Can I use mandelic acid and retinol together?
There are a few blog posts dedicated to discussing the best ways to apply ingredients to your skin to achieve your skin goals. However, there are some powerful, potent ones that you should avoid to avoid the risk of irritation and negative effects.
Yes, the truth is, you can have too much of a good thing. With that in mind, we’ll look at how both ingredients work on the skin and answer the question of whether you can use mandelic acid and retinol together.
What is mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid is extracted from bitter almonds and is a chemical peel that belongs to the AHA family.
Mandelic acid is considered one of the gentlest exfoliants and can be used by people with sensitive skin because its larger molecular size prevents it from penetrating too deeply into the skin and causing irritation.
It has been shown to visibly reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots, sun damage, and other areas of uneven skin tone.
Can help control acne breakouts, open pores, dissolve blackheads, and regulate sebum production.
By clearing dead skin cells from the skin, mandelic acid can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin appears firmer and more elastic.
When used correctly within your existing skincare routine, it works very well with other ingredients (more on this later).
Learn more about mandelic acid in our dedicated blog post.
What is retinol?
A powerful form of vitamin A with a variety of derivatives found in a number of different products, from prescription to over-the-counter.
Speeds up the rate of skin’s natural cell turnover, sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more youthful, radiant complexion.
Smaller molecular size means it can penetrate further beneath the epidermis (the outer surface of the skin) and into the dermis.
Boosts collagen and elastin production for a plumper, firmer, more youthful complexion.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores.
Fights signs of sun damage and hyperpigmentation and ensures an overall even skin tone.
There’s a lot more to know about retinol, so read our blog post for more information.
Now that we’ve had a little refresher on these powerful ingredients, let’s move on to answering some questions about using mandelic acid and retinol.
What Not to Mix with Mandelic Acid?
As I mentioned in the previous section, mandelic acid is one of the milder AHAs, which means it’s perfect for people with sensitive skin. As gentle as it may be, it’s still a chemical peel and still a peel that shouldn’t be combined with other active ingredients that produce similar effects. This also applies to using retinol with mandelic acid, as retinol’s high potency can increase the risk of facial irritation and adverse reactions.
This is because exfoliating too often can strip your skin of the important oils and moisture it needs to stay healthy. Since the skin’s lipid barrier is starved of sebum, the skin would feel uncomfortable producing too much oil. However, this isn’t true, as too much sebum can lead to acne breakouts like pimples, blackheads, and other zits.
Over time, this can lead to a vicious cycle. To keep your skin balanced and in its healthiest state, here are some ways to use mandelic acid and other active ingredients without unwanted side effects.
Alternate your acids. If your skincare routine includes more than one acid, choose different formulas for your routine. Not only will you avoid the risk of irritation, but your skin will also look radiant and renewed.
Use different acids in different routines. For example, use a product containing mandelic acid during the day, then use retinol in your evening skincare routine.
Allow about 10 to 15 minutes between each application so that the skin has enough time to rebalance its pH and prepare for the next step in your routine.
There are examples of how mandelic acid can be combined with other acids and retinol. As with all skin ingredients, I recommend consulting a doctor or medical professional to ensure that the formula can provide the expected results.
Can acids and retinol be used together?
Yes, they can, but only if they are applied to the skin correctly. Some studies have shown that using AHAs and BHAs with retinol can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of each ingredient. This does not mean that these powerful ingredients should not be included in your skincare routine. Instead, focus on using them during the most effective phases of your routine, as described in the previous section.
If you use AHAs and retinols in your skincare routine, you’ll also find it important to combine these actives with other moisturizing actives like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and more, all of which nourish and help hold moisture in to bind the skin.
Can I use mandelic acid every day?
Yes, you can if you use a product with a low acid content to avoid over-irritating the skin. You’ll also find that you can use mandelic acid twice a day, especially when it’s included in a cleanser or face wash, as they contain a small amount of acid and the product must be rinsed off the skin.
Face washes have a shorter exposure time on the skin, which can avoid side effects and irritation, making them a suitable product for daily use. However, this doesn’t mean you can skip using an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day to ensure your skin is fully protected from UV rays. If you want to use products like serums and face oils that have a higher acid content, you’ll need to test your skin’s tolerance and use the product every other day to avoid irritation.
Here are some examples of using mandelic acid and retinol together. Don’t forget to visit us on Instagram if you have any additional questions.
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.
