This page is here to help you decide between our Standard (also known as Signature Intimate Lightening) and Premium (also known as Advanced Intimate Rejuvenation & Lightening) Intimate Lightening treatments. It’s written to be shared with clients who are still deciding, and to sit alongside – not replace – a consultation with a Man-Lab Therapist.
What is the difference between the two treatments?
Both treatments are designed to lighten hyperpigmentation in intimate areas, but they use different active ingredients and work in different ways on the skin.
Standard uses a blend of acids, predominantly Mandelic Acid. This is a true chemical peel – it works by exfoliating the outer layers of skin to disperse the concentration of melanin. Because it exfoliates, most clients experience visible skin peeling, similar to a sunburn-type peel, in the days following treatment.
Premium uses a medical-grade formula combining Hydrogen Peroxide and Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) in an active concentration. Rather than exfoliating the surface, it works by stimulating the skin’s own cell renewal at a deeper level without damaging the epidermis. This means little to no visible peeling and no downtime.
Neither treatment uses bleach or hydroquinone.
What results can I expect?
Every client’s skin type, pigmentation, colour and sensitivity is different, so we cannot guarantee a specific result, a timeframe, or a number of shades of lightening for either treatment. What we can tell you is how each product generally tends to behave:
Standard – because it is a stronger exfoliating peel, a change in skin tone is often noticeable sooner, sometimes from the first session, as pigmented surface skin sheds away. This does not mean it works faster for everyone – your skin type and how it responds to acids will determine your outcome.
Premium – because it works by stimulating renewal rather than exfoliating, results tend to build more gradually across a course of sessions, with less obvious change immediately after each individual treatment.
Both treatments are progressive. You should not expect a dramatic change after a single session – a course of treatments is usually needed to see a difference in skin tone, and everyone’s results are different. To be clear: Premium means less downtime, not faster results. Both treatments effectively target pigmentation – Premium also improves overall skin quality, with minimal downtime.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies significantly by individual and cannot be guaranteed or predicted in advance. As a general guide only:
Standard – most clients need somewhere between 2 and 6 sessions, spaced roughly 2-4 weeks apart, depending on depth of pigmentation and how the skin responds.
Premium – most clients need a course of around 3 to 5 sessions, spaced roughly 2-4 weeks apart.
Some clients with lighter pigmentation may see a change with a single session; others with deeper or long-standing pigmentation may need more sessions, or ongoing maintenance treatments roughly every 6-12 months to preserve results. Your therapist will review progress with you at each visit rather than promising a fixed number of sessions upfront. In fact, some clients are happy with the result after just one treatment, particularly for lighter pigmentation – as long as aftercare is followed correctly.
What does aftercare involve?
Both treatments require you to use the aftercare product provided by your therapist for a number of weeks following treatment, to support and help maximise results. Skipping aftercare may reduce your results or increase the risk of irritation.
For both treatments, in the 48 hours after your session please avoid: gym or exercise, hot showers or saunas, and sexual contact. Keep the treated area moderately moist and use wet wipes rather than toilet paper.
With Standard, expect visible peeling to begin around 48 hours after treatment and last around 3-4 days. It’s important not to pick, peel or otherwise disturb this natural process, as doing so can affect your results or cause irritation or scarring.
With Premium, the area may be slightly red or tender, but you should expect minimal to no visible flaking.
Once your desired result is achieved, we generally suggest one maintenance session every 6-12 months for either treatment.
Are there any risks, or reasons I couldn’t have treatment?
Both treatments carry contraindications. Please flag to your therapist, or avoid booking, if any of the following apply: active acne, lesions, warts, cuts or open skin in the treatment area; a history of allergic reaction to acids (including Kojic Acid, TCA, AHAs or Retinols); a history of keloid or excessive scarring; a current infection, haemorrhoids, skin tags or piles; use of Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) within the last 12 months; or use of active ingredients such as Vitamin C, Retinols or steroid creams in the two weeks prior to treatment. Neither treatment can be combined with laser hair removal.
As with any cosmetic or chemical treatment, individual skin reactions cannot be fully predicted in advance. A consultation is required before a first treatment so we can properly assess suitability.
Can I switch between Standard and Premium, or combine them?
Yes. Some clients start with one and move to the other, or use a combination across a treatment plan. This can be discussed at your consultation or with your therapist at any appointment.
Which one should I choose?
Neither is objectively “better” – they suit different priorities:
Standard may suit you if you’re comfortable with visible peeling and some downtime, in exchange for a stronger exfoliating action.
Premium may suit you if you’d prefer no visible peeling and no downtime, and are comfortable with a more gradual, progressive approach to results.
Please note: this page is for general information only. It does not replace a one-to-one consultation and is not a promise or guarantee of any specific result, timeframe, or number of sessions. Individual results vary and cannot be predicted in advance. If you have any questions, please contact us or book a consultation with a Man-Lab Therapist before booking treatment.