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.
