When it comes to mixing chemical peels together, I’ve explained how it can often feel overwhelming and act like a mad scientist. The problem is, if you’re still trying to figure out what each acid does and the unique benefits they provide, you’re probably not applying them to your skin correctly. Although some of these skin care formulations claim to be mild or low concentration, you are still dealing with acids and making sure you focus on protecting your skin from overexposure to the sun and other harsh environmental factors is an important part of maintaining healthy skin. hapiness.
Now, let’s turn our attention to today’s blog post, “Can You Take Glycolic Acid and Mandelic Acid Together?” Is exfoliator the secret combo your skin has been waiting for? Or a recipe for disaster!
The next section is for those who need a refresher on these ingredients. If you want to skip to the sharing section, that’s fine with us, we promise there won’t be a quiz at the end.
What is glycolic acid
- Derived from Sugarcane, it is found in a range of skin care formulas, exfoliating toners, serums and moisturizers.
- Belongs to the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family and is the most commonly used acid in this family.
- There is a small molecule that ensures that it can penetrate the lower layers of the skin.
- Works deep into pores to remove excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris and impurities.
- It exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells, preventing the formation of blackheads, pimples and other blemishes.
- Can help fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a plumped, vibrant and youthful complexion.
- By removing the layer of dead skin cells, the skin becomes more receptive, allowing other active ingredients to penetrate quickly.
- Due to its smaller molecule, it may irritate certain skin types, so be sure to consult a dermatologist before introducing this acid into your routine.
- Suitable for those with skin types that are not overly dry or prone to sensitivity.
- Once you develop a tolerance to the acid, you can apply it to your skin twice a day.
- Effective alone or in combination with supplementary ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
- Learn more about glycolic acid in our dedicated blog post.
What is Mandelic Acid?
- A lesser known alpha hydroxy acid, but still used in professional exfoliation and skin care formulations.
- Derived from bitter almonds, it is used in medicinal and over-the-counter formulations.
- Compared to glycolic acid, mandelic acid has a very large molecular size, making it one of the milder acids in the AHA family.
- Madeleine acid absorbs slowly and is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity and redness.
- Exfoliation is still provided on the outer surface of the skin, ensuring that other active ingredients are absorbed quickly.
- Helps unclog pores and fight impurities without overly aggressive skin.
- Reduces hyperpigmentation, dark spots, post-acne scars and other areas of uneven skin tone.
- Although considered mild, skin tolerance is still recommended, so gradually introduce mandelic acid into your routine.
- If you want to learn more about mandelic acid and its benefits for your skin, read our blog on The Beauty Insiders.
- Now that we’re all up to date on these powerful acids, let’s learn more about how to use them together and how they can benefit your complexion.
Can I take mandelic acid and glycolic acid at the same time?
Yes, you can, but not both. That’s because the two acids work similarly on the skin’s surface, and stacking these active ingredients together yields the following results.
- Itching
- Slight pain
- Redness
- Peeling off
- Swelling
- Pain when touched
- Increased sensitivity to UV exposure
To reap the benefits of using these two acids, many people find that here are some options that are the most effective for the skin.
Option 1 – Change the formula you use every day. This avoids over-irritating the skin. Using them in your evening routine will ensure they do their job while you sleep, free from free radicals.
Option 2 – Make sure you have developed your skin’s tolerance to acids and apply a daily SPF of 50 every day. You can choose to use one acid in the morning and another in the evening.
You can also help your skin by combining each of these acids with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Both help maintain moisture levels in the skin barrier and strengthen it, and protect it from free radical damage such as UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, central heating and other environmental influences.
Is Mandelic Acid Stronger Than Glycolic Acid?
Both acids work similarly on the skin, but technically, glycolic acid is considered the stronger of the two due to its smaller molecule. This causes glycolic acid to work at every layer of the skin and pass through the dermis, whereas mandelic acid cannot. You’ll also find that more skin types tolerate mandelic acid than glycolic acid.
However, the percentage of acid also determines its strength. The easiest way to judge the strength of an active ingredient in a formula is to look at the acid’s position in the ingredients list. If it appears in the top 5, it ensures its active percentage in the formula.
There are more details on using mandelic acid and glycolic acid together. Find us on Instagram if you have any other questions.