LHALA Peel in Korea: What Makes This Facial Different?

What a LHALA peel is

LHALA peel is a name you will see on many Korean clinic menus. It refers to a chemical peel built around lipohydroxy acid (LHA), a derivative of salicylic acid, often combined with other acids or soothing ingredients depending on the brand and protocol. LHALA peels are usually marketed as gentle, low-downtime peels for congested skin, dullness and uneven texture.

LHALA peel is not on Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon's published treatment list. This article explains what the peel is in general so you can understand it when you see it advertised. If you are interested, you can ask during consultation which peeling or skin care options are available and suitable for you.

What makes LHA different from other acids

Facial peels use different families of acids, each with its own behaviour:

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Such as glycolic and lactic acid. Water-soluble, they mainly work on the surface to brighten and smooth.
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Salicylic acid. Oil-soluble, it can work inside pores, which makes it popular for oily and acne-prone skin.
Lipohydroxy acid (LHA). A salicylic acid derivative with an added fatty chain. It is generally described as working more slowly and superficially, loosening dead skin cells gradually, which is why it is often positioned as gentler.

Because LHA tends to act more gradually, LHALA peels are frequently promoted for people who want exfoliation without the visible peeling associated with stronger peels. That said, "gentle" is relative, and any acid peel can irritate sensitive or compromised skin.

Who it is commonly used for

In general, clinics offer LHA-based peels for:

Clogged pores and blackheads. Exfoliation can help keep pores clearer.
Mild acne. Often as part of a wider acne plan rather than on its own.
Dull or rough texture. Removing built-up dead skin can leave skin looking smoother.
Preparation for other treatments. Some clinics use light peels before skin boosters or lasers.

It is less suited to skin that is actively inflamed, broken, sunburned or recovering from another procedure. People with rosacea, eczema, or very sensitive skin should be assessed by a doctor first.

What to expect from a session

Because LHALA is a menu name rather than one standard product, the exact ingredients, strength and contact time can differ between clinics. If you book one anywhere, ask which acids are in the formula, how long it stays on, and whether the protocol is adjusted for sensitive skin.

A typical light peel session involves cleansing, applying the peel for a set time, neutralising or removing it, and then soothing and protecting the skin. You may feel tingling or mild warmth. Afterwards, slight redness and dryness are common for a day or two, and some people notice fine flaking. Results are usually subtle and build over a series of sessions. Results vary, and a doctor or trained staff should decide whether a peel suits your skin.

Listed alternatives at Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon

If your goals are clearer pores, smoother texture or a healthy glow, these medical skin care treatments are on the clinic's list. First-visit prices in KRW, VAT excluded (10% VAT added at payment), checked October 2026:

Aquapeel steps 1 and 2. KRW 9,900. A hydro-exfoliating cleanse for pores and dullness.
LDM regeneration mode, 6 minutes. KRW 19,000. An ultrasound-based treatment often used for soothing and hydration.
Water Glow skin booster, 2cc. KRW 39,000. For hydration and glow.

First-visit prices apply once per new patient per item. See the price list and the Aqua Peel page. For acne-related concerns, the acne treatment page explains other options.

Aftercare after any acid peel

Use sunscreen daily. Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to sun.
Keep skincare simple. A gentle cleanser and moisturiser are enough for a few days.
Pause strong actives. Avoid retinoids, scrubs and other acids until skin settles.
Do not pick flakes. Let skin shed naturally.
Contact a doctor if irritation persists. Burning, swelling or blistering should be checked.