The Super Guide to Dermatological Peeling Treatments in Korea: Aqua Peel, Milk Peel, Aladdin Peel & More
Stella's Meta Description: Curious about Korea’s most popular dermatological peeling treatments? Learn everything about Aqua Peel, Milk Peel, Lala Peel, Aladdin Peel, Seaweed Peel, and more—including their benefits, how they work, and which one is right for your skin.
Introduction
South Korea is renowned for its cutting-edge dermatology clinics and innovative skincare treatments. One area where Korean dermatology particularly shines is in professional exfoliation—or peeling treatments. These procedures go far beyond your average at-home scrub, offering medically supervised solutions to target acne, pigmentation, fine lines, dullness, and even skin elasticity.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the most in-demand clinical peeling treatments offered by Korean dermatologists, including the widely loved Aqua Peel, as well as newer favorites like Milk Peel, Oxygen Peel, Aladdin Peel, Seaweed Peel, Lala Peel, and the classic Jessner’s Peel. Whether you’re looking for gentle hydration or deep resurfacing, this post will help you understand your options.
Related to this post, you may also want to read Your Korean Skin Clinic Visit: What to Expect, What to Avoid, and Why It Works
What Are Dermatological Peeling Treatments?
Peeling treatments are controlled exfoliation procedures performed under a dermatologist’s care. The goal is to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, regulate sebum, improve skin tone, and boost collagen production. These treatments vary in depth (superficial to deep) and method (chemical, enzymatic, herbal, or mechanical).Aqua Peel (아쿠아필)
Best for clogged pores, blackheads, oily and sensitive skin. The Aqua Peel is one of Korea's most beloved facials, combining exfoliation, hydration, and suction-based pore cleansing.How it works:
- A machine applies a sequence of solutions:
- AHA for exfoliation
- BHA for sebum control
- Moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid
- Pores are vacuum-extracted, leaving the skin ultra-clean.
- No downtime, instant glow, and perfect before a big event.
Milk Peel (밀크필)
Best for dull, tired skin; fine lines; enlarged pores. The Milk Peel is a French-origin AHA-BHA combination peel, now widely offered in Korean clinics. It contains lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid—creating a soft, milky solution with minimal irritation and no visible peeling.Benefits:
- Brightens complexion
- Boosts collagen synthesis
- Minimizes pores
- Popular as a lunchtime peel due to zero downtime and fast results.
Oxygen Peel (산소필)
Best for rough texture, dullness, smokers’ skin, dehydrated skin. Oxygen Peel is a skin-revitalizing procedure that delivers high-concentration oxygen and active ingredients (like vitamin C, peptides, or hyaluronic acid) deep into the skin via microbubbles or a pressurized stream.How it works:
- Begins with gentle exfoliation
- Followed by oxygen infusion that detoxifies the skin
- Why it’s unique:
- Helps oxygenate skin cells
- Improves circulation and glow
- Great for city dwellers dealing with pollution
Aladdin Peel (알라딘 필)
Best for acne scars, enlarged pores, pigmentation, elasticity. The Aladdin Peel is a high-performance herbal peel made from natural spicules (microscopic sea sponges) that penetrate the skin like needles.What it does:
- Stimulates cell turnover
- Boosts collagen and elastin
- Delivers intense regeneration
- Sensations & recovery:
- May cause prickly feeling for 24–48 hours
- Redness or dryness for 3–5 days
- Minimal visible peeling, but deep rejuvenation
Seaweed Peel (해초필)
Best for hyperpigmentation, scars, rough skin texture. Another herbal peel similar to Aladdin Peel, Seaweed Peel uses microneedle-like fibers from crushed marine algae.Effects:
- Promotes circulation
- Gently resurfaces the skin
- Delivers vitamins and minerals naturally
- Skin may feel gritty post-treatment, but results include a smoother, more radiant texture.
Lala Peel (라라필)
Best for sensitive skin, redness, uneven tone, acne-prone skin. Lala Peel is a no-acid, no-pain peel gaining popularity for its gentle yet effective results. It uses a patented ingredient called PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) and focuses on skin barrier recovery.Why people love it:
- Suitable for rosacea and sensitive skin
- Contains anti-inflammatory and moisturizing agents
- Helps control acne while hydrating and calming
- No redness, no peeling, just luminous skin after a few sessions.
Jessner’s Peel (제스너 필)
Best for acne scars, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, oily skin. Jessner’s Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel composed of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol.Effects:
- Removes dead skin layers and stimulates cell turnover
- Helps with melasma, freckles, and sun damage
- Leads to visible peeling for several days
- Downtime: Moderate—expect flaking and dryness for 5–7 days. Avoid direct sun exposure.
Mandelic Acid Peel
Best for rosacea, uneven skin tone, ethnic skin types. Mandelic acid is a gentle AHA derived from almonds. It penetrates slowly, reducing irritation while exfoliating.Benefits:
- Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
- Promotes skin clarity without harsh effects
- Suitable for darker skin tones prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation
TCA Peel (Trichloroacetic Acid Peel)
Best for deep pigmentation, fine lines, acne scars, sun damage. TCA Peel is a strong medium to deep peel that penetrates deeper into the dermis.What to expect:
- Immediate skin tightening
- Visible peeling and recovery period of 7–10 days
- Requires sun avoidance and proper healing
- Not recommended for sensitive or very dry skin.
Carbon Peel (Laser Toning Peel)
Best for acne, oily skin, blackheads, dull tone. Carbon Peel involves applying a carbon mask and using a Q-switched laser to evaporate the carbon particles, lifting impurities with them.Quick results:
- Tightens pores
- Reduces acne and oil
- Improves tone after one session
- Painless and no downtime, often called the “Hollywood Peel.”
Enzyme Peel
Best for sensitive, redness-prone, dry skin. Enzyme Peels use natural enzymes from pumpkin, papaya, or pineapple to digest dead skin cells gently.Good for:
- Regular maintenance
- Brides or special events
- People allergic to chemical exfoliants
- Mild and relaxing, yet effective with repeated use.
MTS + Peeling (Microneedling with Peel Ampoules)
Best for texture improvement, acne scars, firmness. Combining microneedling (MTS) with a customized peeling ampoule allows deeper product penetration and better skin remodeling.Stimulates:
- Collagen & elastin
- Renewal of deeper skin layers
- May cause redness or sensitivity for a day or two.
Aftercare & Recovery: What to Know
Regardless of the peel type, post-treatment care is vital to maximize benefits and avoid complications:- Use sunscreen religiously
- Avoid exfoliating products (retinoids, acids) for at least a week
- Moisturize frequently
- Don’t pick or peel flaking skin
- Follow your dermatologist’s aftercare protocol
How Often Should You Get a Peel?
Always consult with a dermatologist for a personalized plan, especially if you’re combining treatments like lasers, injectables, or LED therapy.
Final Thoughts: Find the Right Peel for You
Korean dermatology clinics offer a diverse and highly specialized range of peeling treatments, allowing patients to target their unique concerns with precision and safety. From gentle hydration to deep resurfacing, you can choose the right treatment based on your skin type, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.If you’re in Korea or visiting, be sure to book a consultation with a licensed dermatologist. They can assess your skin in detail and recommend a personalized peeling plan that truly works. With the right peel, you’re not just shedding dead skin—you’re revealing the best version of yourself.
Also, if you are also interested in surgical procedures as well, read 10+ Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures in Korea — And Why Everyone’s Talking About Them.
And for related reading, check out also, Things to Know Before Going to Korean Skin Clinics for Cosmetic Procedures (for Non-Koreans!) and also, Your Korean Skin Clinic Visit: What to Expect, What to Avoid, and Why It Works
