Lactic acid peel for the face: how it works, how to use it and sun protection

A lactic acid peel works without scrubbing: instead of grains, a mild fruit acid loosens dead skin flakes. That makes it one of the gentlest ways to exfoliate your face – provided you use it correctly. In this guide we explain what lactic acid is, how it differs from glycolic acid and classic grainy scrubs, how to apply it according to the product information, why sun protection matters afterwards and when you'd better skip it.

Contents11

1. What is lactic acid?
2. Lactic acid peel compared with other peels
3. Our lactic acid peel: what's in it according to the product information
4. Using a lactic acid peel: step by step
5. How often and when to use a lactic acid peel?
6. Sun protection after the peel
7. Lactic acid peel and the sauna
8. When to skip the lactic acid peel
9. Common mistakes with a lactic acid peel
10. Conclusion
11. Frequently asked questions

What is lactic acid?

Lactic acid (in the INCI list: Lactic Acid) belongs to the alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs for short. These fruit acids loosen the bonds between dead horn cells on the skin's surface so that they come away more easily. Experts therefore call it a chemical peel – as opposed to a mechanical peel, where salt, sugar or ground kernels rub the flakes off.

The name sounds like dairy, but in cosmetics lactic acid is nowadays mostly produced by fermenting plant sugars. That's why it can be found in vegan products too. Lactic acid isn't foreign to the skin, by the way: it occurs naturally in small amounts in the outermost layer of the skin, where it is one of the moisture-binding components.

Lactic acid peel compared with other peels

Which type of peel suits you depends on your skin and your preferences. The table summarises the usual differences:

Type of peel	How it works	Considered	What to watch out for
Lactic acid (AHA)	loosens skin flakes chemically, without rubbing	comparatively mild, good for beginners	sun protection, not too often
Glycolic acid (AHA)	like lactic acid, but a smaller molecule	more intense, penetrates faster	be careful with sensitive skin
Mechanical peel	grains rub flakes off	noticeable straight away, coarse depending on grain	don't rub hard, never use coarse body scrubs on the face
Enzyme peel	enzymes (e.g. from papaya) loosen flakes	gentle	follow the exposure time on the pack

Why is lactic acid considered mild? Its molecules are larger than those of glycolic acid and therefore penetrate the skin more slowly. Concentration, formulation and exposure time also determine the intensity. Over-the-counter peels for home use are lower in concentration than treatments at a beauty salon.

Our lactic acid peel: what's in it according to the product information

The VEGAN FOX facial peel is a gel with 2.5 % lactic acid – no scrubbing, no grains. It contains 50 ml, is vegan and, according to the manufacturer, consists of 98.4 % ingredients of natural origin. A look at the INCI list shows what's in it besides the acid:

• Lactic Acid: the lactic acid itself, in second place right after water.
• Panthenol and glycerin: two well-known humectants in skincare.
• Chamomile and aloe vera: plant extracts that round off the gel.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: the salt of hyaluronic acid.
• Hydroxyethylcellulose: gives the gel its consistency.

At 2.5 %, the lactic acid is low in concentration. The peel is meant as a calm weekly ritual, not as a daily product. How to read an INCI list in general is explained in a separate guide.

Using a lactic acid peel: step by step

The following steps are based on the recommended use on our product page. For other products, always follow the instructions on the pack.

1. Cleanse your face: For example with the cleansing foam for normal skin, then rinse well and pat your face dry.
2. Apply thinly: Spread the gel thinly over face and neck. Start with forehead, chin and cheeks.
3. Avoid the eyes: Leave the eye area free. We also leave out lips and the sides of the nose, where the skin is often more sensitive.
4. Leave on: 2–3 minutes depending on skin sensitivity. The first time, better choose the shorter time.
5. Rinse thoroughly: With plenty of water until the skin no longer feels gel-like.
6. Care: Then apply a mild cream, such as the face cream with almond and avocado oil.

A slight tingling during the exposure time is not unusual with acid peels, nor – according to the product information – is temporary redness. If it burns noticeably, rinse off with water immediately.

How often and when to use a lactic acid peel?

According to the product information, once or twice a week is enough. More isn't better: peeling too often can stress the skin. A practical rhythm looks like this:

• Evening instead of morning: That way the skin can rest overnight and isn't exposed to the sun straight afterwards.
• Fixed day of the week: For example Sunday evening – then you won't forget it and won't accidentally peel too often.
• Don't combine: No other peel, no grains and no other acid-containing products on the same evening. This is a common recommendation to avoid overwhelming the skin.

Sun protection after the peel

Fruit acids such as lactic acid can temporarily make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. This is a general note for all AHA products, not just our gel. Our face cream contains no sun filter. If you use a lactic acid peel, you should therefore also apply facial sun protection during the day in the following days, especially in spring and summer, when doing winter sports or spending longer periods outdoors. That's another reason to peel in the evening.

Lactic acid peel and the sauna

For sauna-goers one point is particularly important: according to the product information, the gel should not be used directly before or during the sauna. Plan it on a different day as a ritual of its own – for example one or two days before or after your sauna visit. We've described the complete facial routine around sauna day step by step in our article on facial care around the sauna (link below), so here's just the short version: cleanse before, cool down and apply cream after, and peel on an evening of its own.

When to skip the lactic acid peel

• Very sensitive skin: According to the product information, the gel isn't suitable for it.
• Irritated, injured or sunburnt skin: Let it heal first.
• Directly after other peels or cosmetic treatments: Leave a gap.
• If unsure: Test the gel on a small area first, for example along the jawline, and watch your skin for a day.
• Skin conditions, medication or pregnancy: If you have health questions, have the use checked by a doctor.

Common mistakes with a lactic acid peel

• Leaving it on too long: Longer than stated doesn't do more, it's more likely to cause redness.
• Applying too thickly: A thin layer is enough.
• Peeling and going out without sun protection the next day: exactly what you should avoid.
• Layering several acids: One acid per evening is enough.
• Storing incorrectly: According to the product information, the gel belongs in a place at 15–25 °C, so not on the radiator and not in blazing sun.

If you'd like to put together the whole facial routine at once, you'll find cleansing foam, peel and cream together in the facial care set. All products are also available individually in our care products.

Related reading: Facial care around the sauna: the simple 3-step routine · How to apply face cream properly: amount, order, technique · Reading an INCI list: how to understand the ingredients in your cosmetics

Conclusion

A lactic acid peel is a gentle introduction to the world of fruit acids: it loosens skin flakes without rubbing, and our gel is low in concentration at 2.5 %. What matters is a thin layer, 2–3 minutes of exposure time, thorough rinsing, once or twice a week – ideally in the evening. Sun protection is part of the following days, and you leave the peel out directly before or during the sauna.

Frequently asked questions

How often can I do a lactic acid peel?

With our gel, once or twice a week according to the product information. Better start with once a week and see how your skin reacts.

Is tingling normal?

Slight tingling and temporary redness are possible with acid peels. If it burns badly, rinse off with water immediately and stop using the product.

Morning or evening?

Ideally in the evening. Then the skin can rest overnight. Don't forget sun protection during the day afterwards.

Can I peel before the sauna?

Not with the facial peel – according to the product information, not directly before or during the sauna. Plan it on another day.

Is lactic acid vegan?

In cosmetics it is mostly produced by fermenting plant sugars. Our facial peel is vegan.

What's the difference from glycolic acid?

Both are AHAs. Glycolic acid has smaller molecules and is considered more intense, lactic acid milder.

To the facial peel with lactic acid

Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and sauna operator at Lake Kulkwitz for more than 18 years.