XE'LHA Peel in Tokyo: The Gentle Korean LHA Peel for Glowing Skin with Minimal Downtime
When it comes to professional skincare treatments, I always look for noticeable results for myself and my clients. After all, if we're taking the time to invest in a treatment, we want to see a positive difference in our skin. That's why I'm committed to making meaningful improvements to your skin with every treatment.
When my clients hear the word "peel," many immediately picture red, flaky skin and several days of hiding at home. While there are times when an intensive peel like this may be the best approach to achieving your skin goals (if your skin can tolerate it), this level of peeling isn't always necessary.
What if you could achieve that fresh, radiant glow without the redness, flaking, and downtime?
I'm excited to introduce XE'LHA Peel, a gentle next-generation LHA treatment that I've been offering at Glow by Tomoko. It offers a different approach to skin renewal, helping you achieve a brighter, smoother, more radiant complexion without the typical recovery associated with more intensive peels.
In this post:
What is XE'LHA Peel?
XE'LHA Peel is a new generation of "no-peel" peel formulated with LHA (lipohydroxy acid). It has become one of Korea's most popular peeling treatments, ranking No. 1 in its category and receiving four awards, including the Forbes Korea Best Brand Award.
What makes XE'LHA different is its enhanced approach to LHA peeling, combining three patented technologies that work together to renew the skin while maintaining its balance.
LHA gently exfoliates the skin, Youth P-Sol™ helps soften and lift away dead skin cells, and lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus Lysate) support the skin's microbiome balance throughout the renewal process.
Let's take a closer look at these innovative active ingredients and what makes this peel so special!
The 3 Key Ingredients
⭐️ LHA (Lipohydroxy Acid)
LHA is the active peeling ingredient itself. (Often referred to as a fourth-generation exfoliating acid, it follows AHA ➡️ BHA ➡️ PHA in the evolution of chemical exfoliants.)
LHA is an oil-soluble derivative of salicylic acid, with a larger molecular structure that allows it to penetrate the skin more gradually and gently. Its oil affinity also makes it effective at working within pores as well as on the skin's surface.
Rather than aggressively removing layers of skin, LHA works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed gradually, one by one. This controlled exfoliation helps promote smoother skin renewal with minimal irritation, redness, and visible peeling.
⭐️ Lactobacillus lysate (DactorTec™ KIS)
The balance keeper!
DactorTec™ KIS is a patented microbiome technology featuring Lactobacillus derived from fermented cabbage, the same type of beneficial bacteria associated with fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut. 🥬
The bacteria are broken down through a process called lysis, creating a lysate. This means the formula contains components of the bacteria rather than live bacteria themselves.
These bacterial components help support the skin's natural microbiome balance, soothe sensitivity, and support the skin barrier while the skin undergoes renewal.
⭐️ Youth P-Sol™ – The Natural Peeling Technology
Youth P-Sol™ is a patented, naturally derived peeling technology made from olive oil- and coconut-derived fatty acids, specially processed to become water-friendly.
Together, these plant-derived ingredients create a naturally alkaline, soap-like base that helps soften and loosen accumulated dead skin cells and excess sebum, allowing them to lift away easily.
Unlike conventional acid peels that rely on strong acidity to exfoliate, Youth P-Sol™ uses its alkaline properties to gently soften and dissolve buildup, while LHA works to refine the skin's surface through gradual exfoliation.
This combination is what makes XE'LHA's unique "Peel & Fill" approach possible: renewing the skin without leaving it stripped and tight, but rather smooth and comfortable.
On a side note, personally, I find it fascinating that alkalinity can also have an exfoliating effect on the skin. It reminds me of some of Japan's natural hot springs (onsen), many of which have alkaline thermal water. This mild alkalinity can help soften the skin's surface and wash away accumulated dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smooth and silky. It's one of the reasons why many Japanese hot springs are known as "Bihada no Yu" (美肌の湯), meaning "beautifying waters" or "hot springs for beautiful skin.
When we think of a peel, we tend to associate it with acidity and the tingling or stinging sensation that often comes with it. But as we've learned, alkalinity can also help exfoliate the skin, just in a completely different way!
How is it different from a regular peel?
With traditional chemical peels, redness, sensitivity, and flaking can occur afterwards, sometimes requiring a few days of downtime. XE'LHA Peel takes a different approach to skin renewal:
No visible peeling or flaking
An alkaline approach (approximately pH 9.0) rather than relying on strong acidity to exfoliate.
Low irritation, making it a gentler option for many skin types, including sensitive skin.
Flexible treatment frequency, ranging from once a week to once a month, depending on your skin condition and treatment goals.
Gentle yet effective, XE'LHA Peel helps refine and renew the skin, with results that can build beautifully over a series of treatments.
What does it help with?
Dullness
Rough texture
Clogged pores, Acne and Blackheads
Uneven tone
Hyperpigmentation
Fine lines
Glow✨
Many clients notice smoother, clearer skin with a radiant glow after just one session.
How the Treatment Goes at Glow by Tomoko
The XE'LHA Peel treatment consists of several steps to renew, hydrate, and soothe your skin.
Each step is carefully customized to your skin's needs. Additional techniques and modalities, such as pore extractions, EMS (electric muscle stimulation), and radio frequency, can be incorporated depending on your skin type and concerns.
Here's a general overview of how a customized facial at Glow by Tomoko may look when incorporating XE'LHA Peel.
Deep Cleanse 
XE'LHA Treatment 
Electroporation Serum Infusion
1. Deep Cleansing
We begin by cleansing your skin with Micro-bubble oxygen foam, using a soft brush to gently remove impurities and surface buildup, prepping the skin for the peel.
2. The Peel
XE'LHA Peel consists of two solutions, applied one after the other to your face and neck using specific brushing techniques. These movements help enhance exfoliation, allow the active ingredients to work effectively, and support lymphatic drainage.
Each layer is left on for a few minutes, depending on your skin's condition and tolerance. During this time, you can enjoy a relaxing scalp massage to release built-up tension.
3. Electroporation Serum Infusion
A customized mixture of serums, including a cocktail of powerful antioxidants like vitamin C, glutathione, astaxanthin and fullerene, and stem cell-derived growth factors and exosomes, is infused into your skin using electroporation technology to deliver an extra boost of hydration and regenerative ingredients.
4. LED Light Therapy
LED therapy helps support skin recovery, reduce inflammation and energize skin cells.
5. Soothing Gel Mask
A generous layer of hydro jelly mask is applied to calm and comfort your skin while replenishing moisture.
6. Finishing Moisturizer & Massage
We finish with XE'LHA Cream, a dedicated aftercare cream formulated for use following the peel. It helps replenish moisture, support the skin barrier, and lock in the beneficial actives, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and glowy✨. A relaxing finishing massage completes the treatment.
Extraction 
LED Light Therapy 
Microcurrent and Radio Frequency 
Nano Infusion Treatment 
Relaxing Massage 
Soothing Mask
XE'LHA vs. LHA LALA: What's the Difference?
If you've heard of LHA LALA Peel, you might wonder how XE'LHA Peel is different.
Both are:
Professional LHA peel treatments that combine LHA with an alkaline peeling approach
Designed to gently loosen accumulated dead skin cells without flaking or downtime associated with traditional chemical peels
The difference lies in their additional technologies and formulations.
LHA LALA incorporates lipid-based ingredients to help support the skin barrier and maintain moisture during the treatment.
XE’LHA pairs Youth P-Sol™, its alkaline peeling system, with Lactobacillus Lysate, a lactic acid bacteria ingredient that supports the skin’s natural microbiome, with an emphasis on skin clarity and radiance.
⭐️ I offer both treatments at Glow by Tomoko and select the most appropriate one based on your skin's condition and individual needs on the day of your appointment.
This is why every facial begins with a thorough skin assessment, and every facial is different.
I evaluate your skin before and throughout the treatment to determine which peel, combination of treatments and approach will be most suitable for your skin on that particular day.
My goal is always to customize the treatment to your skin's changing needs rather than follow a one-size-fits-all approach.
At-Home Aftercare
To maintain your results and keep your skin glowing after the treatment, I recommend continuing to use repairing and hydrating serums, along with a good moisturizer.
I especially recommend the following serums and moisturizer to help maintain your results.
I'm always happy to review your current daily skincare routine and recommend products suited to your skin, so you can continue maintaining your results between appointments.✨
Questions I often hear
Does it hurt?
No. Most clients feel little to nothing at all. There is no stinging like a traditional chemical peel, and your skin does not peel off in flakes afterwards.
Will my skin be red afterwards? Is there any downtime?
Most clients experience little to no redness. Your skin may look slightly flushed immediately after the treatment, but this usually settles quickly.
Can I have it if my skin is sensitive?
Yes, in most cases. XE'LHA Peel is a low-irritation peel that does not strip the skin. I always check your skin first, and we can start gently.
How many sessions do I need?
You will see a glow after one session✨. If you are working on texture, pores or pigmentation, a course of two to four sessions gives the best results, followed by monthly or seasonal treatment to keep your skin clear and bright.
Can I wear makeup after the treatment?
Yes. However, I recommend allowing your skin to rest for the remainder of the day whenever possible and focusing on hydration and sun protection during the day.
How soon will I see results?
Many clients notice an immediate improvement in skin radiance, smoothness and overall appearance after just one session. Results can continue to improve with consistent treatments and appropriate home care.
Can I combine it with other facial treatments?
Yes, depending on your skin condition and the treatments involved. XE'LHA Peel can be incorporated into a customized facial, but I always assess your skin first to determine the most appropriate combination and avoid over-treating it.
Is it suitable for all skin types?
It can be suitable for a wide range of skin types, including many sensitive skin types. However, suitability depends on your skin's current condition, sensitivity and concerns. I always customize the treatment accordingly.
What should I avoid after the treatment?
I recommend avoiding other exfoliating products, retinol and strong active ingredients for a few days, depending on your skin's condition. Focus on gentle cleansing, hydration and daily sunscreen to support your skin barrier.
How often should I have the treatment?
For ongoing skin maintenance, I generally recommend treatments every month. If you are targeting specific concerns such as uneven texture, enlarged pores or pigmentation, we can adjust the frequency based on how your skin responds.
Can I have this treatment before an event?
Yes! Since there is generally no visible peeling or significant downtime, it can be a lovely treatment before a special occasion. Ideally, I recommend scheduling it a few days beforehand rather than on the day of your event.
If you have been curious about peels but a little nervous, this is a perfect place to start.
All of my treatments are tailored to your skin concerns, so if a different peel, or a treatment without any peel, is more suitable for your skin at the time of the appointment, that’s an option too.
It can be confusing and difficult to determine what type of treatment may work best for you, and this is why I’m here: to analyze and assess your skin, and let you know what treatment methods will be most beneficial.
This is also why I only offer 3 types of facials (60, 90 and 120 min). Depending on your skin’s needs at the moment, I will customize your facial and incorporate these peels and other methods to draw out your skin’s inner potential for the best glow!
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