I always find it interesting when certain ingredients get the spotlight. Mandelic acid does have its time to shine, but it’s an ingredient that’s always here to stay. Mandelic acid, also known as the new hyaluronic acid, is an ingredient we’re all obsessed with, but with the interest come questions. That’s exactly the question we want to answer in today’s blog post. So stay tuned as we learn how often to use mandelic acid and what effects you can expect on your skin.
If you still don’t fully understand mandelic acid and its effects on the skin, don’t worry. I will summarize briefly. If you are familiar with this popular powerhouse, you can skip this part.
What is mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid, extracted from bitter almonds, belongs to the alpha hydroxy acid family, also known as AHA. These are a collection of exfoliating acids that come in varying strengths and work primarily on the outer surface of the skin.
Mandelic acid can help relieve skin problems such as acne and hyperpigmentation, and improve fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.
It is known to be very gentle on the skin, even milder than lactic acid, so it is known as an acid suitable for dry and sensitive skin types.
Mandelic acid is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, because it penetrates the skin more slowly, resulting in less irritation.
Contains antibacterial properties, which means it fights acne and regulates sebum production. This results in pores becoming unclogged and inflammation reduced, resulting in fewer breakouts.
By stimulating the skin’s collagen, mandelic acid can help treat melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and dark spots caused by sun damage.
By removing the outer layer of dead skin cells and built-up impurities, skin texture becomes smoother and skin feels firmer.
You can learn more about mandelic acid at our Skin School. Now that we’ve briefly reviewed it, let’s take a closer look at this clever AHA.
Can Mandelic Acid be used every day?
Yes, you can, but only if your skin is happy with the use. Mandelic acid is gentle on the skin, but everyone is different and it really depends on how your skin responds to AHAs and other exfoliating skin ingredients. If you have a sensitive skin type, the best way to incorporate mandelic acid into your daily routine is slowly. Try using it once a day in the evening. Remember to do a 24-hour patch test before applying to your face. This will help you understand how your skin reacts and build its tolerance over time without worrying about irritation.
Don’t forget that mandelic acid exfoliates the skin, causing it to become increasingly sensitive to sun exposure. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day to prevent free radicals and further skin damage is essential for healthy skin.
How often should I use mandelic acid on my face?
As I’ve already suggested, a lot depends on how your skin reacts to acid. If you have incorporated mandelic acid into your skin care routine correctly, you will find that you won’t have any problems or concerns using mandelic acid twice daily.
However, I recommend paying close attention to how your skin feels and reacts to each new product or formula. If skin redness, irritation, flaking, dryness, and itching increase, it’s a clear indication that you need to stop using the product. Adverse effects of mandelic acid are rare and are nothing to worry about.
I’ve mentioned this before, but make sure you wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen must always be applied even on rainy and cloudy days. This means the skin is protected from damage from ultraviolet rays, especially UVA. Unlike UVB, this radiation is always present and can penetrate clouds, water and glass.
Alternatively, many people tend to forego using mandelic acid in their evening routine. This means the acid can work on the skin undisturbed while you enjoy your beauty sleep. But you’ll also find that this eliminates the worry or risk of overexposure to harmful UV rays.
How long does mandelic acid stay?
Ideally, you should leave mandelic acid products on your skin for about 20 minutes before applying other products. This may seem like a long time, but since mandelic acid penetrates the skin more slowly, it takes longer to reach the desired area.
This can change slightly depending on the formula you use that contains mandelic acid. The most commonly used products are usually exfoliating toners and serums. Both products stay on the skin for different amounts of time, which determines how long you need to wait before continuing with your skin care routine. Keeping this in mind is also useful in finding the best product formulas for your skin type. For example, exfoliating toners are best for people with dry and sensitive skin because the toner doesn’t stay on the skin for long.
What not to mix with mandelic acid?
You should avoid using mandelic acid with other alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and the popular anti-aging ingredient retinol. However, this does not mean that mandelic acid cannot be used with other active ingredients. Here are some examples of how acids can affect your skin.
First, you’ll find that mandelic acid can address many skin concerns on its own, so there’s no need to combine it with other exfoliating ingredients. Secondly, you will find that some products contain a combination of different acids. These formulas are very potent and effective on the skin and can deliver impressive results when used correctly.
What should I do after using mandelic acid?
After applying mandelic acid and waiting for the active ingredients to penetrate the skin, you can apply a serum formula rich in hyaluronic acid and other moisturizing ingredients. Using moisturizing ingredients helps draw moisture into the skin and lock it in, leaving skin plump, hydrated, and healthy-looking. You can then apply it with moisture to form a protective layer on the skin’s surface, allowing active ingredients to work on the skin and limiting contact with free radicals and other environmental aggressors.