What is Lala Doctor? A Comprehensive Guide to Its Differences and Effects Compared to Lala Peel｜The 5th Generation "Satisfying" Peeling
"What's the difference between Lala Doctor and Lala Peel or other peels?"
"Does it really work?"
"Concerns about pain during treatment, downtime, and side effects"
Do you have any questions or concerns about Lara Doctor?
Hello. This is Aesthetic Dermatology and Smart Skin Clinic.
This time, we'll explain the fifth-generation peeling treatment LHALA Doctor from a professional perspective—covering its features, differences from other peels, and downtime. Unlike conventional "exfoliating" peels, LHALA Doctor "nourishes" the skin from within.
Chief Director of Smart Skin Clinic Group
stone Kouta
career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and related facilities
Worked at a major beauty clinic in Tokyo
Affiliation / Qualifications
Japan Surgical Society Specialist
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
※If you have specific topics you'd like to learn about, you can jump directly to them by selecting the relevant section from the table of contents below.
What is Lala Doctor? The "non-peeling" 5th generation medical peel
Lala Doctor is the latest peeling treatment developed in Korea exclusively for medical institutions.
Until now, peeling primarily involved using acids to "peel off" dead skin cells from the surface. However, Lara Doctor takes a different approach.
It is about "not stripping away, but fulfilling."
Using patented technology, it protects the skin's barrier function while delivering active ingredients deep into the skin (dermis), promoting collagen and elastin production. This is a skin-nurturing treatment that requires no scalpels or needles.
The 7 ingredients in Lara Doctor
The secret behind Lara Doctor's high effectiveness lies in its seven meticulously calculated ingredients.
Here, we explain how each ingredient works on the skin.
LHA (Lipohydroxy Acid) | Gentle Exfoliation
This is the key ingredient in fourth- and fifth-generation peels.
This product features a larger molecular weight than the acids (AHAs/BHAs) traditionally used in peels and maintains a mildly acidic pH of 5.5. Its larger molecular weight allows for slower penetration into the skin, offering the benefit of reduced irritation. It gently exfoliates only unwanted dead skin cells while protecting the barrier function of the stratum corneum.
INCUBE 501 (Growth Factors)・701 (PLLA)｜Rebuild the Skin's Foundation
This is the ingredient that makes Lala Doctor "medical-grade."
INCUBE 501 (KGF/EGF)
By absorbing and removing excess inflammatory substances, it calms skin inflammation and supports the recovery of damaged skin.
Additionally, it functions as a growth factor that promotes the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. In other words, it is an ingredient that directly increases the skin's "renewal" and "source of firmness." When keratinocytes proliferate appropriately, the skin's barrier function is strengthened. Furthermore, proliferating fibroblasts creates firmness and elasticity.
INCUBE 701 (PLLA)
The uniform spherical PLLA particle manufacturing technology plays a role in enhancing skin firmness and thickness.
This ingredient is also used in surgical absorbable sutures and thread lift materials. It slowly breaks down within the skin while powerfully stimulating collagen production.
Lipids and H2Sol™｜Enhanced Barrier Function and Antioxidant Properties
Lipids
Phospholipids are the primary components of cell membranes and intercellular lipids, which serve as barrier functions in cell membranes and on the skin surface.
Lipids form a protective barrier in the stratum corneum, preventing dryness caused by peeling.
H2Sol™
A patented ingredient derived from natural components. It activates fibroblasts to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, promoting skin regeneration. Alkaline in nature, it protects the skin's barrier function while also dissolving dead skin cells and melanin.
Other Key Ingredients (QPT™, Calcium, etc.)
【QPT™】A component derived from green algae that supports antioxidant and skin-brightening effects. By absorbing light energy and efficiently transmitting and concentrating it within skin tissue, it can amplify the effects of phototherapy.
【Calcium】Repairs the skin's barrier function, suppresses inflammation, and supports firmness, elasticity, and the reduction of fine lines.
Why "Fifth Generation"? Differences from Conventional Peeling
Lala Doctor is referred to as the fifth generation, but what exactly defines it as the fifth generation?
The history of peeling in aesthetic medicine is also a history of reducing irritation and downtime. Below is a summary of the characteristics of the first through fifth generations.
| Generation | Representative example | feature |
| First Generation | AHA/alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid | Removes surface dead skin cells. While highly effective, it is also highly irritating, causing significant pain and redness. |
| Second Generation | BHA/salicylic acid and other beta hydroxy acids | Reaches deep into pores but tends to dry out skin. Suitable for acne-prone skin, prone to redness. |
| Third Generation | TCA/Trichloroacetic acid | It targets the dermis layer, but the strong acid causes a stinging sensation and results in a longer downtime. |
| Fourth Generation | LHA (Lalapear) | Using LHA, it has evolved into a low-irritation peeling that "nurtures" the skin. |
| Fifth Generation | LHA (Lala Doctor) | Lalapearl maintains its low irritation properties while enabling "dermal layer regeneration" with medical-grade ingredients (growth factors and PLLA). It achieves inflammation suppression, barrier reinforcement, and collagen production. |
Peels up to the third generation were highly irritating because they removed the stratum corneum, resulting in the drawback of requiring downtime. Lala Peel and Lala Doctor can be said to have overcome the shortcomings of previous peels by thickening the skin.
Most conventional peeling agents are acidic.
Acid-based treatments cause proteins to coagulate and peel away the skin, making them highly effective but also inevitably accompanied by downtime such as pain, redness, and peeling.
On the other hand, Lara Doctor is "alkaline (pH 13)."
Alkaline properties gently soften the skin's stratum corneum, creating an environment where active ingredients can penetrate more easily. There, LHA—a large-molecule ingredient with minimal irritation—slowly permeates deep into the skin. This allows for the activation of fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin without damaging the skin's surface.
Medically proven "high efficacy even at low concentrations"
Some may wonder, "Could it be that the peeling effect isn't fully achieved?" since the main ingredient in Lara Doctor is the same as Lara Peel, which is also used in esthetic salons, and because it is less irritating compared to conventional peels.
Rest assured. The following paper comparing the effects of “first-generation peeling agents (glycolic acid)” and “LHA used in Lala Peel and Lala Doctor” states that LHA achieves higher efficacy.
According to this study, LHA, the main ingredient in Lala Doctor, has been reported to deliver approximately 1.3 times greater wrinkle improvement effects compared to glycolic acid peels, along with highly effective results in improving pigmentation. Moreover, these effects are achieved at lower concentrations than conventional treatments.
It has been medically suggested that it delivers high anti-aging effects while minimizing the burden on the skin.
Source:Oresajo, C., Yatskayer, M., & Hansenne, I. (2008). Clinical tolerance and efficacy of capryloyl salicylic acid peel compared to a glycolic acid peel in subjects with fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmented skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 7(4), 259-62. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00403.x
The Difference Between Lara Doctor and Lara Peel
"What's the difference between Lara Peel and Lara Doctor?"This is one of the most frequently asked questions.
To put it simply, Lara Doctor is Lara Peel's"Exclusive to Medical Institutions - Advanced Version"It is.
| Lala Doctor | Lala Peel | |
| Treatment Location | For medical institutions only | In addition to medical institutions, esthetic salons and similar establishments are also acceptable. |
| Principal component | LHA・H2sol™・Lipids ＋【Additional Ingredients】 Growth Factors (KGF/EGF)・INCUBE501・INCUBE701・Calcium・QTP | LHA・H2sol™・Lipids |
| Target audience | Epidermis + Dermis | epidermis |
| Effect | Improve skin texture and promote regeneration from the skin's foundation | Skin Exfoliation and Epidermal Regeneration |
| Down time | almost never | almost never |
| skin-whitening effect | Enhanced translucency through melanin dissolution | Tone Up |
Ingredient Differences｜Medical-Grade "INCUBE" and Growth Factors
- Lala Peel: Primarily focuses on keratin care using LHA and epidermal regeneration.
- Lala Doctor: Formulated with "INCUBE," which contains LHA, growth factors (KGF/EGF), and PLLA. This promotes not only skin texture improvement but also regeneration from the skin's foundation.
The key difference between Lara Peel and Lara Doctor lies in the "concentration" and "types" of ingredients they contain.
Lala Doctor contains not only the basic ingredients of Lala Peel but also a luxurious blend of special ingredients available only through medical institutions. The most representative of these is"INCUBE," a patented ingredientIt is.
Effect Differences｜Lift-Up vs. Skin Regeneration Capabilities
The difference in ingredients directly translates to a difference in the depth of effect.
- Lalapiel Effects: Enhances skin surface radiance, smoothness, and translucency; improves makeup application.
- Effects of Lara Doctor: In addition to the effects of Lara Peel, it promotes collagen and elastin production in the dermis, delivering firmness, elasticity, fine wrinkle improvement, and tightening effects.
In other words, if you simply want to "make your skin surface look beautiful," Lara Peel is perfectly sufficient. However, if you're seeking serious anti-aging care to "tighten sagging pores" or "increase skin density," Lara Doctor is overwhelmingly recommended.
Lala Doctor's Effects｜Approach to Pores, Acne, and Melasma
Lala Doctor does more than just remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.Treatment to improve overall skin conditionIt is.
Improving enlarged pores and dark spots while controlling sebum
The main ingredient LHA has the property of being "oil-soluble." This allows it to smoothly penetrate even pores clogged with sebum, dissolving and removing blockages and dark spots. Furthermore, thanks to the INCUBE effect, collagen production from the dermal layer helps tighten sagging pores caused by aging from the inside out.
Improvement and Prevention of Acne and Acne Scars
LHA has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It suppresses the growth of acne bacteria and calms inflammation in existing acne. Furthermore, by normalizing sebum production and preventing clogged pores, it helps create a skin environment less prone to breakouts. Its low irritation makes it suitable even for inflamed acne-prone skin.
The effectiveness of Lara Doctor for acne treatment has also received high praise in medical comparative trials.
A study published in 2009 compared the efficacy of an LHA formulation with benzoyl peroxide (BPO), the global standard treatment for acne, in 80 patients with mild to moderate acne. After 12 weeks of evaluation, the reduction rate in inflammatory acne was 44% in the LHA group and 47% in the benzoyl peroxide group, confirming statistically equivalent high improvement effects.
Generally, benzoyl peroxide is a highly effective treatment, but it is also prone to side effects such as redness and dryness. These research findings suggest that LHA (Lactic-Hydroxy-Alpha) could be a gentle yet effective alternative for those who find the side effects of treatments difficult to tolerate.
Improvement of Melasma and Dullness (Melanin Dissolution Effect)
Laser treatment is effective for dark spots and pigmentation concerns, but if you have melasma, the laser stimulation may actually worsen it.
The H2Sol™ contained in Lala Doctor dissolves and expels melanin without causing irritation. It also normalizes skin turnover, naturally pushing accumulated melanin pigment outwards. This has expanded the possibilities for melasma treatment.
Instant hydrated glow and translucent skin
You'll experience a "glowing, dewy complexion" that seems to radiate from within, starting immediately after the treatment.
Removing old dead skin cells and refining skin texture allows your skin to beautifully reflect light. This is why it's recommended even right before important events.
Pros and Cons of Lara Doctor
| Advantages | Demerit |
| It doesn't hurt. doesn't peel off Suitable for sensitive skin Little or no downtime | Dramatic change requires repetition. |
Lala Doctor is one of the few peeling treatments suitable for those with thin skin, sensitive skin, or atopic skin. You can apply makeup immediately after the procedure, so you can feel confident stopping by after work or before your next appointment.
You can feel the difference in radiance and texture after just one use, but to achieve lasting results from Lala Doctor's core benefit—skin remodeling (remodeling the dermal layer)—consistent use over multiple sessions is necessary.
If you want to "remove dark spots in one session" or "eliminate deep wrinkles instantly," laser treatments or injectable treatments may be more suitable.
The Procedure Flow at Lara Doctor
You can easily make reservations with your mobile phone.
The reception desk is "smart" and easy: just hold up the QR code at the reception desk.
During your consultation, we will assess your current skin condition, listen to your concerns, and recommend the most suitable treatment plan. Please feel free to discuss anything on your mind. Rest assured, we do not engage in high-pressure sales tactics.
The first agent (LHA) softens dead skin cells, allowing the second agent (active ingredients like INCUBE) to penetrate deep into the skin. Using a specialized brush, we massage it in along the lymphatic flow. The treatment is virtually pain-free and can be enjoyed in a relaxed state.
We will explain in detail about the care of the treated area and precautions for daily life. We also suggest appropriate home care from the perspective of prevention and maintenance, such as supplements, oral medications, and skin care cosmetics that can be expected to improve your concerns.
Important Notes for the Day of Your Treatment
- Makeup: Can be applied immediately afterward.
- Washing your face and bathing: While possible on the day of treatment, it is advisable to avoid activities that raise your body temperature, such as prolonged bathing or saunas, as they may cause redness.
- Skin Care: After treatment, your skin is prone to dryness and has increased absorption. Apply generous moisturizer and take thorough measures against UV rays. Avoid using cosmetics containing retinol for 2-3 days post-treatment.
Level of pain during treatment
Pain during surgery: Minimal
Some people may experience a slight warm sensation, itching, or tingling as the medication absorbs.
It's not painful enough to require anesthesia.
Downtime, Side Effects, and Risks
There is almost no downtime.
Since the skin surface is not forcibly peeled off, you can return to your daily life immediately.
In rare cases, redness, itching, eczema, dryness, peeling, or worsening acne may occur. These are temporary reactions that happen during the skin's regeneration process. They should subside by the next day.
Even if you have important plans, Lara Doctor's strength is that you can receive treatment the day before or on the day itself.
Individuals who cannot receive treatment (contraindications) and those requiring caution
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (Safety has not been established; use at the discretion of a physician)
- Individuals with wounds or severe dermatitis at the treatment site
- Individuals with aspirin-induced asthma (caution is required as it contains salicylic acid)
- Those who have just gotten sunburned
- Individuals with inflammation or infection at the treatment site
- Individuals with drug allergies
If any of these apply to you, please be sure to inform us during the preliminary consultation.
Please refrain from using tretinoin, high-concentration vitamin A cosmetics, or peeling cosmetics for one week prior to treatment.
Combination treatments that work well with Lara Doctor
Lala Doctor delivers remarkable results on its own, but its true value shines even brighter when combined with other treatments (combination therapy). Here are our recommended treatment packages.
Compatibility with Injection Treatments (Profilio, Jalpro, Botox)
Lala Doctor treats the "epidermis to upper dermis," while injection therapy cares for the "deep dermis to subcutaneous tissue." This "full-layer approach" enhances anti-aging effects.
It pairs exceptionally well with popular skin-enhancing injections like Profhilo and Jalpro. Same-day procedures are possible, so please consult with us.
For details on each treatment, please refer to the following articles.
Enhanced Delivery via Ionophoresis
As a finishing touch to your treatment, we also recommend iontophoresis—a method that uses electrical current to deeply penetrate beauty ingredients into the skin.
Lala Doctor enhances skin permeability, delivering active ingredients like vitamins and growth factors more effectively while reducing redness with its cooling and soothing effect.
Combination with Dermapen (Acne Scars & Pores)
The Dermapen uses microneedles to create tiny punctures in the skin. When combined with Lara Doctor, active ingredients are delivered directly into the dermis through these punctures.
This combination is highly recommended for those troubled by crater-like acne scars and stubborn enlarged pores, as it dramatically increases the penetration rate of the treatment.
※It is also considered compatible with other microneedle treatments such as Potenza.
Combination with Photofacial (IPL) ※ Jimbocho Clinic
When combined with IPL (light therapy) treatments like "photofacials," it can brighten your overall complexion while also improving redness. Lala Doctor's anti-inflammatory properties offer the added benefit of soothing heat damage after light therapy.
When performed on the same day as Lala Doctor, Lala Doctor is generally performed first. By clearing away excess dead skin cells before the treatment, the light can penetrate deeper into the skin, resulting in higher treatment efficacy compared to receiving either treatment alone.
※It is also recommended as a complementary therapy for patients receiving laser treatment at other clinics.
Recommended Frequency and How Effects Manifest
- Treatment interval: Every 2 to 4 weeks × 5 sessions (1 course)
- Maintenance: Once a month
【First Session】You'll notice improved shine, radiance, and texture immediately after treatment. Effects last approximately 1 to 2 weeks.
[3rd–5th Session] Recommended every 2–4 weeks. By intensively improving skin texture, you'll be less prone to skin issues.
【Maintenance】By continuing treatment at a pace of about once a month, you can maintain beautiful skin and a youthful appearance.
People for whom Lara Doctor is recommended / People for whom Lara Doctor is not recommended
| Recommended by | Not recommended for |
| For those with sensitive or dry skin who found conventional peels unsuitable For those concerned about enlarged pores, blackheads, and sagging skin For those who want to improve acne and acne scars For those who want to restore their skin's firmness and elasticity Those who cannot take time off For those who found LaraPiel lacking | People who want to improve deep nasolabial folds People who want to improve severe sagging People who want to remove dark spots (senile lentigines) in one session |
FAQ
- Can you see results after just one session with Lara Doctor?
-
Yes, many people notice a difference in their skin's radiance, clarity, and texture (smoothness) after just the first session. However, for pore tightening and overall skin improvement, we recommend continuing for at least three sessions.
- Does it peel?
-
No, Lala Doctor is a "non-peeling peel." It does not cause flaky skin peeling. In very rare cases, slight peeling may occur, but it can be easily concealed with makeup.
- Can I receive treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?
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For the highest priority of safety, we kindly ask that you refrain from receiving treatments during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- I'm currently using retinol. Can I still receive treatments at Lara Doctor?
-
If you are currently using retinol products, you may experience stronger reactions after the procedure. We recommend refraining from use for approximately 3 days to 1 week before and after the treatment.
- Can I receive Lala Doctor treatment even if I have melasma?
-
Yes, it can be used. Lala Doctor is gentle on the skin and also has melanin-dissolving properties, making it effective for melasma treatment.
- Is it okay to use home-use Lara Doctor or personal import products?
-
Lala Doctor is a medical-grade product exclusively for use in healthcare facilities. While similar products may be found online, their ingredient concentrations and storage conditions differ significantly. To avoid skin issues, always receive treatment at a medical facility.
More Information
| Treatment Time | Approximately 30 minutes (excluding counseling) |
| Recommended number and frequency of treatments | We recommend performing this approximately 5 times at intervals of about 2 to 4 weeks. |
| Down time | Rarely. Occasionally, redness, itching, eczema, acne, dryness, or peeling may occur, but these are temporary. |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | Possible |
| Make | Possible immediately after the treatment |
| Skin care | Possible immediately after the treatment Avoid irritating substances and focus on moisturizing and UV protection. |
| Shower | Possible from the same day |
| Pain | You may experience a slight stinging sensation, but this is a low-irritation peel suitable even for those with sensitive skin. |
*There are individual differences.
[Legal description
Lala Doctor includes treatments using pharmaceuticals or medical devices not approved in Japan. The pharmaceuticals and devices used for treatment are imported individually under the judgment of our clinic's physicians.
Please refer to this page for information on medicines, etc. that should be noted for personal importation.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Medicines, etc. that Require Caution in Personal Importation".
For Lara Doctor, visit Smart Skin Clinic
Lala Doctor is a treatment that not only removes dead skin cells but also "nourishes and builds" the skin from its foundation. It's recommended for those who want to avoid pain and downtime but still achieve solid results.
At our clinic, we can recommend combination treatments not only with Lala Doctor alone, but also with other treatments that can provide synergistic effects, such as Dermapen, photofacials, and iontophoresis.
First, please share your skin concerns with us during a free consultation. Rest assured, there will be no high-pressure sales tactics.
Reference
Clinic List
Jimbocho Institute
〒101-0054
EX Kanda Nishiki-cho Building 8F (general reception), 3-16-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 7F
Business hours: Monday-Friday 11:00-20:00 / Saturday and Sunday 10:00-19:00
Yokohama Institute of Technology
〒221-0835
TS Plaza Bldg. 2F, 2-23-2 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Business hours: 10:00-19:00
Chairman of Smart Skin Clinic Group
stone Kouta
career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and related facilities
Worked at a major beauty clinic in Tokyo
Affiliation / Qualifications
Japan Surgical Society Specialist
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine