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.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
