XE-LHA Peel in Singapore

A Gentle LHA Chemical Peel for Smoother, Brighter-Looking Skin

Refine skin texture and reveal brighter-looking skin with a Korean LHA exfoliating peel designed for a gentler approach to skin resurfacing.

At Emberwood Aesthetics, Orchard Road, your skin is assessed before treatment and the peel protocol is tailored according to your skin condition and concerns.

What Is XE-LHA Peel?

XE-LHA Peel is a professional LHA-based chemical peel designed to exfoliate the skin in a controlled manner while helping to improve the appearance of rough texture, congestion, dullness and uneven-looking skin tone. XE-LHA Peel is formulated around lipohydroxy acid, or LHA. LHA is a lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid, which means it has an affinity for oil and penetrates the stratum corneum gradually. This allows controlled surface exfoliation and can make it useful for oily, congested or blemish-prone skin.

The XE-LHA system combines three components, including two proprietary technologies:

  • LHA (capryloyl salicylic acid): gently loosens excess dead skin cells and helps refine uneven texture.

  • Youth P-Sol™: the brand's patented natural-origin peeling complex, designed to support an even, low-irritation treatment.

  • DactorTec™ KIS: a patented, probiotic-derived lactobacillus ferment complex included to support hydration and the skin environment.

The professional protocol includes cleansing and preparation, followed by the XE-LHA Basic and Ultra solutions.

XE-LHA Peel Treatment Experience
Thank you @_jiwonshin for sharing your XE-LHA Peel treatment experience.

What Can XE-LHA Peel Help With?

XE-LHA Peel may be considered for patients looking to improve overall skin clarity, texture and smoothness through controlled exfoliation.

Depending on your skin condition, it may help improve the appearance of:

  • Dull, lacklustre skin

  • Rough or uneven skin texture

  • Congested pores and blackheads

  • Excess oil and blemish-prone skin

  • Enlarged-looking pores

  • Uneven-looking skin tone

  • Superficial post-blemish marks

Because the treatment is designed around a relatively gentle exfoliating approach, it may also suit selected patients who are looking for skin resurfacing without moving immediately to a stronger peel.

More Than Just Choosing a Peel

Not every concern should be treated with exfoliation alone. Persistent acne, melasma, deeper pigmentation and acne scarring may require a different or more comprehensive treatment approach.

At Emberwood Aesthetics, your skin is assessed first before XE-LHA Peel is recommended. Where appropriate, it may form part of a broader treatment plan incorporating medical skincare, lasers or other skin treatments, depending on the underlying concern.

How Does LHA Exfoliate the Skin?

LHA, or lipohydroxy acid, is an oil-soluble derivative of salicylic acid that works primarily within the outermost layers of the skin.

Its exfoliating action helps loosen and remove accumulated dead skin cells from the skin surface. This may help skin feel smoother and more refined, while improving the appearance of dullness, rough texture and congested-looking pores.

Because LHA is oil-soluble and has relatively gradual penetration into the outer skin layers, it is used in peel formulations designed to provide controlled surface exfoliation.

XE-LHA is still a chemical peel, and individual skin responses can vary. While it is often described to be “gentle”, it is still a form of chemical exfoliation and reactions are still possible - this is why treatment should be selected according to your skin condition, applied appropriately, and followed by suitable aftercare.

Why is XE-LHA called a “Fourth-Generation Peel”?

If you have been researching chemical peels, you may have come across terms such as first-, second-, third- and fourth-generation peels. In commonly used skincare and beauty-industry terminology, the progression is often described as:

AHA → BHA → PHA → LHA

Under this terminology, LHA is referred to as a fourth-generation exfoliating acid, which is why XE-LHA is sometimes described as a fourth-generation peel.

However, these “generations” are not a formal medical classification or a ranking of which peel is better. When choosing a chemical peel, factors such as the formulation, concentration, pH, application protocol and importantly, how suitable it is for your skin matter more than the generation label.

What Is the Difference Between XE-LHA and LALHA or LHALA Peel?

If you have been searching for an LHA peel in Singapore, you may also have encountered treatments referred to as LHALA Peel, LALHA Peel or LALA Peel.

Both XE-LHA and LHALA-type treatments are Korean LHA-based peel systems designed around controlled exfoliation with a gentler treatment approach. The important difference is not whether one is “third generation” and the other “fourth generation” - both are associated with LHA.

Instead, they differ primarily in their formulations and treatment protocols.

  • LALHA/LHALA Peel is generally described as a combination of LHA, alkaline ingredients and barrier-supporting lipids.

  • XE-LHA Peel combines LHA with Youth P-Sol™ and DactorTec™ KIS, and uses a staged Basic-and-Ultra application followed by soothing care.

In practical terms, both aim to create a smoother, clearer and more hydrated appearance with relatively little downtime. XE-LHA places additional emphasis on its patented natural-origin peeling complex, probiotic-derived ferment technology and structured multi-step protocol.

So, Which LHA Peel Should I Choose?

Rather than choosing a peel based on its “generation” or name alone, the more useful question is which formulation and treatment approach is appropriate for your skin. At Emberwood Aesthetics, your skin condition and concerns are assessed before treatment. XE-LHA Peel may be considered where it is appropriate, while other treatments may be recommended where your concerns require a different approach.

Why Is a Special Brush Used During XE-LHA Peel?

The official XE-LHA protocol uses separate brushes for cleansing and for applying the peel solutions. The peeling brush has specially processed micro-bristles designed to spread the solution evenly and reduce pooling or clumping in one area. Brush pressure and the number of passes can be adjusted according to skin sensitivity and the presence of active blemishes.

How Is XE-LHA Different From a Traditional Chemical Peel?

"Traditional chemical peel" is a broad term. It can refer to superficial, medium or deep peels made with ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, Jessner's solution or trichloroacetic acid. Their effects and recovery time vary considerably according to the acid, strength, pH, number of layers and depth of treatment.

Compared with a stronger conventional peel, XE-LHA is designed as a superficial, low-irritation treatment:

  • It uses slowly penetrating, oil-soluble LHA as its main exfoliating acid.

  • It follows a staged Basic-and-Ultra application rather than relying only on a single high-strength acid solution.

  • The protocol is completed with water cleansing and soothing care rather than a separately applied neutralising solution.

  • Visible flaking and prolonged downtime are less likely than with medium or deep peels, although mild redness, tingling, dryness or light peeling can still occur.

  • It focuses on gradual texture refinement, clarity and hydration rather than aggressive resurfacing.

XE-LHA is not necessarily "better" than every other chemical peel. A stronger or different peel may be more appropriate for certain concerns, while XE-LHA may suit someone seeking a gentler refresh or whose skin does not tolerate aggressive exfoliation well.

Is There Any Downtime After XE-LHA Peel?

Most people can return to their usual activities after treatment. The skin may look more radiant and feel smoother soon after the session. Temporary tingling, mild redness, tightness, dryness, sensitivity or light flaking can still occur, particularly if your skin is reactive or you have recently used exfoliating products.

Individual responses vary. If you develop persistent burning, swelling, blistering or worsening irritation, contact the clinic for advice.

What Should I Avoid Before and After the Peel?

Unless your doctor advises otherwise:

  • Pause retinoids and strong exfoliating acids for approximately one week before and after treatment.

  • Avoid scrubs, facial waxing and other abrasive treatments around the appointment.

  • Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser while the skin settles.

  • Do not pick or scrub away any flaking skin.

  • Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen daily and minimise unnecessary sun exposure.

  • Avoid introducing new active skincare until your skin feels comfortable again.

Your personalised instructions may differ if XE-LHA is planned with another treatment.

Can XE-LHA Peel Be Combined With Other Aesthetic Treatments?

XE-LHA can sometimes be planned alongside selected laser, energy-based or hydrating treatments. Gentle exfoliation may help create a more even surface before another procedure, but combination treatment is not automatically suitable for everyone.

At Emberwood Aesthetics, the sequence, intensity and timing are selected according to your skin barrier, pigmentation risk and treatment goals. Treatments may be separated when the skin is inflamed, sensitised or more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

What Happens During an XE-LHA Peel Treatment?

1. Skin assessment

Your skin type, current concerns, sensitivity, medications and recent treatments are reviewed before proceeding.

2. Cleansing and preparation

Make-up, sunscreen, surface oil and impurities are removed using the XE-LHA cleansing foam and dedicated cleansing brush.

3. XE-LHA Basic

The first solution is applied evenly with the peeling brush to begin gentle surface exfoliation and prepare the skin for the next step.

4. XE-LHA Ultra

The second solution is applied according to your skin's tolerance and treatment goals.

5. Soothing care

The solutions are cleansed away and a hydrating, soothing mask is applied. Sunscreen is used before you leave the clinic.

How Many XE-LHA Peel Sessions Will I Need?

Some people notice a fresher, smoother appearance after one session. Concerns such as recurring congestion, rough texture or uneven tone usually benefit from a series rather than a single treatment.

XE-LHA may be repeated at relatively short intervals, but the ideal frequency is individual. Your doctor will recommend a schedule based on how your skin responds and whether the peel is being combined with other treatments.

We believe good skin treatments begin with understanding your skin, not simply choosing the strongest treatment available. Our approach is to treat thoughtfully - with the right treatment, at the right intensity, for the right reason.
— Emberwood Aesthetics

Frequently Asked Questions

about XE-LHA Peel Treatment

XE-LHA Peel Treatment at Emberwood Aesthetics

At Emberwood Aesthetics, XE-LHA Peel is incorporated into a personalised skin plan rather than offered as a one-size-fits-all facial. Your skin is assessed so that the application technique, treatment interval and any combination procedures can be selected appropriately.

Our clinic is conveniently located at Wheelock Place on Orchard Road, Singapore.