Can You Use Mandelic Acid Every Day?
It’s easy to see why the thought of using acids on your skin can be scary. Things get more complicated when the acid in question isn’t as well-known as others, like glycolic and salicylic. Mandelic acid isn’t necessarily a new
ingredient, but it’s still niche enough that it doesn’t attract attention, as only the truly obsessed skincare fans know about its benefits and incorporate it into their skincare routines.
Not to worry, because if you’ve been wondering what mandelic acid is and how it can benefit your skin, this next section is for you.
What is Mandelic Acid? How does it benefit the skin?
Mandelic acid is a member of the AHA family, also known as an alpha hydroxy acid. She derives from others, as she is considered one of the gentlest.
Derived from bitter almonds, it is formulated into a variety of skin care formulations.
Exfoliates the top layer of skin to remove all accumulated dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, debris and other impurities.
It also works deep into pores to remove excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria that can cause whiteheads, blackheads, and other blemishes.
Speeds up cell turnover and helps break the bonds that hold skin cells together. By removing dead skin cells, the complexion appears more radiant, vibrant, with a healthy glow.
Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced and skin feels firmer thanks to an extra boost of collagen production, which helps fight the signs of aging.
Reduces the amount of melasma on the skin, making areas of hyperpigmentation lighter and more even-toned.
Contains antibacterial properties and the ability to regulate the skin’s sebum production, making it an extremely beneficial ingredient for acne-prone skin.
If you want to know more about the benefits of mandelic acid, check out our dedicated blog post.
When should mandelic acid not be used?
Although mandelic acid is considered the mildest of all acids, it can still cause irritation and increase the risk of allergies. To avoid this, I recommend avoiding mandelic acid with retinol, especially if you’re unfamiliar
with using the two ingredients. If you plan to have a mandelic acid chemical peel, avoid retinol completely for two weeks before and one week after treatment.
You should also avoid applying mandelic acid to sunburned or tanned skin. This is because the acid is too strong, leading to increased irritation, dryness, redness, and itching. Although mandelic acid is mild, it’s best combined
with moisturizers like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to help lock in moisture and keep skin healthy, happy, and hydrated.
If you are concerned about using mandelic acid or any other acid, seek the help of a dermatologist or other healthcare professional to avoid unwanted side effects.
Can I take mandelic acid twice a day?
Yes, in fact, most skincare experts recommend using mandelic acid twice a day. That doesn’t mean you should start using it twice a day right away, but one at night is recommended. You can use it twice daily once skin tolerance
develops.
Thanks to the antioxidant properties of skin acid, when applied to the skin in the morning, it protects the skin from free radical damage such as pollution, UV rays and other environmental influences. Once you reapply mandelic
acid at night, the same antioxidant properties will work on the damage that has already occurred. They repair and rejuvenate the skin while fighting signs of aging, loss of firmness, sun damage and a dull, dull complexion.
Given that everyone’s skin is different, not to mention how different our skincare routines are, it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for you. So if you’ve tried mandelic acid twice a day and
found it’s too much for your skin, there’s nothing wrong with not using it once a day.
Does Mandelic Acid Cause Acne?
Yes, it is possible in the initial stages of introducing it into everyday life. Also known as “detoxing,” these breakouts are a common result of using chemical peels, especially if you’ve never had chemical peels on your skin.
The reason for this skin cleansing is accelerated skin cell turnover, which is caused by peeling, which then pulls out the pores and all the “residue” in the underlying layers of the skin. Once the buildup of impurities reaches
the surface, blemishes such as blackheads, whiteheads and active spots appear.
Clear skin can be daunting, but it’s only a short-term concern, as many people experience these results and clearer skin after up to two weeks. If you have other acne problems, it could be an allergic reaction. Therefore, I
recommend that you stop using mandelic acid products and seek further advice from your doctor.
How is mandelic acid routinely used?
A lot depends on which product the mandelic acid is formulated in. That’s because when it comes to skincare, there’s a cardinal rule of applying products in the right order: start with the thinnest consistency and build up to
the thickest formula. For example, start with a cleanser or face wash, toner, serum, face oil, moisturizer and finish with a daily SPF. By making sure you use these products in the correct order, you can avoid active ingredients
competing with the physical barrier that thicker products create on the skin’s surface.
There you will learn more about the daily use of mandelic acid. If you have any other questions you can reach me on our Instagram. We look forward to your visit
