Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Vitamin C?
Everyone will benefit from a skincare routine that contains AHAs in some way. Whether it’s PHA, lactic acid, or glycolic acid, you’ll find one that works best for your skin type. Vitamin C is an ingredient that may take a little more time to incorporate into your daily routine. Will the combination of these powerhouses elevate your performance or spell disaster?
That’s exactly what we’ll explore in today’s blog post. Before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at what these ingredients do for your skin and what benefits you can expect.
What is Mandelic Acid?
An acid that belongs to the AHA class of chemical peels, also known as alpha hydroxy acids.
It’s extracted from bitter almonds and produced synthetically to be added to skincare formulas.
It’s known as one of the gentlest acids and is suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Effectively removes dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, debris, and other impurities from the skin.
Exfoliation allows new skin cells to appear on the surface and tightens the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
Although it is a weak acid, it also penetrates the skin and reaches the pores to remove excess sebum, dirt and other bacteria.
If you want to learn more about mandelic acid, read our dedicated blog post.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid.
It is rich in antioxidants and protects the skin from overexposure to free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, central heating and other environmental aggressors.
Targets areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage and acne scars.
Rejuvenates the complexion and restores radiance and glow.
Increases collagen production for firmer skin with youthful elasticity.
Contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the appearance of redness and similar skin issues.
Learn more about Vitamin C in Beauty Insider.
What not to mix with Mandelic Acid?
Although I mentioned that Mandelic Acid is very gentle, it still exfoliates the skin and can cause some side effects if the wrong ingredients are used.
Ingredients that should not be mixed with mandelic acid include other AHAs like glycolic acid, BHAs like salicylic acid (especially in chemical peels), and retinol.
Can AHAs and Vitamin C be used together?
It is possible, but be sure to use them together correctly to avoid unwanted side effects. There are a variety of ways to effectively combine AHAs and Vitamin C.
Option 1-
Apply the AHA along with your cleanser or exfoliating toner, wait for about 10 minutes, and then apply a vitamin C-rich serum. Make sure to allow enough time between applications to avoid the risk of irritation. This is due to the skin’s natural pH returning to balance and the skin is ready for further application.
Option 2-
Apply your AHA-rich product and your Vitamin C product at different times of the day. Use Vitamin C in the morning as its antioxidant properties can give your skin a radiant glow. Use an AHA product (either a toner or a serum) in the evening to remove impurities and other debris from your skin.
If you are unfamiliar with any of the ingredients and want to add a new product to your routine, I recommend doing a 24-hour patch test before applying any product to your face.
Do you still need to use a moisturizer after using mandelic acid?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, applying a moisturizer after using mandelic acid can help counteract the dryness and irritation caused by chemical peels. You will also notice that moisturizer creates a physical barrier on the surface of the skin.
This barrier ensures that the active ingredients used can do their job without interference from free radicals, such as those caused by environmental pollution. You will also find that a layer of moisturizer helps retain moisture on the surface, keeping the lipid barrier healthy and normal.
Which toner should I use before using a vitamin C serum?
You can use any toner before using a vitamin C serum. It is very important to allow enough time between applications. If you stick to this time, the pH will also return to balance, eliminating skin irritation, and can prevent redness and itching.
You will also find that using a toner with exfoliating acids can remove the buildup of dead skin cells and flaky skin, which usually acts as a barrier to prevent other ingredients from penetrating.
Can mandelic acid be taken daily?
Yes, it is possible as long as your skin develops a tolerance to it, especially if you have a dry and easily sensitive skin type. To improve skin tolerance, do a patch test first. This way you can get an idea of how the ingredient works on you and your skin.
The molecular size of mandelic acid is very large, which means it cannot penetrate the skin as deeply as other acids such as salicylic or glycolic acid. This supports the fact that mandelic acid works on the outer layer of the skin.
Helping to bring new skin cells to the surface, leaving you with a radiant, healthy and happy complexion.
There you can find out more about mandelic acid and vitamin C. Both substances have rejuvenating properties and can increase collagen production, giving the complexion a healthy, youthful elasticity. If you want more
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