Can I use mandelic acid in the winter?
When it comes to skincare routines, it’s best to use one in the summer and another in the winter. As temperatures and weather change, as well as sun exposure, seasonal changes are the way to ensure your skin stays at its healthiest.
While it may seem daunting at first, once you have a clear understanding of which ingredients to avoid and which ones to use, it becomes a simple task with maximum results. But before we get too carried away, let’s take a look at how some ingredients can affect the skin year-round and whether we should stow them away when the temperatures start to rise. Mandelic acid will be the focus of today’s blog post, and by the end of it you’ll have a better understanding of its active ingredients and whether it’s beneficial to use mandelic acid in the winter.
In the next section, we’ll explain the benefits of this smart powerhouse. So if you’re already familiar with mandelic acid and the results it provides, you can skip to the next section.
What is mandelic acid?
Extracted from bitter almonds, it belongs to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family.
Research is still ongoing to determine how effective the acid is for the skin.
It’s considered one of the gentlest acids and is often used by people with sensitive skin.
It is said to help the skin fight acne, uneven skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and signs of premature aging.
It helps speed up skin cell turnover and removes the layer of dead skin cells on the upper surface of the skin.
It boosts collagen production, ensuring that the skin appears plumper, firmer, and younger.
It regulates sebum production and reduces acne caused by skin inflammation.
It helps improve skin tone and lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and melasma.
It reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
Here are some examples of how mandelic acid works and what benefits you can expect from using it. If you want to learn more about how this ingredient works, read our blog post on how often to use mandelic acid.
When shouldn’t you use mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid is one of the gentlest acids, so you can usually combine it with other active ingredients without worrying about irritation or reactions to your skin. This also means you can use them every day.
If you want to use mandelic acid during a professional peel or treatment, you will need to stop using mandelic acid-infused products every day and instead wait until after your treatment.
Another thing you need to remember is to protect your skin from UV radiation and other oxidative damage caused by the sun, pollution, and other environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to wear an SPF sunscreen every day to adequately protect your skin from the sun and harsh climates.
Does mandelic acid cause sun sensitivity?
Yes, it can. Since mandelic acid is an exfoliant that removes the buildup of dead skin cells, mandelic acid can often lead to increased sensitivity to the sun. This sensitivity can cause a variety of issues such as stinging, burning, itching, and rashes on the surface of the skin.
To ensure that your skin is protected from further damage from free radicals and other environmental pollutants, apply SPF 30 every day. You can also use mandelic acid products at night to avoid exposure to UV rays and let the mandelic acid refresh your complexion while you catch up on your beauty sleep.
If your skin is prone to extreme sensitivity and dryness, I recommend that you seek the advice of your doctor or dermatologist before using any new products or formulas on your skin.
Is it OK to use mandelic acid every day?
Yes, you can, but only if your skin has built up a tolerance to the active ingredient. As I mentioned before, mandelic acid is one of the gentlest acid peels, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for everyone.
To start, I recommend using a low percentage formula once a day. Observing how your skin feels will also help you determine if this is the best ingredient for you. You can then apply it to your skin twice a day, and don’t forget to combine it with your daily sunscreen. If you want to use a stronger formula, you can also opt for a treatment such as: B. A facial or chemical peel performed by a professional. It usually contains a higher percentage of mandelic acid, and usually requires some rest time for the skin with a high amount of hyaluronic acid and limited sun exposure after the treatment.
Can mandelic acid be used in the summer?
Yes, you can, but as I said before, as with any acid peel, you will find that your skin becomes increasingly sensitive and can be further damaged if you don’t take the right precautions. This is why I stress the importance of using sunscreen every day, even on cloudy and overcast days. This protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays as well as other free radicals such as pollution, central heating, smoking, harsh climate and other environmental stressors on the skin.
What should not be mixed with mandelic acid?
It is recommended to avoid using any form of retinol with mandelic acid as it can over-irritate the skin. This can lead to stripping away sebum and water, which are necessary for a healthy and strong lipid barrier. If you are about to undergo a mandelic acid chemical peel, it is highly recommended that you do not use retinol products a week before the treatment as this can lead to poor results.
I hope that today I have answered some of your questions about mandelic acid and its use during the winter months. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more skincare tips, exclusive discounts and product launches.
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.
