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Professional Mandelic Acid Peels
Mandelic Acid Peels For Estheticians
Skin problems like acne, blemishes, and aging are now the target of different active ingredients in skincare products available in the market. With all the products around, you need to know what these can do for your skin first before you try them out.
Here, we will be discussing professional mandelic acid peels. You will know if you need this product for your skin concerns, as well as other essential facts about it.
What Is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid is considered a powerful facial exfoliator that is very gentle on the face. This natural chemical that as a peeling agent when applied to the skin correctly. Essentially, this product increases the speed of the cell turnover on the skin. It can interact with the tiny bonds between your dead skin cells and the healthy skin surface, making it effective as an exfoliator of dead cells.
However, because of the effect of mandelic acid on the skin, some professional training can help ensure that it is used correctly to minimize the harmful effects to the skin.
Where Does Mandelic Acid Come From?
Bitter almonds are a rich source of a specific alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA. Mandelic acid's chemical composition is composed of those acids. Aside from bitter almonds, other foods like citrus fruits, tomato juice, and grapes naturally contain AHA.
Is Mandelic Acid an AHA Or BHA?
Mandelic acid belongs to the AHA classification. These alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs are naturally extracted compounds from some fruits, while other companies can now produce them synthetically.
AHAs are skincare ingredients popularly known as exfoliators. Other AHAs aside from mandelic acid are lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and malic acid.
What Is Mandelic Serum Used For?
The primary uses of mandelic serum include lightening the complexion and reducing imperfections. Mandelic acid became quite a popular skincare product because it is compatible with all skin types. So whether your skin type is dry, oil, or a combination, mandelic serum can reduce your dark spots, reduce acne, and provide a better skin tone and texture!
What Are The Benefits Of Mandelic Acid?
As we noted, mandelic acid is an excellent ingredient for exfoliating the skin. The benefit of mandelic acid is its gentleness to the skin. Usually, exfoliation can dry the skin and even cause irritation. Fortunately, the gentle mandelic acid will not give you these problems.
Also, mandelic acid is a very small molecule that easily penetrates the surface of the skin. Expect to have almost no risk of irritation. Similarly, expect to feel more hydrated because mandelic acid will not strip off the moisture from your skin as it exfoliates.
Another benefit of mandelic acid is that it helps prevent acne. This chemical can remove dead skins cells that cause clogged pores and eventually form acne breakouts.
AHAs like mandelic acid can help your skin naturally produce more collagen. When your skin has more collagen, your skin stays firm. Since the body's collagen production declines as you grow older, mandelic acids become an essential adjunct to boost your collagen!
Is Mandelic Acid Safe?
Mandelic acid is one of the safest chemical exfoliants. This chemical does not produce harmful effects on the skin. On the contrary, it is even beneficial for the skin because it exfoliates well without leaving you with inflammation or hyperpigmentation.
What Not To Use With Mandelic Acid?
Stacking exfoliators on top of one another is not the best practice for your skin. When using mandelic acid, discontinue other exfoliating products like facial scrubs or retinoids. Even if mandelic acid is a gentle exfoliant, it will cause skin irritation if you use multiple exfoliating products at once.
Mandelic Acid Products
Mandelic acid's benefits and minimal side effects made it a common ingredient in different skincare products. Here are some mandelic acids products that you can try yourself.
Mandelic Acid Lotion
Lotions are the easiest skincare product to apply. If you want a mandelic acid lotion, you can try Naturium's Mandelic Topical Acid with a 12% concentration. It gives you the same benefits as mandelic acid. Also, you get a powerful but non-irritating lotion for your skin.
Mandelic Acid Serums
Serums are on the more concentrated side of skin care products because they are packed with vital ingredients that benefit the skin. The Rosacea Care Serum contains a great combination of mandelic acid, vitamin K, and green tea extract. This will help reduce skin redness and keep your skin's complexion light.
The Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum, a product of Allies of Skin, is another mandelic acid serum that targets hyperpigmentation.
Mandelic Acid Toners
If you prefer a lighter skincare product, toners are your best option. Toners are formulated to target a particular skin concern. For example, the Pore Minimizing Tonic can help keep stubborn pores at bay. This product has different AHAs in it, including mandelic acid. It prevents oil production in the pores and keeps the skin looking more rejuvenated.
Mandelic Acid Peel
A top product of Naturopathica is their Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel. This peel contains organic cherry purée with natural fruit acids like mandelic acid. It removes your facial dirt while smoothening your skin.
Mandelic Acid Exfoliator
Mandelic acid is an ingredient mainly used for exfoliating the skin. This can be done both as an at-home product like skincare items or a professionally applied regimen.
A popular mandelic acid exfoliator is the PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment. This product is a gentle exfoliator that can be safely used at home. To be on the safe side, only use an at-home exfoliator once a week to prevent over-drying the skin.
Mandelic Acid Pads
Mandelic acid pads are on the more convenient side because these are products that come in gauze-like pads already infused with the active ingredient. You can check the Mandelic Acid 5+ Retexturing Pads. These address skin concerns by gently exfoliating and brightening your skin.
Mandelic Acid Cleanser
Your skin needs the best cleanser to provide you with a clean and glowing complexion. The AHA Refining Acid Wash from HoliFrog is an example of a mandelic acid cleanser. It can smoothen your skin while removing dirt and gunk. But the best thing about this cleanser is its hydrating formulation.
Mandelic Acid Powder
A unique mandelic acid product is the mandelic acid powder. This can be purchased with up to 99.9% purity. So, expect this to be a very pure form of mandelic acid! It can be incorporated with other skincare products like serums, peels, masks, or moisturizers to help you boost its effects with mandelic acid's benefits.
Mandelic Acid Uses
Using something acidic as a skincare product can be a difficult idea to comprehend before. But now, we know that acids like mandelic acid have many benefits for the skin. Mandelic acid can be applied to you professionally or used at your skincare routine because it gives you the following uses:
Mandelic Acid For Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration is a common condition. Usually, this may be an aesthetic issue for some people because it has varying degrees of pigmentation ranging from dark grey to brown.
Mandelic acid addresses this problem! Mandelic acid has been demonstrated to diminish the discoloration by up to 50% in four weeks, giving you a more even-toned complexion.
Mandelic Acid For Acne
To take care of acne, you need to know its root causes. The common triggers of acne are oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells. With mandelic acid's sebum regulation and its antimicrobial effect, acne breakouts can be significantly minimized.
In a previous study, a chemical acid infused with 45% mandelic acid was proven to work on mild to moderate acne while leaving you with very little chance of side effects.
Mandelic Acid For Acne Scars
The problem with acne does not stop with calming down the breakouts. It would be best if acne scars were also managed. It's good that mandelic acid can exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells. Because of this, it can lighten and soothe acne scars until it heals.
Mandelic Acid For Rosacea
Mandelic acid can also heal the redness and inflammation of people with rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition that makes you feel a burning and stinging sensation. With more sensitive skin, mandelic acid is a powerful but gentle choice of skincare. It can help calm your rosacea to tone down the redness and inflammation.
Mandelic Acid For Melasma
Unwanted spots can be lightened with mandelic acid. Hyperpigmentation like melasma is often seen as dark brown or greyish spots on the face. Melasma can be seen as sunspots, age spots, and discolored acne scars. Either way, melasma is an esthetic concern that many people would like to get rid of.
Using mandelic acid properly can reduce your melasma as you can clearly see your complexion lighten and even out in as early as four weeks.
Mandelic Acid For Blackheads
If you have difficulty dealing with your persistent blackheads, mandelic acid is here to help. Blackheads are a tamed version of acne. They are similar to acne in that they look like bumps because of trapped oil and dead skin under your pores. Exfoliate and soothe your skin with mandelic acid, and you can immediately feel the difference.
Mandelic Acid For Fungal Acne
Surprisingly, fungi and yeast always live on our skin. So, when the balance of the face is disrupted, it is very easy for these microorganisms to wreak havoc. One example is fungal acne. The trapped sebum in your pores promotes the formation of these bumps.
You need a natural exfoliant to clear the sebum trapped under your pores. Given its powerful exfoliation and soothing effect, Mandelic acid is best for this task.
Mandelic Acid For Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a fungal infection affecting your hair follicles. You can inadvertently damage your skin and cause microorganisms like fungi to proliferate as you constantly shave. You can use mandelic acid cleansers or body wash to help you deal with folliculitis. Those pesky shaving bumps can be smoothened with this incredible ingredient.
Mandelic Acid Alternatives
Mandelic acid is just one of the many AHAs or acids used to treat several skin issues. Different skins need different products to address individual concerns. And, what may work on another person's skin may not necessarily be the best for you as well. A simple guide between the different alternatives to mandelic acid can give you a better idea of what choices you have!
Mandelic Acid Vs. Lactic Acid
Mandelic acid and lactic acid are both famous acids used in skincare. When these are used, they give virtually the same skin benefits. However, caution is given to those with sensitive skin. Results of studies show that mandelic acid is the best for sensitive skin because it will not give you adverse reactions, unlike lactic acid.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Glycolic Acid
We know how well mandelic acid exfoliates. But glycolic acid is best at preventing skin aging. Both are AHAs that can be used safely on the skin during home care or professional application.
Glycolic acid is also the AHA with the smallest particle size. So expect that it quickly penetrates the skin, which boosts its effectiveness as an anti-aging product, along with exfoliation and complexion brightening.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Salicylic Acid
Both mandelic acid and salicylic acid are famous for skin exfoliation and clearing clogged pores. But with salicylic acid, the benefit of exfoliation is combined with its anti-inflammatory property. Several products like serums and cleansers contain 0.5% to 2% salicylic acid to help manage acne breakouts and dark spots.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Retinol
The mandelic-acid-plus-retinol combination should be avoided if you want to prevent skin irritation. But on their own, they work very well with giving you a better complexion. Retinol, or Vitamin A, is used as a prescription medication or over-the-counter skincare item. This is an option that can safely prevent acne and slow down aging.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Azelaic Acid
Pesky acne is often aided with the benefits given by azelaic acid. Compared to mandelic acid, azelaic acid is more effective in treating moderate acne. Because of the potency of the latter, it is better used if prescribed by a dermatologist.
Moreover, the potency of azelaic acid can be felt by most sensitive skins as a stinging sensation accompanied by peeling and redness of the skin.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a Vitamin B3 compound that helps protect your skin from environmental damage. Generally, this helps your skin by minimizing the appearance of pores, regulating sebum, and keeping your skin moisturized.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only a popular ingested vitamin supplement. This vitamin is also a skincare ingredient known for preventing skin aging. Vitamin C is an acid that is best recommended to mature skin because it slows down aging. Similarly, it can fade skin pigmentation given the correct usage.
Mandelic Acid Vs. BHA
BHAs refer to beta-hydroxyl acid. These are a type of ingredient extracted from tropic acid or willow bark extract. When BHA is mentioned, it refers to an umbrella term for different skincare ingredients. For instance, the most common BHA is salicylic acid.
On the other hand, mandelic acid is an AHA. So, there are many differences between mandelic acid and BHAs. The BHA is an oil-soluble acid best suited for oily and sensitive skin. This penetrates deep into your pores to exert its benefits.
How Do You Use Mandelic Acid Serum?
By now, you already know most of the details to convince you that mandelic acid is a vital skincare active ingredient. Even if an active ingredient is effective, it can only be effective if you use it properly!
You can apply mandelic acid every night as part of your routine. It is best applied after you cleansed and moisturized your skin.
Aside from making it a nightly routine, you can opt to have it professionally applied. The best advantage of this is that you get to maximize its use because you are sure that the correct concentration is applied perfectly.
Mandelic Serum Benefits
The mandelic acid serum is a good component for effectively exfoliating the skin. There is basically no chance of being irritated. Similarly, because mandelic acid does not remove moisture from your skin when it exfoliates, you should expect to feel more moisturized rather than being dry and flaky.
Mandelic acid can also prevent acne. This chemical can help exfoliate dead skin cells that block pores and trigger acne outbreaks.
AHAs like mandelic acid can aid in the natural production of collagen in your skin. When your skin contains more collagen, it remains firm. Because your body's collagen synthesis slows as you age, mandelic acids become an important supplement to help you improve your collagen!
Mandelic Acid Serum Side Effects
The skin will feel sensitive just after using mandelic acid. It may also become dry, flaky, and reddish in appearance. The skin usually takes two to three days to fully recover. It's also crucial to avoid sun exposure, scrubs, and harsh cleaning products during this period.
Also, keep in mind that adverse effects will increase in over-using an acid like mandelic acid. Just use the correct amount in the right frequency to help you avoid these side effects. Another option is to seek professional support. You can choose to get mandelic acid professionally applied by reputable spas and trained estheticians.
Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Salicylic Acid?
Mandelic acid is effective on its own, but for optimum exfoliation and hydration, it's frequently coupled with salicylic acid. While salicylic acid is well-known for its efficacy in acne prevention and treatment, it doesn't have to do all of the work. In some cases, combining these two acids is the most effective strategy to treat acne.
Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Retinol?
In contrast with the previous example, mandelic acid is not supposed to be used with retinol. Your skin will be overloaded with too much exfoliators such that its effects become more harmful than beneficial!
Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Niacinamide?
You can use mandelic acid with niacinamide in the same skincare routine. When used, apply mandelic acid first before niacinamide. Take extra caution and begin testing the products first at low concentrations with this combination.
Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Vitamin C?
Mandelic acid and Vitamin C can be another excellent combination. The peptides and antioxidants from the mix will help the skin become more rejuvenated and will not increase the risk of getting skin irritation.
Can Mandelic Acid Be Used Daily?
Mandelic acid can be used daily. It is recommended to use it once during your evening skincare routine. Avoid using it more than once a day to prevent overburdening your skin with too much exfoliant.
You can start using mandelic acid once a day with low concentration. Modulate the frequency and concentration to suit your comfort, depending on how your skin reacts.
Is Mandelic Acid Good For Oily Skin?
Yes, individuals with oily skin can use mandelic acid. The sebum-controlling property of mandelic acid can even help control too much oil production.
Is Mandelic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?
Mandelic acid and other AHAs do not directly interact with pregnancy and lactation. You can safely use these during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Does Mandelic Acid Cause Purging?
We mentioned that mandelic acid could help manage acne. However, it can result in purging or increased turnover of your skin cells. The clogged pores causing the acne will become more superficial due to the exfoliant. Still, expect that these can resolve in around two to three days.
Summary
Skincare ingredients are getting more and more complicated as time goes by. If you have a particular skin concern, you need to know all about these skincare ingredients to help you understand what your skin prefers.
Mandelic acid is one of the popular AHAs used in home skincare routines and professional applications. Now, you know how valuable this is in keeping away acne and hyperpigmentation because of its exfoliation effect!
Similar to any other product, less is more. Try to know if your skin will like mandelic acid first by doing a patch test with a low mandelic acid concentration. This way, you can gauge if your skin would love the acid! Another option for you is to get them professionally applied. Professional application of mandelic acid uses a higher concentration of the product. But rest assured that you will be safe because trained estheticians will help you discover what is suitable for your skin!
References
https://www.zwivel.com/blog/mandelic-acid-peels/
https://deepscience.co/mandelic-acid-peel/
https://www.byrdie.com/mandelic-acid-peels#toc-how-to-use-it
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/skin/a34596776/mandelic-acid/
https://www.healthline.com/health/mandelic-acid#vs-glycolic-acid
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/mandelic-acid-benefits
https://learn.artofskincare.com/the-uses-and-benefits-of-mandelic-acid/
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/face-acids-types-anti-aging#where-to-start
Skin problems like acne, blemishes, and aging are now the target of different active ingredients in skincare products available in the market. With all the products around, you need to know what these can do for your skin first before you try them out.
Here, we will be discussing professional mandelic acid peels. You will know if you need this product for your skin concerns, as well as other essential facts about it.
What Is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid is considered a powerful facial exfoliator that is very gentle on the face. This natural chemical that as a peeling agent when applied to the skin correctly. Essentially, this product increases the speed of the cell turnover on the skin. It can interact with the tiny bonds between your dead skin cells and the healthy skin surface, making it effective as an exfoliator of dead cells.
However, because of the effect of mandelic acid on the skin, some professional training can help ensure that it is used correctly to minimize the harmful effects to the skin.
Where Does Mandelic Acid Come From?
Bitter almonds are a rich source of a specific alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA. Mandelic acid's chemical composition is composed of those acids. Aside from bitter almonds, other foods like citrus fruits, tomato juice, and grapes naturally contain AHA.
Is Mandelic Acid an AHA Or BHA?
Mandelic acid belongs to the AHA classification. These alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs are naturally extracted compounds from some fruits, while other companies can now produce them synthetically.
AHAs are skincare ingredients popularly known as exfoliators. Other AHAs aside from mandelic acid are lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and malic acid.
What Is Mandelic Serum Used For?
The primary uses of mandelic serum include lightening the complexion and reducing imperfections. Mandelic acid became quite a popular skincare product because it is compatible with all skin types. So whether your skin type is dry, oil, or a combination, mandelic serum can reduce your dark spots, reduce acne, and provide a better skin tone and texture!
What Are The Benefits Of Mandelic Acid?
As we noted, mandelic acid is an excellent ingredient for exfoliating the skin. The benefit of mandelic acid is its gentleness to the skin. Usually, exfoliation can dry the skin and even cause irritation. Fortunately, the gentle mandelic acid will not give you these problems.
Also, mandelic acid is a very small molecule that easily penetrates the surface of the skin. Expect to have almost no risk of irritation. Similarly, expect to feel more hydrated because mandelic acid will not strip off the moisture from your skin as it exfoliates.
Another benefit of mandelic acid is that it helps prevent acne. This chemical can remove dead skins cells that cause clogged pores and eventually form acne breakouts.
AHAs like mandelic acid can help your skin naturally produce more collagen. When your skin has more collagen, your skin stays firm. Since the body's collagen production declines as you grow older, mandelic acids become an essential adjunct to boost your collagen!
Is Mandelic Acid Safe?
Mandelic acid is one of the safest chemical exfoliants. This chemical does not produce harmful effects on the skin. On the contrary, it is even beneficial for the skin because it exfoliates well without leaving you with inflammation or hyperpigmentation.
What Not To Use With Mandelic Acid?
Stacking exfoliators on top of one another is not the best practice for your skin. When using mandelic acid, discontinue other exfoliating products like facial scrubs or retinoids. Even if mandelic acid is a gentle exfoliant, it will cause skin irritation if you use multiple exfoliating products at once.
Mandelic Acid Products
Mandelic acid's benefits and minimal side effects made it a common ingredient in different skincare products. Here are some mandelic acids products that you can try yourself.
Mandelic Acid Lotion
Lotions are the easiest skincare product to apply. If you want a mandelic acid lotion, you can try Naturium's Mandelic Topical Acid with a 12% concentration. It gives you the same benefits as mandelic acid. Also, you get a powerful but non-irritating lotion for your skin.
Mandelic Acid Serums
Serums are on the more concentrated side of skin care products because they are packed with vital ingredients that benefit the skin. The Rosacea Care Serum contains a great combination of mandelic acid, vitamin K, and green tea extract. This will help reduce skin redness and keep your skin's complexion light.
The Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum, a product of Allies of Skin, is another mandelic acid serum that targets hyperpigmentation.
Mandelic Acid Toners
If you prefer a lighter skincare product, toners are your best option. Toners are formulated to target a particular skin concern. For example, the Pore Minimizing Tonic can help keep stubborn pores at bay. This product has different AHAs in it, including mandelic acid. It prevents oil production in the pores and keeps the skin looking more rejuvenated.
Mandelic Acid Peel
A top product of Naturopathica is their Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel. This peel contains organic cherry purée with natural fruit acids like mandelic acid. It removes your facial dirt while smoothening your skin.
Mandelic Acid Exfoliator
Mandelic acid is an ingredient mainly used for exfoliating the skin. This can be done both as an at-home product like skincare items or a professionally applied regimen.
A popular mandelic acid exfoliator is the PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment. This product is a gentle exfoliator that can be safely used at home. To be on the safe side, only use an at-home exfoliator once a week to prevent over-drying the skin.
Mandelic Acid Pads
Mandelic acid pads are on the more convenient side because these are products that come in gauze-like pads already infused with the active ingredient. You can check the Mandelic Acid 5+ Retexturing Pads. These address skin concerns by gently exfoliating and brightening your skin.
Mandelic Acid Cleanser
Your skin needs the best cleanser to provide you with a clean and glowing complexion. The AHA Refining Acid Wash from HoliFrog is an example of a mandelic acid cleanser. It can smoothen your skin while removing dirt and gunk. But the best thing about this cleanser is its hydrating formulation.
Mandelic Acid Powder
A unique mandelic acid product is the mandelic acid powder. This can be purchased with up to 99.9% purity. So, expect this to be a very pure form of mandelic acid! It can be incorporated with other skincare products like serums, peels, masks, or moisturizers to help you boost its effects with mandelic acid's benefits.
Mandelic Acid Uses
Using something acidic as a skincare product can be a difficult idea to comprehend before. But now, we know that acids like mandelic acid have many benefits for the skin. Mandelic acid can be applied to you professionally or used at your skincare routine because it gives you the following uses:
Mandelic Acid For Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration is a common condition. Usually, this may be an aesthetic issue for some people because it has varying degrees of pigmentation ranging from dark grey to brown.
Mandelic acid addresses this problem! Mandelic acid has been demonstrated to diminish the discoloration by up to 50% in four weeks, giving you a more even-toned complexion.
Mandelic Acid For Acne
To take care of acne, you need to know its root causes. The common triggers of acne are oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells. With mandelic acid's sebum regulation and its antimicrobial effect, acne breakouts can be significantly minimized.
In a previous study, a chemical acid infused with 45% mandelic acid was proven to work on mild to moderate acne while leaving you with very little chance of side effects.
Mandelic Acid For Acne Scars
The problem with acne does not stop with calming down the breakouts. It would be best if acne scars were also managed. It's good that mandelic acid can exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells. Because of this, it can lighten and soothe acne scars until it heals.
Mandelic Acid For Rosacea
Mandelic acid can also heal the redness and inflammation of people with rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition that makes you feel a burning and stinging sensation. With more sensitive skin, mandelic acid is a powerful but gentle choice of skincare. It can help calm your rosacea to tone down the redness and inflammation.
Mandelic Acid For Melasma
Unwanted spots can be lightened with mandelic acid. Hyperpigmentation like melasma is often seen as dark brown or greyish spots on the face. Melasma can be seen as sunspots, age spots, and discolored acne scars. Either way, melasma is an esthetic concern that many people would like to get rid of.
Using mandelic acid properly can reduce your melasma as you can clearly see your complexion lighten and even out in as early as four weeks.
Mandelic Acid For Blackheads
If you have difficulty dealing with your persistent blackheads, mandelic acid is here to help. Blackheads are a tamed version of acne. They are similar to acne in that they look like bumps because of trapped oil and dead skin under your pores. Exfoliate and soothe your skin with mandelic acid, and you can immediately feel the difference.
Mandelic Acid For Fungal Acne
Surprisingly, fungi and yeast always live on our skin. So, when the balance of the face is disrupted, it is very easy for these microorganisms to wreak havoc. One example is fungal acne. The trapped sebum in your pores promotes the formation of these bumps.
You need a natural exfoliant to clear the sebum trapped under your pores. Given its powerful exfoliation and soothing effect, Mandelic acid is best for this task.
Mandelic Acid For Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a fungal infection affecting your hair follicles. You can inadvertently damage your skin and cause microorganisms like fungi to proliferate as you constantly shave. You can use mandelic acid cleansers or body wash to help you deal with folliculitis. Those pesky shaving bumps can be smoothened with this incredible ingredient.
Mandelic Acid Alternatives
Mandelic acid is just one of the many AHAs or acids used to treat several skin issues. Different skins need different products to address individual concerns. And, what may work on another person's skin may not necessarily be the best for you as well. A simple guide between the different alternatives to mandelic acid can give you a better idea of what choices you have!
Mandelic Acid Vs. Lactic Acid
Mandelic acid and lactic acid are both famous acids used in skincare. When these are used, they give virtually the same skin benefits. However, caution is given to those with sensitive skin. Results of studies show that mandelic acid is the best for sensitive skin because it will not give you adverse reactions, unlike lactic acid.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Glycolic Acid
We know how well mandelic acid exfoliates. But glycolic acid is best at preventing skin aging. Both are AHAs that can be used safely on the skin during home care or professional application.
Glycolic acid is also the AHA with the smallest particle size. So expect that it quickly penetrates the skin, which boosts its effectiveness as an anti-aging product, along with exfoliation and complexion brightening.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Salicylic Acid
Both mandelic acid and salicylic acid are famous for skin exfoliation and clearing clogged pores. But with salicylic acid, the benefit of exfoliation is combined with its anti-inflammatory property. Several products like serums and cleansers contain 0.5% to 2% salicylic acid to help manage acne breakouts and dark spots.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Retinol
The mandelic-acid-plus-retinol combination should be avoided if you want to prevent skin irritation. But on their own, they work very well with giving you a better complexion. Retinol, or Vitamin A, is used as a prescription medication or over-the-counter skincare item. This is an option that can safely prevent acne and slow down aging.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Azelaic Acid
Pesky acne is often aided with the benefits given by azelaic acid. Compared to mandelic acid, azelaic acid is more effective in treating moderate acne. Because of the potency of the latter, it is better used if prescribed by a dermatologist.
Moreover, the potency of azelaic acid can be felt by most sensitive skins as a stinging sensation accompanied by peeling and redness of the skin.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a Vitamin B3 compound that helps protect your skin from environmental damage. Generally, this helps your skin by minimizing the appearance of pores, regulating sebum, and keeping your skin moisturized.
Mandelic Acid Vs. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only a popular ingested vitamin supplement. This vitamin is also a skincare ingredient known for preventing skin aging. Vitamin C is an acid that is best recommended to mature skin because it slows down aging. Similarly, it can fade skin pigmentation given the correct usage.
Mandelic Acid Vs. BHA
BHAs refer to beta-hydroxyl acid. These are a type of ingredient extracted from tropic acid or willow bark extract. When BHA is mentioned, it refers to an umbrella term for different skincare ingredients. For instance, the most common BHA is salicylic acid.
On the other hand, mandelic acid is an AHA. So, there are many differences between mandelic acid and BHAs. The BHA is an oil-soluble acid best suited for oily and sensitive skin. This penetrates deep into your pores to exert its benefits.
How Do You Use Mandelic Acid Serum?
By now, you already know most of the details to convince you that mandelic acid is a vital skincare active ingredient. Even if an active ingredient is effective, it can only be effective if you use it properly!
You can apply mandelic acid every night as part of your routine. It is best applied after you cleansed and moisturized your skin.
Aside from making it a nightly routine, you can opt to have it professionally applied. The best advantage of this is that you get to maximize its use because you are sure that the correct concentration is applied perfectly.
Mandelic Serum Benefits
The mandelic acid serum is a good component for effectively exfoliating the skin. There is basically no chance of being irritated. Similarly, because mandelic acid does not remove moisture from your skin when it exfoliates, you should expect to feel more moisturized rather than being dry and flaky.
Mandelic acid can also prevent acne. This chemical can help exfoliate dead skin cells that block pores and trigger acne outbreaks.
AHAs like mandelic acid can aid in the natural production of collagen in your skin. When your skin contains more collagen, it remains firm. Because your body's collagen synthesis slows as you age, mandelic acids become an important supplement to help you improve your collagen!
Mandelic Acid Serum Side Effects
The skin will feel sensitive just after using mandelic acid. It may also become dry, flaky, and reddish in appearance. The skin usually takes two to three days to fully recover. It's also crucial to avoid sun exposure, scrubs, and harsh cleaning products during this period.
Also, keep in mind that adverse effects will increase in over-using an acid like mandelic acid. Just use the correct amount in the right frequency to help you avoid these side effects. Another option is to seek professional support. You can choose to get mandelic acid professionally applied by reputable spas and trained estheticians.
Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Salicylic Acid?
Mandelic acid is effective on its own, but for optimum exfoliation and hydration, it's frequently coupled with salicylic acid. While salicylic acid is well-known for its efficacy in acne prevention and treatment, it doesn't have to do all of the work. In some cases, combining these two acids is the most effective strategy to treat acne.
Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Retinol?
In contrast with the previous example, mandelic acid is not supposed to be used with retinol. Your skin will be overloaded with too much exfoliators such that its effects become more harmful than beneficial!
Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Niacinamide?
You can use mandelic acid with niacinamide in the same skincare routine. When used, apply mandelic acid first before niacinamide. Take extra caution and begin testing the products first at low concentrations with this combination.
Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Vitamin C?
Mandelic acid and Vitamin C can be another excellent combination. The peptides and antioxidants from the mix will help the skin become more rejuvenated and will not increase the risk of getting skin irritation.
Can Mandelic Acid Be Used Daily?
Mandelic acid can be used daily. It is recommended to use it once during your evening skincare routine. Avoid using it more than once a day to prevent overburdening your skin with too much exfoliant.
You can start using mandelic acid once a day with low concentration. Modulate the frequency and concentration to suit your comfort, depending on how your skin reacts.
Is Mandelic Acid Good For Oily Skin?
Yes, individuals with oily skin can use mandelic acid. The sebum-controlling property of mandelic acid can even help control too much oil production.
Is Mandelic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?
Mandelic acid and other AHAs do not directly interact with pregnancy and lactation. You can safely use these during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Does Mandelic Acid Cause Purging?
We mentioned that mandelic acid could help manage acne. However, it can result in purging or increased turnover of your skin cells. The clogged pores causing the acne will become more superficial due to the exfoliant. Still, expect that these can resolve in around two to three days.
Summary
Skincare ingredients are getting more and more complicated as time goes by. If you have a particular skin concern, you need to know all about these skincare ingredients to help you understand what your skin prefers.
Mandelic acid is one of the popular AHAs used in home skincare routines and professional applications. Now, you know how valuable this is in keeping away acne and hyperpigmentation because of its exfoliation effect!
Similar to any other product, less is more. Try to know if your skin will like mandelic acid first by doing a patch test with a low mandelic acid concentration. This way, you can gauge if your skin would love the acid! Another option for you is to get them professionally applied. Professional application of mandelic acid uses a higher concentration of the product. But rest assured that you will be safe because trained estheticians will help you discover what is suitable for your skin!
References
https://www.zwivel.com/blog/mandelic-acid-peels/
https://deepscience.co/mandelic-acid-peel/
https://www.byrdie.com/mandelic-acid-peels#toc-how-to-use-it
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/skin/a34596776/mandelic-acid/
https://www.healthline.com/health/mandelic-acid#vs-glycolic-acid
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/mandelic-acid-benefits
https://learn.artofskincare.com/the-uses-and-benefits-of-mandelic-acid/
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/face-acids-types-anti-aging#where-to-start