It’s easy to understand why the idea of using an acid on your skin can be scary. Things get even more complicated when the acid in question isn’t as well-known as other acids, such as glycolic and salicylic acid. Mandelic acid isn’t necessarily a new ingredient, but it’s still so niche that it’s gone unnoticed because only the truly obsessed skincare fans know about its benefits and incorporate it into their skincare routines.
Don’t worry, because if you’ve always wondered what mandelic acid is and how it can benefit your skin, the next section is for you.
What is mandelic acid? And what are its benefits for skin?
Mandelic acid is a member of the AHA family, also known as alpha hydroxy acids. She’s descended from the others because she’s considered one of the gentlest.
It’s extracted from bitter almonds and formulated in a wide range of skincare formulas.
Exfoliates the top layer of the skin, removing all the accumulated dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, debris, and other impurities.
It also penetrates deep into the pores to remove excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria that can cause blackheads and other skin imperfections.
Speeds up cell turnover and helps break down the bonds that hold skin cells together. By removing dead skin cells, the complexion appears brighter, more vibrant, and has a healthy glow.
Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, and skin feels firmer, helping to fight signs of aging, thanks to the extra boost in collagen production.
Reduces the amount of melasma on the skin, making areas of hyperpigmentation appear brighter and more even-toned.
Has antibacterial properties and the ability to regulate skin sebum production, making it an extremely useful ingredient for acne-prone skin.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of mandelic acid, read our dedicated blog post.
When shouldn’t you use mandelic acid?
Although mandelic acid is considered the gentlest of all acids, it can still cause irritation and increase the risk of allergies. To avoid this, I recommend avoiding combining mandelic acid with retinol, especially if you’re new to using both ingredients. If you plan to use mandelic acid for a chemical peel, completely avoid retinol two weeks before and one week after treatment.
You also shouldn’t apply mandelic acid to sunburned or tanned skin. This is because acids are too strong and can cause increased irritation, dryness, redness, and itching. While mandelic acid is gentle in nature, it’s best combined with a humectant like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to lock in moisture and keep your skin healthy, happy, and hydrated.
If you have concerns about using mandelic acid or any other acid, seek help from a dermatologist or other healthcare professional to avoid unwanted side effects.
Can I take mandelic acid twice a day?
Yes, in fact, most skin care experts recommend using mandelic acid twice a day. This doesn’t mean you should start using it twice a day right away, but it does recommend using it once in the evening. Once your skin develops tolerance, you can use it twice a day.
Due to the antioxidant properties of mandelic acid, when applied to the skin in the morning, it protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental influences. When you reapply mandelic acid at night, the same antioxidant properties work on the damage that has already occurred. They repair and rejuvenate the skin while fighting signs of aging, loss of firmness, sun damage, and dull complexion.
Because everyone’s skin is different, not to mention how different our skincare routines are, it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for you. So if you try mandelic acid twice a day but find it’s too much for your skin, there’s nothing wrong with not using it once a day.
Does mandelic acid cause acne?
Yes, it is possible in the initial stages of getting into a routine. Also known as a “detox,” these breakouts are a common result of using chemical peels, especially if you’ve never had a chemical peel done on your skin before.
The reason for this clearing of the skin is that the skin cell turnover is accelerated due to peeling, which clears out all the “residue” in the pores and the underlying skin is pulled out. Once impurities build up to the surface, blemishes such as blackheads, whiteheads, and active acne appear.
Clear skin can be daunting, but this is only a short-term issue as many people experience these results and clearer skin in up to two weeks. If you have other acne issues, it could be an allergic reaction. Therefore, I recommend that you stop using mandelic acid products and consult your doctor for further advice.
How should a mandelic acid routine be used?
A lot depends on which product the mandelic acid is formulated in. Because when it comes to skin care, there is a basic rule for the correct order of using products: start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest formula. For example, start with a cleanser or face wash, toner, serum, face oil, moisturizer, and end with your daily SPF sunscreen. By taking care to use these products in the correct order, you can prevent the active ingredients from competing with the physical barrier created by thicker products on the skin’s surface. There you will learn more about the daily use of mandelic acid. If you still have any questions, you can contact me through our Instagram. We look forward to seeing you
