Can I Use Glycolic and Mandelic Acid Together?

I’ve explained before that combining chemical peels can often be overwhelming and make you feel like a mad scientist. However, if you still can’t figure out what these acids do and what unique benefits they offer, then you may be applying them to your skin incorrectly. While some of these skincare formulas may be less concentrated or less concentrated, you’re still dealing with acids, so it’s important to focus on protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure and other environmental aggressors to keep it healthy and happy.

Now let’s get into today’s blog post: Can glycolic and mandelic acids be used together? This question has come up a few times recently, so we thought it was time to investigate further and find out if these exfoliating powerhouses are the secret combo your skin has been waiting for? Or a recipe for disaster!

This next section is for those of you who need a refresher on these ingredients. If you want to skip straight to the sharing section, that’s fine with us, and we promise there won’t be a quiz at the end.

What is glycolic acid?

It’s derived from sugar cane and is found in a range of skincare formulas, from exfoliating toners to serums to moisturizers.

Belongs to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family and is the most commonly used acid in this range.

Has a small molecule, ensuring it can penetrate the lower layers of the skin.

Can penetrate deep into the pores to remove excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris and impurities.

It removes the surface layer of dead skin cells to prevent the formation of blackheads, acne and other blemishes.

Can help fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a plumper, more vibrant and youthful complexion.

By removing the layer of dead skin cells, the skin becomes more receptive, allowing other active ingredients to penetrate quickly.

Due to its small molecular size, it can cause irritation to some skin types. Therefore, always consult a dermatologist before introducing this acid into your daily routine.

Suitable for people whose skin type is not too dry or prone to sensitivity.

Once you have developed a tolerance to the acid, it can be applied to the skin twice a day.

It works effectively alone or in combination with complementary ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.

Learn more about glycolic acid in our dedicated blog post.

What is mandelic acid?

A lesser known alpha hydroxy acid, but still used in professional peels and skincare formulations.

It is derived from bitter almonds and can be used in both medicinal and over-the-counter formulations.

Compared to glycolic acid, mandelic acid has a very large molecular size, making it one of the gentler acids in the AHA family.

Since mandelic acid absorbs more slowly, it is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity and redness.

It still exfoliates the outer surface of the skin and ensures that other active ingredients can absorb quickly.

Helps open pores and fight breakouts without over-stripping the skin.

Reduces pigmentation, dark spots, post-acne scars, and other areas of uneven skin tone.

While mandelic acid is considered gentle, a certain level of skin tolerance is still recommended. So, introduce mandelic acid into your routine gradually.

If you want to learn more about mandelic acid and its benefits for your skin, check out our The Beauty Insiders blog.

Now that we’ve been updated on these powerful acids, let’s take a closer look at their uses and how they can benefit your complexion.

Can I use mandelic acid and glycolic acid together?

Yes, you can, but not at the same time. This is because both acids work in similar ways on the surface of the skin, and applying these active ingredients in multiple layers can cause:

Itching

Discomfort

Redness

Scaling

Swelling

Pain when touched

Increased sensitivity to UV radiation

To reap the benefits of using both acids, many people find the following to be the most effective way to treat their skin.

Option 1: Switch your formula every day. This prevents over-irritation of the skin. Using these during your evening routine ensures they are protected from the effects of free radicals while you sleep.

Option 2: Make sure your skin has built up a tolerance to the acids and apply SPF 50 every day. You can choose to use one acid in the morning and the other in the evening.

You can also combine these acids with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help your skin. Both help maintain moisture levels in the skin barrier, strengthening and protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals such as UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, central heating and other environmental influences.

Is mandelic acid stronger than glycolic acid?

Both acids work on the skin in similar ways, but technically, glycolic acid is the stronger of the two due to its smaller molecular size. This allows glycolic acid to work at every layer of the skin and pass through the dermis, while mandelic acid cannot. You will also find that mandelic acid is tolerated by more skin types than glycolic acid.

However, the percentage of the acid also determines its strength. The easiest way to determine the strength of the active ingredient in a formula is to look at where the acid is in the ingredient list. If she is in the top five, this ensures her percentage of active in the formula.

Below are more details about using mandelic acid and glycolic acid together. If you still have any questions, visit us on Instagram.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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