Can I use mandelic acid and retinol together?
There are a few blog posts dedicated to discussing the best ways to apply ingredients to your skin to achieve your skin goals. However, there are some powerful, potent ones that you should avoid to avoid the risk of irritation and negative effects.
Yes, the truth is, you can have too much of a good thing. With that in mind, we’ll look at how both ingredients work on the skin and answer the question of whether you can use mandelic acid and retinol together.
What is mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid is extracted from bitter almonds and is a chemical peel that belongs to the AHA family.
Mandelic acid is considered one of the gentlest exfoliants and can be used by people with sensitive skin because its larger molecular size prevents it from penetrating too deeply into the skin and causing irritation.
It has been shown to visibly reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots, sun damage, and other areas of uneven skin tone.
Can help control acne breakouts, open pores, dissolve blackheads, and regulate sebum production.
By clearing dead skin cells from the skin, mandelic acid can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin appears firmer and more elastic.
When used correctly within your existing skincare routine, it works very well with other ingredients (more on this later).
Learn more about mandelic acid in our dedicated blog post.
What is retinol?
A powerful form of vitamin A with a variety of derivatives found in a number of different products, from prescription to over-the-counter.
Speeds up the rate of skin’s natural cell turnover, sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more youthful, radiant complexion.
Smaller molecular size means it can penetrate further beneath the epidermis (the outer surface of the skin) and into the dermis.
Boosts collagen and elastin production for a plumper, firmer, more youthful complexion.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores.
Fights signs of sun damage and hyperpigmentation and ensures an overall even skin tone.
There’s a lot more to know about retinol, so read our blog post for more information.
Now that we’ve had a little refresher on these powerful ingredients, let’s move on to answering some questions about using mandelic acid and retinol.
What Not to Mix with Mandelic Acid?
As I mentioned in the previous section, mandelic acid is one of the milder AHAs, which means it’s perfect for people with sensitive skin. As gentle as it may be, it’s still a chemical peel and still a peel that shouldn’t be combined with other active ingredients that produce similar effects. This also applies to using retinol with mandelic acid, as retinol’s high potency can increase the risk of facial irritation and adverse reactions.
This is because exfoliating too often can strip your skin of the important oils and moisture it needs to stay healthy. Since the skin’s lipid barrier is starved of sebum, the skin would feel uncomfortable producing too much oil. However, this isn’t true, as too much sebum can lead to acne breakouts like pimples, blackheads, and other zits.
Over time, this can lead to a vicious cycle. To keep your skin balanced and in its healthiest state, here are some ways to use mandelic acid and other active ingredients without unwanted side effects.
Alternate your acids. If your skincare routine includes more than one acid, choose different formulas for your routine. Not only will you avoid the risk of irritation, but your skin will also look radiant and renewed.
Use different acids in different routines. For example, use a product containing mandelic acid during the day, then use retinol in your evening skincare routine.
Allow about 10 to 15 minutes between each application so that the skin has enough time to rebalance its pH and prepare for the next step in your routine.
There are examples of how mandelic acid can be combined with other acids and retinol. As with all skin ingredients, I recommend consulting a doctor or medical professional to ensure the formula will deliver the desired results.
Can acids and retinol be used together?
Yes, they can, but only if they are applied to the skin correctly. Some studies have shown that using AHAs and BHAs with retinol can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of each ingredient. This does not mean that these powerful ingredients should not be included in your skincare routine. Instead, focus on using them during the most effective phases of your routine, as described in the previous section.
If you use AHAs and retinols in your skincare routine, you’ll also find it important to combine these actives with other moisturizing actives like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and more, all of which nourish and help hold moisture in to bind the skin.
Can I use mandelic acid every day?
Yes, you can if you use a product with a low acid content to avoid over-irritating the skin. You’ll also find that you can use mandelic acid twice a day, especially when it’s included in a cleanser or face wash, as they contain a small amount of acid and the product must be rinsed off the skin.
Face washes have a shorter exposure time on the skin, which can avoid side effects and irritation, making them a suitable product for daily use. However, this doesn’t mean you can skip using an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day to ensure your skin is fully protected from UV rays. If you want to use products like serums and face oils that have a higher acid content, you’ll need to test your skin’s tolerance and use the product every other day to avoid irritation.
Here are some examples of using mandelic acid and retinol together. Don’t forget to visit us on Instagram if you have any additional questions.
