Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Menu
  • Home
  • Skin Care
  • Beauty
  • Health
Home
Beauty
Can I use glycolic and mandelic acids?
Beauty

Can I use glycolic and mandelic acids?

14 September 2024


Can I Use Glycolic and Mandelic Acid Together?




When it comes to using chemical peels, I explain that it can often feel overwhelming and like a mad scientist. The problem is, if you’re still trying to figure out what each acid does and what unique benefits it offers,



you’re more likely to accidentally apply it to your skin. No matter how gentle some of the ingredients in these skincare formulas are or how low in concentration, you’re still dealing with acids, and making sure to focus on




protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure and other environmental aggressors is an important part of keeping your skin healthy and happy.



Now we get into today’s blog post: Can glycolic and mandelic acids be used together? This question has been asked a lot lately, so we thought it was time to dig a little deeper and see if this




exfoliating powerhouse combo is the secret combo your skin has been waiting for? Otherwise it’s a recipe for disaster!



This next section is for those of you who need to check out the ingredients. If you want to skip the sharing part, we can too. We promise we won’t be doing any testing at the end.




What is glycolic acid?



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




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



Has a small molecule, which allows it to penetrate into the lower layers of the skin.




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



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




May help fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving a plumper, more vibrant, and more youthful complexion.



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




Due to its small molecular size, it may cause irritation to some skin types. Therefore, always consult a dermatologist before incorporating 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, you can apply it to your skin twice a day.



It works effectively alone or in combination with a complementary ingredient 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 exfoliants and skincare formulations.



It is extracted from bitter almonds and used in medicinal and over-the-counter preparations.




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


Due to its slower absorption rate, madeline is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity and redness.

However, it exfoliates the outer surface of the skin and ensures that other active ingredients can be absorbed quickly.

Helps open pores and fight breakouts without weighing down the skin too much.

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

Although mandelic acid is considered gentle, it is still recommended that it is tolerated by the skin. Therefore, introduce mandelic acid into your daily routine gradually.

If you want to learn more about mandelic acid and its benefits for the skin, read our blog on beauty insiders.

Now that we have the latest information on these powerful acids, let’s take a closer look at how to use them together and how they can benefit your complexion.

Can I take mandelic acid and glycolic acid at the same time?

Yes, you can, but not both. This is because both acids work in similar ways on the surface of the skin, and the combination of these active ingredients produces the following effects:

Itching

Minor pain

Redness

Scaling

Swelling

Pain when touched

Increased sensitivity to UV radiation

To reap the benefits of using both acids, there are the following options, which many consider to be the most effective way to treat your skin.

Option 1 – Change the formula you use every day. This will avoid over-irritating your skin. Using it in your evening routine ensures that your skin is undisturbed while you sleep and free of free radicals.

Option 2 – Make sure your skin is acid-tolerant and apply SPF 50 every day. You can use one acid in the morning and the other at night.

You can also combine these acids with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help your skin. Both help maintain the moisture levels of the skin barrier, strengthen it and protect it from free radical damage, such as that caused by UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, central heating and other environmental aggressors.

Is mandelic acid stronger than glycolic acid?

Both acids work on the skin in similar ways, but technically, glycolic acid is considered the more effective of the two due to its smaller molecule size. This allows glycolic acid to work on every layer of the skin and dermis in a way that mandelic acid cannot. You will also find that more skin types can tolerate mandelic acid than glycolic acid.

However, the acid content also determines their strength. The easiest way to judge the strength of the active ingredient in a recipe is to see where the acid is in the ingredient list. Make it in the top 5 and make sure it is an active part of the recipe.

There you will learn more about the uses of mandelic and glycolic acid. If you have any further questions, please contact us via 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.
Share
Tweet
Email
Prev Article
Next Article

Related Articles

How Often Should I use Copper Peptides?

How Often Should I use Copper Peptides?

Probiotics in Skincare – Should I Use Them?

Probiotics in Skincare – Should I Use Them?

Recent Posts

  • Skincare 101: The Right Way to Wash Your Face for Healthy, Glowing Skin
    Skincare 101: The Right Way to Wash …
    12 May 2025 0
  • Unlock the Beauty Benefits of Pumpkin: A Guide to Glowing Skin and Strong Hair
    Unlock the Beauty Benefits of Pumpkin: A …
    12 May 2025 0
  • Discover Your Perfect Skincare Routine with the Baumann Skin Type Quiz
    Discover Your Perfect Skincare Routine with the …
    12 May 2025 0
  • Managing Skin Reactions to New Skincare Products: What to Do
    Managing Skin Reactions to New Skincare Products: …
    12 May 2025 0
  • Understanding pH Balance in Skincare for Healthier, Clearer Skin
    Understanding pH Balance in Skincare for Healthier, …
    12 May 2025 0

Popular Posts

  • Skincare 101: The Right Way to Wash Your Face for Healthy, Glowing Skin
    Skincare 101: The Right Way to Wash …
    12 May 2025 0
  • Effective Ways to Minimize Enlarged Pores for Smoother Skin
    Effective Ways to Minimize Enlarged Pores for …
    14 April 2025 0
  • How Chemical Exfoliation Enhances Skin Health and Radiance
    How Chemical Exfoliation Enhances Skin Health and …
    14 April 2025 0
  • Choosing the Right Skin Serum for Your Unique Skin Type
    Choosing the Right Skin Serum for Your …
    14 April 2025 0
  • Effective Ways to Reduce Deep Wrinkles Around the Mouth
    Effective Ways to Reduce Deep Wrinkles Around …
    14 April 2025 0

Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Copyright © 2025 Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!
Theme by MyThemeShop.com

Ad Blocker Detected

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.

Refresh