Can Mandelic Acid Be Used Every Night?
Like other members of the alpha hydroxy acid family, mandelic acid provides a variety of skin benefits. With so many acids to choose from, you can bet there is one that will meet your needs. However, finding the right acid can
be a challenge given the pain of choice.
You’ll find that AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids tend to be better known, which often leads to lesser-known acids like mandelic acid being overlooked.
However, Mandelic Acid is a disadvantage, but can deliver impressive results, giving you an overall improved complexion and radiant skin.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid, derived from bitter almonds, is formulated in many over-the-counter skin care products and used in professional peels.
Mandelic acid helps exfoliate the top layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells and other debris.
By shedding this barrier, skin looks radiant and helps absorb other active ingredients quickly.
Known for being gentle on the skin, mandelic acid is well tolerated by sensitive skin types compared to other AHAs. This is due to the larger molecular size, which means it cannot penetrate as far and cause irritation.
Helps increase collagen production for firmer, plumper-looking skin.
It fights the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother complexion.
Often used as a gentle alternative to acne treatment, it works to reduce blemishes by reducing inflammation, regulating sebum production and removing bacteria.
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 take a look at today’s blog post and see if mandelic acid can be used nightly.
Can mandelic acid be used every night?
Yes, it is possible if your skin can take in acid every night. As I mentioned before, its molecular size is quite large, which means it acts on the outer surface of the skin. Unlike its stronger relatives like glycolic acid,
it doesn’t penetrate the lower layers or deep into 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 harsh weather. You’ll also find that your skin naturally repairs
while you sleep (it’s beauty sleep, after all). This intensifies the effects 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 is more effective when taken at night. You’ll also find that many users like to combine this acid with other moisturizing acids like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. This not only
helps mandelic acid penetrate the skin quickly, but also fights dehydration of the skin.
If this is your first time using mandelic acid or introducing a new formulation to 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 for more information.
How is mandelic acid routinely used?
It depends on the product in which mandelic acid is formulated. Mandelic acid is found in all types of products, from cleansers to toners, serums to moisturizers. When you use them in your day-to-day work, it’s up to the
formula. I mean you want to get the most out of your skin care products. You must apply them in order from thinnest to thickest. This prevents products of a thinner consistency from having to fight the obstacles created by a
thicker consistency.
What should mandelic acid not be mixed with?
It’s best to avoid using mandelic acid with other powerful ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating acids. This is because mixing these energies is too much for the skin, leading to redness, breakouts,
irritation, dry skin and general discomfort.
If you’re concerned about adding mandelic acid to your routine, talk to your doctor or dermatologist for answers on how to use your skincare products most successfully and get the best results.
Is Mandelic Acid Good For Acne Scars?
Yes, absolutely, mandelic acid is great for fighting acne scars as it improves the hyperpigmentation of post-acne scars. These are caused by deep tissue damage and the overproduction of melanin on the skin’s surface. With time
and continued exposure to UV rays, these scars can appear darker. Due to the exfoliating action of mandelic acid, the pigment is reduced and invisible to the naked eye. Don’t forget to deal with possible droughts. Combining
Mandelic Acid with Hyaluronic Acid maintains the skin barrier and keeps skin hydrated and healthy. But be aware that hyperpigmentation may reappear if you don’t apply products with SPF 30 and above daily.
What are the side effects of mandelic acid?
As with all acids, overuse of mandelic acid may cause skin irritation, which is the most common side effect.
redness
swelling
itching
slight pain
tenderness
Increase sensitivity
If you suffer from any of these conditions, please discontinue use of your product and seek the advice of a physician or dermatologist.
There you will find more information on using mandelic acid and whether you can use it every night. If you have more questions, visit Instagram and our skin experts will be happy to help.
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.
