Even if it's called peeling, what it's effective for, whether your skin peels, and how many sessions are needed vary completely depending on the chemicals used. At our clinic, we offer three types: Salicylic Acid Peeling, LALA Doctor, and Massage Peel. This page summarizes the differences and how to choose between them.
Differences between the 3 types of peeling (Comparison Table)
| Salicylic Acid Peeling | LALA Doctor | Massage Peel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Salicylic acid macrogol | LHA (Lipo Hydroxy Acid) + beauty ingredients | Trichloroacetic acid + hydrogen peroxide + kojic acid |
| Type | Removes dead skin cells | Non-exfoliating (skin-nurturing type) | Non-exfoliating (skin-nurturing type) |
| Specialty | Clogged pores, acne, rough texture | Acne, pores, dullness, sensitive skin | Firmness & elasticity, fine lines, acne scars (unevenness) |
| Peeling | May peel thinly a few days later | Almost none | Almost none |
| Stimulation level | Medium | Low (even for sensitive skin) | Medium (may feel heat) |
| Recommended sessions | About 5 sessions every 2-4 weeks | 3-5 sessions every 2-4 weeks | 4-5 sessions every 1-2 weeks |
| Price (full face) | ¥5,000 (tax included) | ¥9,800 (tax included) | 【To be confirmed】yen (tax included) |
Which one should I choose? Quick reference guide by concern
| Most pressing concern | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged pores/blackheads | Salicylic Acid Peeling | Directly targets keratin and sebum clogged in pores |
| Recurring acne | Salicylic Acid Peeling / LALA Doctor | Sebum and keratin control. LALA Doctor for sensitive skin |
| Rough/bumpy skin texture | Salicylic Acid Peeling | Removes old keratin from the surface for smoother skin |
| Dullness/lack of brightness | LALA Doctor | Approaches transparency while regulating skin turnover |
| Sensitive skin/concerned about irritation | LALA Doctor | Non-exfoliating and low irritation. Contains ingredients to boost barrier function |
| Loss of firmness/elasticity, fine lines | Massage Peel | Promotes collagen production in the dermis |
| Unevenness from acne scars | Massage Peel | An approach to rebuilding skin from within |
| Upcoming public appearance | LALA Doctor / Massage Peel | There is almost no peeling |
If you're unsure, we'll assess your skin condition during the consultation and suggest the most suitable treatment. You can also switch treatments mid-course.
Salicylic Acid Peeling
This peeling uses salicylic acid dissolved in a macrogol base. The characteristic of the macrogol base is that salicylic acid stays in the stratum corneum of the epidermis and does not easily penetrate into the dermis. The advantage is that it delivers results while minimizing irritation to deeper layers of the skin.
Expected Effects
- Improvement of clogged pores and blackheads
- Improvement of acne (especially whiteheads and blackheads)
- Improvement of rough and bumpy skin texture
- Improvement of dullness and skin brightening
- Reduction of post-acne hyperpigmentation
Recommended for:
- Those concerned about clogged pores or blackheads
- Those suffering from recurring acne
- Those experiencing rough or bumpy skin texture
- Those who want to try peeling at an affordable price first
Downtime and Sessions
Slight redness may occur immediately after the treatment, but it usually subsides within a few hours. Your skin may peel thinly a few days later, but please do not forcefully remove it. Continuing approximately 5 sessions every 2-4 weeks helps to stabilize the results.
Individuals who have experienced an allergic reaction to aspirin or other salicylic acid-based medications cannot receive this treatment. Please inform us during your consultation.
Starting from ¥5,000 for pores and acne, an easy-to-try option.
LALA Doctor
This treatment uses a peeling solution developed in Korea, "LALAPEEL," which has been refined for medical use, also known as 5th Generation Peeling. The main ingredient is LHA (Lipo Hydroxy Acid). It's a salicylic acid derivative with a larger molecular size, allowing for slower penetration into the skin, making it less irritating and suitable for sensitive skin.
Instead of "stripping" dead skin cells, this treatment gently dissolves unwanted keratin while simultaneously delivering beauty ingredients to nourish the skin. It also contains ingredients that suppress inflammation and enhance barrier function.
Expected Effects
- Improvement and prevention of acne (sebum secretion control)
- Improvement of enlarged and clogged pores
- Improvement of dullness and increased skin transparency
- Improvement of skin firmness and elasticity (promotion of collagen production)
- Creation of skin that is less prone to irritation by improving barrier function
Recommended for:
- Those with sensitive skin who have avoided peeling until now
- Those who want to care for acne and dullness simultaneously
- Those who want to avoid peeling, or have upcoming public appearances
- Those who want to improve overall skin quality
Downtime and Sessions
As it is a non-exfoliating type, there is almost no peeling. Many people feel a slight glow immediately after the treatment, and makeup can be applied from the same day. We recommend continuing for 3-5 sessions every 2-4 weeks as a guideline, followed by maintenance about once a month.
Our LALA Doctor treatment is not a limited-time introductory offer, but a regular price of ¥9,800 (full face). We offer it at an affordable price for continued treatment.
A non-peeling treatment suitable for sensitive skin.
Massage Peel
This treatment uses a solution (PRX-T33) developed in Italy. By combining trichloroacetic acid with hydrogen peroxide and kojic acid, it is designed to act on the dermis without damaging the epidermis. It is called by this name because the solution is massaged into the skin.
Among the three types, this one works most deeply "within the skin," primarily aiming to improve firmness and elasticity by promoting collagen production. The key difference from traditional peeling is that it works on collagen without causing exfoliation.
Expected Effects
- Improvement of skin firmness and elasticity
- Improvement of fine lines and crepey wrinkles
- Tightening of pores
- Improvement of unevenness from acne scars
- Improvement of skin radiance and texture
Recommended for:
- Those experiencing a loss of firmness and elasticity
- Those starting to notice fine lines
- Those who want to treat unevenness from acne scars
- Those who want to improve their skin quality without downtime
Downtime and Sessions
You may feel a gentle warmth during the treatment, but there is almost no peeling. Makeup can be applied from the same day. We recommend 4-5 sessions every 1-2 weeks as one cycle, followed by maintenance about once a month.
Rebuilding from within, without peeling.
Treatment Flow
| STEP | Content |
|---|---|
| 1. Counseling/Consultation | We confirm your skin condition, preferences, medical history, and current medications, then suggest the appropriate solution. |
| 2. Cleansing/Face Washing | Makeup and sebum are removed to prepare the skin for uniform application of the solution. |
| 3. Solution Application | The solution is applied (approx. 5-15 minutes). For massage peels, it is massaged into the skin. |
| 4. Neutralization/Cool Down | The solution is neutralized, and the skin is calmed. |
| 5. Aftercare | Moisturizer and sunscreen are applied, and precautions are explained. Makeup is possible from the same day. |
Each procedure takes approximately 30-60 minutes.
Precautions Before and After Treatment
Before Treatment
- If you have a severe sunburn, we may decline the treatment.
- Please stop using retinoid topical medications (such as adapalene), scrubs, or strong exfoliating treatments several days in advance.
- If you are unwell or have severe inflammation or wounds in the treatment area, please reschedule.
- Always inform us of any medications you are currently taking.
After Treatment
- Thoroughly protect yourself from UV rays. Sunscreen is essential as your skin will be sensitive.
- Do not rub or scrub your skin vigorously on the day of treatment.
- Avoid saunas, long baths, and strenuous exercise on the day of treatment.
- If your skin peels, do not forcefully remove it.
- Resume retinoids, scrubs, and other irritating skincare products after a few days.
- Moisturize more thoroughly than usual.
Those Who Cannot Receive Treatment / Require Caution
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- Individuals with infections, severe inflammation, or wounds in the treatment area
- Individuals taking isotretinoin (skin is thin and easily damaged; treatment will be after a period following discontinuation of medication)
- Individuals with keloid tendency
- Individuals with recurring herpes simplex (treatment may trigger recurrence; please inform us if you have a history)
- Individuals with photosensitivity or taking medications that cause photosensitivity
- Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other salicylic acid-based medications (Salicylic Acid Peeling, LALA Doctor)
- Individuals with allergies to any of the solution's ingredients
Combination with Other Treatments
When the skin surface is smoothed through peeling, other treatments and topical medications can be absorbed more effectively.
- High-concentration Vitamin C infusion・Glutathione infusion: Boosts antioxidant and whitening effects from within.
- JuveLook: An injection treatment that promotes skin elasticity from within. Schedule this with a break after peeling.
- Oral medication for beautiful skin・Topical whitening treatment: The fastest way to care for spots and dullness is to combine treatments, oral medication, topical application, and sun protection.
- Acne treatment: By combining with topical and oral medications, you can aim for both acne improvement and recurrence prevention.
Precautions Regarding Unapproved Pharmaceuticals, etc.
- Unapproved pharmaceutical: The solutions used for LALA Doctor and Massage Peel are pharmaceuticals not approved in Japan.
- Procurement route: Our doctors use products imported through personal import procedures (obtaining pharmaceutical approval from the regional health and welfare bureau).
- Availability of approved domestic pharmaceuticals: There are no domestically approved pharmaceuticals with the same ingredients and purpose.
- Safety information in other countries: LALA Doctor was developed in Korea, and the solution for Massage Peel was developed in Italy, and both are used in medical institutions in their respective countries. Reported symptoms include post-treatment redness, stinging, dryness, and temporary hyperpigmentation.
- Health damage relief system: Health damage caused by the use of unapproved pharmaceuticals is not covered by the pharmaceutical adverse reaction relief system.
- Cost and efficacy: Both are self-pay treatments, so health insurance does not apply, and the full cost is borne by the patient. The degree of efficacy varies by individual.
