Can mandelic acid be used every night?
Like other members of the alpha hydroxy acid family, mandelic acid offers many skin benefits. With so many acids to choose from, you can be sure there is one that will suit your needs. However, finding the right acid can be a challenge, given the pain of choosing.
You’ll find that AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid tend to be more well-known, which often causes lesser-known acids like mandelic acid to be overlooked.
There is one downside to mandelic acid, however, but it can deliver impressive results, giving you an overall improved complexion and a glowing complexion.
What is mandelic acid?
Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid is found in many over-the-counter skincare products and used in professional peels.
Mandelic acid helps exfoliate the top layer of skin and remove dead skin cells and other debris.
By getting rid of this barrier, skin looks radiant and is ready to absorb other active ingredients quickly.
Mandelic acid is known to be gentle on the skin and well-tolerated by sensitive skin compared to other AHAs. This is due to the larger size of the molecule, which means it can’t penetrate as far and cause irritation.
Helps increase collagen production, making skin appear firmer and plumper.
It fights signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother complexion.
It’s often used as a gentle alternative to acne treatments, reducing blemishes by reducing inflammation, regulating sebum production, and removing bacteria.
It’s also known for its ability to fight hyperpigmentation, dark spots, acne scars, and sun damage.
Learn more about mandelic acid at Skin School.
Now let’s get to today’s blog post and see if mandelic acid can be used every night.
Can mandelic acid be used every night?
Yes, it is possible if your skin can absorb the acid every night. As I mentioned before, its molecular size is fairly large, which means it works on the outer surface of the skin. Unlike stronger relatives like glycolic acid, it doesn’t penetrate into the underlying layers or get deep into the pores, limiting the risk of irritation. Many people like to use mandelic acid at night because it works effectively on the skin regardless of exposure to free radicals such as UV rays, pollution, and bad weather. You’ll also notice that your skin naturally regenerates while you sleep (it’s beauty sleep, after all). This amplifies the benefits of mandelic acid, leaving skin revitalized, energized, repaired, and radiant in the morning. How often should mandelic acid be used? It is generally believed that mandelic acid works best when taken at night. You will also find that many users like to combine this acid with other moisturizing acids like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. This not only helps the mandelic acid penetrate the skin quickly, but it also fights skin dehydration. If you are using mandelic acid for the first time or introducing a new formula into your routine, I recommend doing a 24-hour patch test before applying any product to your skin.
We have a dedicated blog post on when to use mandelic acid. So don’t forget to check it out for more information.
How to use mandelic acid in your daily routine?
It depends on the product that mandelic acid is formulated in. Mandelic acid is found in all types of products, from cleansers to toners, serums to moisturizers. If you use them in your daily routine, it depends on the formula. What I mean by this is that you want to get the most out of your skincare products. You need to apply them in order from thinnest to thickest. This prevents products with thinner consistency from having to fight against the obstacles caused by thicker consistency.
What should not be mixed with mandelic acid?
It is best to avoid combining mandelic acid with other powerful ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating acids. This combination of energies can be too much for the skin, leading to redness, rashes, irritation, dry skin, and general discomfort.
If you are concerned about adding mandelic acid to your routine, consult your doctor or dermatologist about how to use it most successfully with your skincare products and achieve the best results.
Is mandelic acid good for acne scars?
Yes, absolutely, mandelic acid is great for fighting acne scars because it can improve the hyperpigmentation of acne scars. These are caused by deep tissue damage and excessive melanin production on the surface of the skin. Over time, these scars may appear darker if they are continuously exposed to UV radiation. The exfoliating action of mandelic acid reduces the pigment, making it invisible to the naked eye. Don’t forget to watch out for possible dryness. The combination of mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid maintains the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. But remember that hyperpigmentation may return if you don’t use products with SPF 30 or higher every day.
What are the side effects of mandelic acid?
As with all acids, excessive use of mandelic acid can cause skin irritation, which is the most common side effect.
Redness
Swelling
Itching
Minor pain
Sensitivity
Increased sensitivity
If you suffer from any of these conditions, stop using your product and seek the advice of a doctor or dermatologist.
There you will find more information about using mandelic acid and whether you can use it every night. If you still have any questions, visit Instagram and our skin experts will be happy to help you.
