Fortunately, many skin care products contain ingredients that address these specific concerns while improving the overall appearance of the skin. Mandelic acid is one such beneficial ingredient.
Although there isn't much research on this alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), it is gentle on the skin and may help with acne, skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and aging.
What is mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid isn’t a new or secret ingredient that we’ve never heard of before; it’s just another form of an ingredient that we know and love for its ability to make our skin look beautiful. It’s an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). AHAs benefit the skin by loosening the bonds between affected surface skin cells (called desmosomes), allowing the cells to naturally slough off, revealing fresher, brighter skin.
Mandelic acid comes from almonds. All AHAs are exfoliants (plus, they increase sun sensitivity, so sunscreen is a must-have in any AHA regimen). It’s often combined with other ingredients and functions to improve skin texture through exfoliation. What makes mandelic acid so unique is its molecular structure. It can be gentler on the skin because its molecular weight is higher than glycolic acid (another type of AHA), and it also penetrates more slowly.
What does mandelic acid do?
So what are the benefits of mandelic acid for the skin? Here are some of those benefits:
Exfoliant: Mandelic acid is a chemical exfoliant that reacts with the skin (instead of exfoliating with an abrasive brush), destroying layers of old skin cells.
Promotes cell turnover: Mandelic acid enhances cell renewal by releasing skin cells stuck to the skin's surface, reducing the appearance of skin lesions or acne.
Brightens the skin: Exfoliating skin appears brighter, and mandelic acid goes a step further, strengthening the skin so it remains radiant with continued use.
Reduces hyperpigmentation: Increased cell turnover and exfoliating properties mean the acid reduces the appearance of dark spots and sun damage.
You can also expect the benefits of a regular peel with mandelic acid, such as supporting cell turnover to tighten the skin. It is especially good for reducing pore size and brightening the skin. In the case of acne-prone skin, pores can become clogged, so mandelic acid is a good choice for cleansing the skin and softening the skin. If you have sensitive skin, a mandelic acid peel may be the best option.
How to use mandelic acid?
So what should people using mandelic acid watch out for? In other words, how do you use mandelic acid? Just like with any regular peel, avoid using retinol for at least 3-5 days. Before using mandelic acid, stop using retinol and avoid contact with acid treatments for at least two weeks beforehand. In addition, this peel should not be used on tanned or sunburned skin. Otherwise, mandelic acid is mostly safe to combine with many other products.
Since it is milder, it can be combined with other active ingredients. After using it, it is worth paying attention to avoiding any activities that cause sweating. It is best to protect yourself from the sun at this time, as your skin will be more sensitive to burns from the sun's UV rays.
Can we use mandelic acid every day?
Mandelic acid should be used as part of your nighttime skincare routine after cleansing your skin. Therefore, if you use a mandelic acid product, you can incorporate it into your day and nighttime skincare routine.