Quick question: what is a milk peel? Here's what you need to know

Milk peeling is a traditional office procedure that uses lactic acid and is designed to brighten the appearance of the skin. According to Glow Recipe founders and K-beauty experts Sara Lee and Christine Chang, in Korean baths, it is customary to sprinkle the skin with plenty of milk. Ahead, Lee and Chang talk about how milk peels work and how they affect the appearance of the skin. In addition, we have collected several products inspired by professional milk peels so that you can enjoy this peel at home.

What is milk peeling?

According to Chang, a milk peel is a brightening exfoliating treatment commonly offered at dermatologists' offices in Korea. “The treatment uses lactic acid (which is found in high amounts in milk) to give the skin a “milky” tone, that is, to make it bright, smooth and even.” Milk is made up of the natural sugar lactose. “During fermentation, lactose is converted into lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid (ANA) it is known to gently chemically exfoliate and remove dry skin cells from the surface of the skin.” Lactic acid is also known to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of acne and wrinkles.

What Skin Types Can Milk Peels Help?

“Because the exfoliation is so gentle, people with sensitive skin can also try milk peels,” Chang says, “and anyone with dull skin or a rough skin texture may like this treatment.”

Milk peel products you can try at home

There are several products that will help you achieve a brighter complexion at home without having to book a flight to Korea. Chang and Lee offer their own Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pore Tight Toner to start. “This product is designed with a meticulous approach that replicates and draws inspiration from popular Korean peeling treatments,” says Lee. It contains cactus water and a blend of BHAs and AHAs for gentle exfoliation. и moisturize the skin.

You can also try Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Milk Peeling, coined for its "milky" consistency.This formula smoothes, cleanses and exfoliates the skin with lipohydroxy acids, vitamin E, micelles and linseed extract. It is ideal for oily or dry skin and can be used after morning and evening facial cleansing.