Can Mandelic Acid Be Used on Dark Skin?
Skincare can be confusing at best, but if you have a darker complexion, trying to figure out the best skincare routine can often make things worse. The main difference with darker skin tones is that they are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation due to the higher amount of melanin in the skin. The idea is that the more melanocytes there are in the skin, the more likely hyperpigmentation will occur, especially after minor superficial skin injuries.
With this in mind, we wanted to know what the best steps are to treat dark skin and help it maintain its overall health and appearance. These questions and similar ones will be answered in today’s blog post. If you want to learn more,
Stay here. In the next section, you’ll get a brief look at mandelic acid and its benefits for skin.
What is mandelic acid?
Derived from bitter almonds, it is found in a range of skincare products
Known for its gentle effects on the skin, it is suitable for all skin types
Removes dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and debris that build up on the surface of the skin
By clearing these deposits from the skin, you can eliminate signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles
Helps remove acne from the skin by unclogging the pores. This is achieved through its antibacterial properties, which help dissolve acne (also known as whiteheads and blackheads) while removing excess sebum
Best known for chemical peels, it is more easily tolerated by those with sensitive skin and darker skin tones
If you want to learn more about mandelic acid and its effects on the skin, read our dedicated blog post.
Which acids are good for dark skin?
I have already briefly discussed the best ways to treat dark skin. You need to be gentle with them due to the increased risk of developing areas of hyperpigmentation and melasma. In fact, it is believed that light skin types can tolerate more exfoliation, which can cause a lot of problems for those with dark or dark skin.
The best acids for dark skin are the mildest ones in the AHA family, such as lactic acid and mandelic acid. Both of these acids have a larger molecular size, which means they work primarily on the outer surface of the skin and rarely cause irritation, redness or swelling. This does not mean that they are not effective in treating the skin and eliminating dry, flaky patches and a dull, lackluster appearance.
Visit Beauty Insider to learn more about how these AHAs work on your skin.
How to use mandelic acid on dark skin?
Some products contain mandelic acid in their formulas. These products include cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and nourishing masks. Depending on the product you choose, this will determine when you apply it to your skin in your daily routine. To get the benefits of skincare products, you should apply them from thinnest to thickest consistency. This ensures that the active ingredients can be absorbed by the skin without affecting it and meeting the physical barrier that other thicker formulas create on the skin.
You can also combine mandelic acid with other powerful ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to enhance its effectiveness. They are rich in antioxidant properties and help strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier to protect them from damage caused by free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, central heating, and other environmental aggressors.
It is worth noting that chemical peels, even the mildest ones, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light. This is why it is important to wear a sunscreen with an SPF every day to prevent sun damage, otherwise it may cause further hyperpigmentation and melasma on the skin.
Is mandelic acid good for pigmented skin?
Yes, mandelic acid is suitable for all skin tones, especially darker skin tones, as its gentle action makes the skin feel good without being severely irritating. As I mentioned before, dark skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation than lighter skin. That’s why it’s important to spend some time looking for the most effective daily habits that contain active ingredients to keep your skin as healthy as possible. Mandelic acid has some unique properties compared to other AHAs, such as: B. Their micro-exfoliating ability. This means that mandelic acid can remove excess pigment from the surface of the skin, brightening the skin and making it more even-toned. Although it is a gentle exfoliant, it also penetrates deeper into the skin and inhibits the production of melanin. This means that areas with hyperpigmentation will not darken when exposed to UV radiation. Mandelic acid is not only effective in fighting skin discoloration, but also in fighting signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Over time, gently exfoliating will rejuvenate your complexion and make your skin plumper, firmer, rejuvenated, and healthier. The question of whether mandelic acid can whiten the skin remains unanswered. This is because mandelic acid does not exfoliate the skin sufficiently, which can affect the skin’s
pigmentation. With continued use, you’ll notice a more even skin tone, a visibly reversed appearance of existing sun spots, melasma, acne scars, and age spots, and the acid will prevent further skin damage.
Although I describe mandelic acid as one of the gentlest alpha hydroxy acids, you’ll note that it’s still an acid, and everyone’s skin is different. Therefore, it’s important to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to ensure you’re incorporating the best, most effective ingredients into your daily skincare routine. If you have any other skin care questions, find one of our experts on our Instagram.
