I’ve explained before that combining chemical peels can often be overwhelming and make you feel like a mad scientist. However, if you still can’t figure out what these acids do and what unique benefits they offer, then you may be applying them to your skin incorrectly. While some of these skincare formulas may be less concentrated or less concentrated, you’re still dealing with acids, so it’s important to focus on protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure and other environmental aggressors to keep it healthy and happy.
Now let’s get into today’s blog post: Can glycolic and mandelic acids be used together? This question has come up a few times recently, so we thought it was time to investigate further and find out if these exfoliating powerhouses are the secret combo your skin has been waiting for? Or a recipe for disaster!
This next section is for those of you who need a refresher on these ingredients. If you want to skip straight to the sharing section, that’s fine with us, and we promise there won’t be a quiz at the end.
What is glycolic acid?
It’s derived from sugar cane and is found in a range of skincare formulas, from exfoliating toners to serums to moisturizers.
It belongs to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family and is the most commonly used acid.
Has a small molecule, ensuring it can penetrate the lower layers of the skin.
It can penetrate deep into the pores to remove excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris and impurities.
It removes the top layer of dead skin cells to prevent the formation of blackheads, acne and other blemishes.
It can help fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a plump, vibrant and youthful complexion.
By removing the layer of dead skin cells, the skin becomes more receptive, allowing other active ingredients to penetrate faster.
Due to its small molecular size, it may cause irritation to some skin types. Therefore, always consult a dermatologist before introducing this acid into your daily routine.
Suitable for people whose skin types are not too dry or prone to sensitivity.
Once you have developed a tolerance to the acid, it can be applied to the skin twice a day.
It works effectively alone or in combination with complementary ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
Learn more about glycolic acid in our dedicated blog post.
What is mandelic acid?
A lesser-known alpha hydroxy acid, but still used in professional peels and included in skin care formulas.
It is derived from bitter almonds and can be used in medicinal and over-the-counter formulas.
Compared to glycolic acid, mandelic acid has a very large molecular size, making it one of the gentler acids in the AHA family.
Due to its slower absorption rate, mandelic acid is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity and redness.
Exfoliates the outer surface of the skin so that other active ingredients can absorb quickly.
Helps open pores and fight breakouts without over-stripping the skin.
Reduces pigmentation, dark spots, post-acne scars, and other areas of uneven skin tone.
While mandelic acid is considered gentle, good skin tolerance is still recommended. So, introduce mandelic acid into your routine gradually.
If you want to learn more about mandelic acid and its benefits for your skin, check out our The Beauty Insiders blog.
Now that we’ve been updated on these powerful acids, let’s learn more about their uses and how they can benefit your complexion.
Can I use both mandelic acid and glycolic acid?
Yes, you can, but not at the same time. This is because both acids work in similar ways on the surface of the skin, and the combination of these active ingredients has the following effects:
- Itching
- Discomfort
- Redness
- Scaling
- Swelling
- Pain when touched
- Increased UV sensitivity
- To reap the benefits of using both acids, many people find the following options to be the most effective way to treat their skin.
Option 1: Vary the formula you use each day. This can prevent over-irritation of the skin. If you incorporate these into your evening routine, make sure they are not disturbed by exposure to free radicals during sleep.
Option 2: Make sure your skin is acid-tolerant and apply SPF 50 every day. You may choose to use one acid in the morning and the other in the evening.
You can also combine these acids with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help your skin. Both help maintain the water content of the skin barrier and strengthen and protect it from damage caused by free radicals such as UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, central heating. and other environmental aggressors.
Is mandelic acid stronger than glycolic acid?
Both acids work in similar ways on the skin, but technically glycolic acid is the stronger of the two due to its smaller molecule size. This allows glycolic acid to work in every layer of the skin and penetrate the dermis, while mandelic acid cannot. You will also find that mandelic acid is tolerated by more skin types than glycolic acid.
However, the percentage of the acid also determines its strength. The easiest way to determine the strength of the active ingredient in a formula is to look at where the acid is in the ingredient list. If she is in the top five, this ensures that she occupies an active percentage in the formula.
