with a moisturizing effect (for example, an alginate mask with brown algae - it cools and does not need to be washed off). After the mask, it is recommended to use a cream that nourishes and moisturizes the skin.

At the end of the procedure, you need to apply a product to soothe and nourish the skin.

Further skin care at home

This stage begins immediately after manipulation and lasts throughout the entire course of procedures. You don’t need to buy a huge amount of care products; all you need is a cream with a moisturizing effect that suits your skin type, as well as sunscreen (at least 30 SPF).

How to carry out such peeling yourself?

At the moment, there are many recipes that allow you to easily carry out milk peeling at home. You can buy fermented milk products in the store, but it is better, of course, to make them yourself. You can also purchase pre-prepared medications at pharmacies or special establishments.

Important ! You can also buy lactic acid, which only increases the effect of the procedures.

This procedure can be done at home

Patient reviews

Patients' opinions were divided. The condition of the skin at the time of the procedure and age are the main criteria affecting the effectiveness of the method. In the absence of problems with facial skin, it is difficult for the patient to note the high effectiveness of the drug. However, it notes the absence of side effects.

Owners of dry skin, girls suffering from post-acne, rosacea, respond positively to the use of lactopilling. A decrease in unaesthetic manifestations and an increase in the level of skin moisture are noted.

Milk peeling with fermented milk products

The simplest peeling, suitable for daily use, is to use milk to wash your face every morning.

Another well-known product loved by many women interested in milk peeling is kefir. Cover the desired area with it and leave for about 20 minutes, then roll it up with your hands and wash with cold water.

Kefir is one of the popular products for home procedures.

Similarly, it is advisable to use yogurt, sour cream or cream.

By the way ! The product must be exclusively natural, without any additives. Let's give an example of peeling: a tablespoon of sour cream + a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream + a teaspoon of fine salt.

All these mixtures contain a small concentration of the active component, so for the desired effect you should monitor the time and regularity of peeling use. In the case when the skin reacts negatively to even such mild manipulations, you need to use herbal cubes. Or better yet, avoid peeling using lactic acid altogether.

You need to monitor how everything goes to avoid complications

On a note ! If you use kefir, pay attention to this: dry skin requires a fresh and oily product, and oily skin requires minimal fat content and a sour product.

Lactic acid peeling recipe

If you need to prepare the preparation for this procedure at home, take lactic acid and dilute it with water until it reaches the desired condition. For example, if you need lotion, a one percent solution is enough, a mask requires a four percent solution, and peeling requires a maximum of thirty percent.

The concentration is selected depending on what product needs to be prepared.

In addition to the prepared dissolved acid, you need to take cotton pads, rubbing alcohol and lotion with some kind of acid (fruit or lactic).

So, cleanse your skin with a mild toner and remove oil with alcohol. Distribute the peeling disc and hold for a couple of minutes for the first time. If no negative reactions occur, increase the treatment time over time. At the end, wash your face – be sure to use cool water.

After the procedure, you need to cleanse the skin of lactic acid.

Important ! It is not recommended to treat sensitive areas of the face.

Milk peeling with acid and yogurt

It is advisable to combine lactic acid with fermented milk products to improve the result. Recipe below.

Mix 50 milliliters of plain yogurt with a tablespoon of ground oatmeal. Add a milliliter of lactic acid, mix and apply the composition to the desired area. Leave on for 20 minutes and wash with cold water.

Yogurt and lactic acid will be extremely beneficial for facial skin

Remember that manipulations carried out at home can only get rid of minor defects: they improve color and get rid of shallow wrinkles. So you shouldn’t expect big results from the procedure.

Exfoliating foot mask

Cleansing the skin of bad cells on the integument of the legs is difficult. If you have to be on your feet often, the dead elements do not have time to flake off and fall off. Constant loads and contact with shoes worsen the appearance of the foot, even at a young age. Elasticity and radiance are lost.

An effective remedy is required to exfoliate compacted cells. You can use cosmetic products sold in pharmacies, or prepare your own using lactic acid in cosmetology for feet.

It is found in dairy products. In this case, the exfoliating property of the product is used. When applied, dead cells are removed without affecting the healthy layer.

Kefir.

Mix kefir in the amount of one glass and salt in the amount of 1 teaspoon. Add oatmeal (100 g). Leave for 5-10 minutes to allow the flakes to swell. At this time, steam the legs so that the keratinized areas are easier to clean. Apply the prepared composition to your feet and wrap with cellophane. Wait an hour, during this time read, watch a movie or just relax. After removing the composition, rub your feet with pumice and spread a rich cream.

Sour cream.

If your feet feel dry in the evening after swimming, use an exfoliant with sour cream. To enhance the effect, add rice flour, ground coffee or ground nuts. Leave the mixture on for up to 30 minutes and rinse off.

Recommendations to follow after peeling

Main recommendations.

Do not touch the skin and do not scratch under any circumstances.
Give up decorative cosmetics for a day.
Avoid harsh cleansers for a day.
Removing hair from treated areas is prohibited.
The skin should be protected from exposure to direct rays of the sun.

Recommendations must be followed

What reactions can there be to peeling?

Possible reactions.

The skin peels slightly for several days after the manipulation.
There may be slight redness that goes away on its own within a few days.
After applying the composition, there may be a feeling of heat on the skin, tingling or tingling. This can be corrected by neutralizing the peeling.
If a person has overly sensitive skin, it may react negatively to manipulation. Then you need to use Panthenol or shea butter.
In rare cases, people complain of skin burns. This is usually due to insufficient qualifications of the specialist or the use of the wrong product. The cosmetologist must monitor the client’s skin reaction to peeling! The problem is corrected with Panthenol or Olazole.

Complications will pass without problems – it just takes time

Results and recovery period

The results of Argipil peeling, if performed by an experienced specialist using professional preparations, are visible almost after the first session:

Small wrinkles on the skin are smoothed out;
Age spots and freckles become dull and are no longer so pronounced;
The skin looks healthier and more hydrated, no trace of dryness remains;
The natural complexion returns, a slight lifting effect is observed;
If there are post-acne spots on the skin, they are even in shade with other skin;
Sebum production decreases significantly.

The first few days after a superficial peel, the skin may experience slight redness. During this period, the epidermis actively exfoliates; visually it is almost imperceptible, but a slight itching may be felt. It is advisable to give up not only decorative, but also skincare cosmetics for these few days. You can use various creams or lotions only after consulting a cosmetologist.

You should not use strong products for washing for about 4-5 days after peeling with lactic acid. They can provoke skin inflammation, which will be associated with the entry into the pores of aggressive chemicals that are part of most types of antibacterial soap.

Before going outside, especially if you plan to spend a long time in the sun, you need to use sunscreen. Avoid visiting solariums, saunas and public swimming pools where aggressive chemicals are used to purify the water.

Price for milk peeling

The price for a one-time milk peeling ranges from 1.1 to 4.4 thousand rubles. Please note that after the procedure you may need special care products for the treated skin. Their price is about 5 thousand rubles. If we talk about the cost of a full course of procedures, prepare approximately 15 thousand rubles. The specific price depends on the professionalism of the cosmetologist and the clinic’s price list.

We will indicate the cost of this procedure in different cities of Russia.

City	Cost of one procedure
Moscow	4800 rub.
Saint Petersburg	3700 rub.
Ufa	3500 rub.
Permian	4200 rub.
Omsk	4500 rub.
Novosibirsk	3100 rub.
Vladivostok	3400 rub.

Algorithm for selecting a brightening peeling

What to look for when choosing a peel:

Depth of pigmentation

Epidermal type - superficial and superficial-medium peels that do not affect the deep layers of the skin;

Dermal and mixed type - medium peelings - deep layers of skin.

Peeling composition

According to the Latin American Pigmentary Disorders Academy, it is recommended: for mild pigmentation (very initial) - monotherapy (1 lightening substance);

In the case of moderate and moderately severe, chronic pigmentation - combination therapy (lightening substances from different groups, working on different links in the pigment formation chain).