Can Retin A and Mandelic Acid Be Used Together?
I’ll be the first to admit that at times, skincare can be very confusing. Some ingredients need a team mate to perform, others should be avoided completely, and finally, others are able to deliver results flying solo, or combined with another powerhouse. So, what exactly is the situation when using retin A and mandelic acid together? This is something we plan to figure out today, but before we get round to answering your questions, we’ll have a brief recap of how each of these powerhouse ingredients work.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Derived from bitter almonds and is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Often found in exfoliating products and used in professional treatments, such as chemical peels and facials.
Has a larger molecular size that is twice the size of glycolic acid and is considered gentle enough for those with a sensitive skin type to use.
The reason mandelic acid is gentle on the skin is due to how slowly it penetrates the skin and reducing the risk of irritation, redness, and severe dryness.
Works on the surface of the skin to slough away the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and debris which can lead to blemishes and breakouts.
Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity by boosting the production of collagen.
Combats areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and age spots leaving you with an even skin tone.
If you wanted to find out more about mandelic acid, check out our dedicated blog post.
What is Retin A?
Retin A, also known as tretinoin, is a form of vitamin A and is synthetically formulated into several effective products.
Should only be applied to the skin in the evening due to fact that any exposure to UV light will inhibit retinol from working effectively on the skin.
Needs to be introduced into your routine slowly, applying it sparingly 2 to 3 times throughout the week, alternating the evenings to avoid over-stimulation.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing.
Increases the speed of the natural skin cell turnover, ridding the face of dead skin cells and bringing new, fresh cells to the surface.
Helps to boost collagen production leaving the skin plumped, firm, with a youthful bounce.
Helps the skin become thicker enabling it to be able to protect itself more effectively from free radical damage.
Find out more about retin A and how it works on the skin over on The Beauty Insiders.
Is retinol better than mandelic acid?
The answer to this is dependent on the skin results you are wanting to achieve. Retinol has gained a reputation of being one of the top performing anti-ageing ingredient. Mandelic acid is considered best to use for combating acne and blemishes, as well as hyperpigmentation. You may be surprised to hear you can actually use both ingredients in your skincare routine, but more on that later!
Another factor you need to consider is your skin type. Retinol and other forms of vitamin A are not suitable for those with a dry skin type that’s prone to sensitivity. This is when mandelic acid steps in and is favoured to use in a daily skincare routine. For other skin types, retinol will work effectively ensuring you apply it the correct way, so introducing it to the skin slowly during your evening skincare routine.
Although each ingredient works differently on the skin, because of the exfoliation and increased speed of skin cell turnover, they both increase photosensitivity so applying a daily sunscreen containing an SPF 50 is vital for ensuring your skin remains protected from further sun damage.
Can I mix mandelic acid with retinol?
Yes, you certainly can, but it takes some care to avoid overstimulating the skin. The easiest, most effective way you can use retinol and mandelic acid together, is alternating the time of day you apply them to the skin. Due to retinol’s sensitivity to UV exposure, ideally, you should use mandelic acid during your morning skincare routine. Following this with retinol during your evening routine leaves enough time for the skin pH levels to rebalance and prepare for the next steps in your regime. If this method isn’t working for your skin, or you would like to avoid using both powerhouses in the same day, you can instead alternate the evenings each active are applied.
How many times a week should you use mandelic acid?
Depending on the percentage of mandelic acid will determine how often you can use it throughout the week. Many dermatologists suggest using it only 2-3 times a week if the formulation is a serum containing 10% or more. Although there are many different products available that are enriched with the acid, from cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturisers. With different product formulas you’ll find the percentage of active level of mandelic acid can vary. What I mean by this is that cleansers often contain lower percentages making them less potent, you also rinse them from the skin meaning they are unable cause irritation.
How is mandelic acid used in routine?
This boils down to the formulation containing mandelic acid as there is a correct way of applying skincare products. The basic skincare rule is to start from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. As I have already mentioned, mandelic acid is found in an array of skincare products, so it is important to remain mindful of the product contain the active. For example, if the products are thin, such as cleanser, you must apply this to the skin before any serums or moisturisers. When you apply a thicker product first you are creating a physical barrier over the skin making it impossible for actives in thinner formulas to penetrate the skin. By layering from thinnest to thickest, you’re ensuring each active can absorb into the skin and work effectively without having to battle through.
There you have some more information about retin A and mandelic acid and how to use them together in your routine. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions, and discover more over on our Instagram.
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.
