How Does Mandelic Acid Work?
Mandelic acid assists in chemically discarding dead skin cells off the apex layer of the skin (the epidermis). On a cellular level, it assists in loosening dead skin cells on the surface; hence, new skin cells can take over, leaving smoother and fresher skin.
Furthermore, mandelic acid promotes collagen generation, which assists in plumping the skin, smoothing fine lines and improving elasticity.
Mandelic acid has a big particle size, which causes the skin to absorb it slowly and more consistently. This enables the AHA to remain on the skin’s surface longer as it absorbs, which can create less irritation for sensitive skin people.
Benefits of Mandelic Acid
Gentle on all types of skin
Mandelic acid is gentle compared to all other AHAs and appropriate for people of all skin types, particularly those with acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Shed all skin types
Compared to other AHAs, mandelic acid frees the bonds that bind the dead or old skin cells to the skin surface. This assists shed dryer, old skin to reveal new smoother skin cells.
Improves irregular skin texture
The main advantage of mandelic acid is that it assists in exfoliating the skin, providing it with a brighter and smoother appearance. As a chemical exfoliator, mandelic acid assists in eliminating dead skin that sits on the skin’s surface.
When you have extra dead skin, your skin may look rough, dull or flakey. Using skincare along with mandelic acid can assist in exfoliating away any unevenness and textured skin.
AHAs usually irritate sensitive skin. However, mandelic acid is an exception. Studies highlight that people with sensitive skin and rosacea can use mandelic acid that is devoid of irritating their skin.
Lowers the presence of wrinkles and fine lines
During the process of chemical exfoliation, mandelic skin removes damaged and older skin cells and restores them with firmer, newer skin cells. It may assist the skin in appearing firmer and more elastic, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Assist in managing acne and clogged pores
Mandelic acid may assist in dissolving blackheads, unclogging pores and comedones, and regulating sebum production.
Mandelic acid has an antibacterial nature and may prevent acne causing bacteria in the skin. It may also lower redness and inflammation, that assists lower the occurrence of breakouts, even cystic acne breakouts.
Lowers hyperpigmentation and discoloration
Mandelic acid may assist in preventing various types of hyperpigmentation, even melasma.
How to use Mandelic Acid?
All alpha hydroxy acid may irritate your skin. You should take care while using mandelic acid.
Begin Slowly
Opt for products with a low concentration for your first use of mandelic acid. Ensure it doesn’t irritate your skin before you try a high concentration product.
Restricted Usage
Experts advise limiting how frequently you use any alpha hydroxy acid initially. Start by applying it every few days and work up to everyday use.
Rotate Products
You should be careful if you decide to use mandelic acid at the same time as other alpha hydroxy products. Mixing them can lead to dryness or irritation.
Use Sunscreen
Ahpha hydroxyl acid can result to sun sensitivity. Restrict your sun exposure by using sunscreen with al least a 8% zinc oxide concentration, wearing protective clothing or staying in the shade.
Speak to your dermatologist or doctor if you have questions about using mandelic acid.
Mandelic Acid Vs Other AHAs
Mandelic acid is among the several AHAs that can assist in exfoliating the skin, reducing fine lines, unclogging pores, and brightening dark spots. Nevertheless, mandelic acid is the mildest and safest AHA that provides these benefits.
The most common AHAs in skincare are glycolic and lactic acid. You can also purchase skin care products with malic, citric, and tartaric acid.
Similar to other AHAs, mandelic acid assists in eliminating dead skin cells and boosts collagen generation. Nevertheless, mandelic acid has a bigger molecule size than lactic and glycolic acid.
This assists mandelic acid in penetrating the skin more gradually, causing little irritation if you have sensitive skin. But this difference in size also makes mandelic acid less potent.
Glycolic acid has the smallest particle size, which permits it to penetrate the skin more deeply and quickly. This makes glycolic acid more efficient at treating oily and acne-prone skin but also more irritating.
Lactic acid provides similar benefits to glycolic acid, yet it absorbs slightly slower and can be less irritating. Furthermore, lactic acid also helps the skin stay hydrated, which glycolic acid and mandelic acid fail to do.
| Mandelic Acid | Lactic Acid | Glycolic Acid | |
| Derived from | Bitter almond | Milk | Sugarcane |
| Main benefits | Exfoliates skin and stimulates collagen | Exfoliates skin, stimulates collagen, keeps skin moisturized | Exfoliates skin and stimulates collagen |
| Ideal skin type | Sensitive or dry skin | Dry, normal, combination, or oily skin | Normal, combination, or oily skin |
| Molecule size | Largest | Small | Smallest |
Potential Risks
Mandelic acid is considered gentle and doesn’t normally dry out or irritate the skin compared to more potent AHAs particularly if you use a less percentage over the counter products.
Nevertheless, AHAs like mandelic acids can cause sensitivity issues, so it is best to use sunscreen when using mandelic acid.
The potential side effects of AHAs are:
- Skin peeling
- Dry and flaky skin
- Red or irritated skin
As an extra precaution, you should also avoid using mandelic acid if you have an allergy towards almonds.
Conclusion
Mandelic acid is an AHA that is known for its gentle exfoliating properties and ability to increase collagen synthesis, it holds immense potential in transforming your skincare routine.
By including mandelic acid into your regimen, you can effectively refine skin texture and combat acne, diminish fine lines, and even fade stubborn dark spots.
This remarkable AHA is specifically suitable for sensitive skin, as its gradual absorption lowers the likelihood of irritation, setting it apart from other AHAs.
