Can You use Mandelic Acid in The Winter?
When it comes to skincare routines, it is always a good idea to have one solely for Summer and another for the Winter months. With the change in temperature, weather, and altering exposure to sunlight, to ensure your skin remains at its healthiest state making a seasonal switch is the way forward.
Although it may feel daunting at first, once you have a clear understanding of which ingredients to avoid and which to apply, it will become a simple task with maximum results. But, before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s first explore how some ingredients work for the skin throughout the year and whether we should tuck them away as temperatures begin to creep up. Mandelic acid is going to be the focus of today’s blog post and by the end you will have a better understanding of the active and whether its beneficial to use mandelic acid in the winter.
This next part we will be sharing the benefits of this clever powerhouse, so if you are already clued up with mandelic acid and the results it delivers, you can skip to the next section.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Derived from bitter almonds and is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family.
There is still ongoing research being carried out on how effective the acid is on the skin.
Considered to be one of the gentlest acids and can often be used by those with a skin type that is prone to sensitivity.
Thought to be beneficial for the skin to combat acne, uneven skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and premature signs of ageing.
Helps to accelerate the skin cell turnover and exfoliates the layer of dead skin cells found on the top surface of skin.
Helps to boost the production of collagen ensuring the skin appears plumper, firmer, with a youthful bounce.
Regulates the production of sebum, whilst reducing acne caused by skin inflammations.
Helps to improve the skin tone and lightens areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots and melasma.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
There you have some examples of how mandelic acid works and the benefits you can expect when using mandelic acid, don’t forget if you wanted to learn more about how this ingredient works, check out our blog post about how often you can use mandelic acid.
When should you not use mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid is one of the gentlest acids and with this it often means you can team it with other actives without the worry of causing any irritation or reaction to the skin. This also means you will find you are able to use it on a daily basis.
If you are wanting to use mandelic acid in a professional peel or treatment, then this is when you need stop your daily application of mandelic acid enriched products and instead wait until you have had your treatment.
Another thing you need to remain mindful of is ensuring you keep the skin protected from UV exposure and other oxidised damage caused from sunlight, pollution, and other environmental aggressors. Therefore, it is important to apply a daily SPF to keep the skin fully protected from sunlight and harsh climates.
Does mandelic acid cause sun sensitivity?
Yes, it can, as mandelic acid is an exfoliant and works at sloughing away the build-up of dead skin cells it often means the acid can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. This sensitivity can create several concerns such as stinging, burning, itching, and breakouts on the skin surface.
To ensure you are protecting the skin from further damage caused by free radicals and other environmental stresses apply a daily SPF of 30. You can also try applying your mandelic acid product in the evening to avoid any contact with UV light allowing the acid to work at reviving the complexion whilst you catch up on your beauty sleep.
If you have a skin type prone to extreme sensitivity and dryness, I advise you seek the help from your doctor or dermatologist before using any new products or formulations on the skin.
Is it OK to use mandelic acid every day?
Yes, you can, but only after you have built your skin’s tolerance to the active. As I have already mentioned mandelic acid is one of the gentlest acids exfoliants, but this doesn’t mean it’ll be beneficial for everyone.
To start off with I would suggest using a low percentage formula once a day. Keeping an eye on how your skin feels will also help you determine whether this is the best ingredient for you. You can then apply it to the skin twice a day not forgetting to team it with a daily sunscreen. If you are wanting to use a stronger formula you can also opt for a treatment, such as a facial or chemical peel performed by a professional. This usually contains higher percentages of mandelic acid and will often require some downtime for the skin with liberal amounts of hyaluronic acid and limited sun exposure in your aftercare.
Can I use mandelic acid in the summer?
Yes, you can, but as I have already said, like any acid exfoliant you will find the skin become increasingly sensitive and if you do not take the proper precautions, further damage can occur on the skin. Therefore, I have expressed the importance of daily sunscreen, even on days that are overcast and gloomy. This will keep the skin protected from both UVA and UVB rays as well as other free radicals such as pollution, central heating, smoking, harsh climates, and other environmental skin stresses.
What should you not mix mandelic acid with?
It is advised to avoid using any form of retinol with mandelic acid, this is because it will be too much stimulation for the skin. This may result in it being stripped of the sebum and water needed to keep the lipid barrier healthy and strong. If you are on the run up to receiving a mandelic acid chemical peel, it is strongly advised to avoid using retinol products for the week before your treatment as this can cause unwanted results.
So, I hope that today has answered a few of your questions about mandelic acid and using it in the winter. Don’t forget to come and 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.
