Like other members of the alpha hydroxy acid family, mandelic acid offers a variety of skin benefits. With so many acids to choose from, you can bet there’s one that’ll suit your needs. However, finding the right acid can be a challenge when you’re overwhelmed with options.
You’ll find that AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid tend to be more well-known, which often means lesser-known acids like mandelic acid get left behind.
However, mandelic acid is a disadvantage, delivering impressive results that will give you an overall improved complexion and radiant skin.
What is mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid is extracted from bitter almonds and is used in a variety of over-the-counter skincare products and professional exfoliants.
Mandelic acid helps exfoliate the top layer of skin, removing dead skin cells and other debris.
By getting rid of this barrier, skin looks radiant and can quickly absorb other active ingredients.
Mandelic acid is known to be gentle on the skin. Compared to other AHAs, it’s well tolerated by sensitive skin. This is due to its larger molecular size, which means it can’t penetrate too far and cause irritation.
Helps boost collagen production, making your skin look firmer and plumper.
Can fight signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother-looking complexion.
Often used as a gentle alternative to acne treatments, it reduces 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 look at today’s blog post to see if mandelic acid can be used every night.
Can mandelic acid be used every night?
Yes, if your skin can tolerate the acid every night, it can. As I mentioned before, its molecular size is fairly large, which means it works on the outer surface of the skin. Compared to its stronger cousins, such as B. glycolic acid, it doesn’t penetrate into the underlying layers or deep into the pores, limiting the risk of irritation.
Many people like to use mandelic acid at night because the acid can effectively work on the skin without interference from free radicals such as UV rays, pollution, and harsh climates. You’ll also notice that your skin naturally regenerates while you sleep (after all, beauty sleep isn’t for nothing), which amplifies the effects of mandelic acid, leaving you with renewed, revitalized, repaired, and radiant skin in the morning.
How often should you use mandelic acid?
It’s sometimes thought that applying mandelic acid at night is more effective. You’ll also find that many users like to combine this acid with other moisturizing acids like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Not only does this help the mandelic acid absorb quickly into the skin, it also combats dryness.
If you’re using mandelic acid for the first time or introducing a new formula into your routine, I recommend doing a 24-hour patch test before applying the product to your skin.
We have a dedicated blog post on when to use mandelic acid, so don’t forget to check that out for more information.
How to use mandelic acid in your daily routine?
That depends on the product that mandelic acid is formulated in. Mandelic acid is found in a variety of products like cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. When you use them in your daily routine is determined by the formula. What I mean by that is that to get the benefits of skincare products, you need to apply them in order from thinnest to thickest. This prevents the thinner consistency product from having to fight the barrier created by the thicker consistency.
What shouldn’t mandelic acid be mixed with?
It’s best to avoid combining mandelic acid with other powerful ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating acids. Because a mixture of these strong substances can be too much for the skin and can cause redness, rashes, irritation, dry skin, and general discomfort.
If you have concerns about incorporating mandelic acid into your daily regimen, consult a doctor or dermatologist to find out the most successful and best ways to use skincare products that can achieve results.
Is mandelic acid good for acne scars?
Yes, absolutely, mandelic acid is great for fighting acne scars because it improves the pigmentation of acne scars. This is the result of deep tissue damage and overproduction of melanin on the surface of the skin. Over time and with continued exposure to UV radiation, these scars can appear darker. With the exfoliating benefits of mandelic acid, you’ll notice that the pigmentation is reduced and less noticeable. Visible to the naked eye. Don’t forget to fight any dryness that may occur. Try combining mandelic acid with hyaluronic acid to maintain the skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated and healthy. But keep in mind that pigmentation may return if you don’t wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day.
What are the side effects of mandelic acid?
As with all acids, excessive use of mandelic acid can cause skin irritation. The most common side effects are:
Redness
Swelling
Itching
Discomfort
Pressure sensitivity
Increased sensitivity
If you experience any of these side effects, stop using the product and contact your doctor or dermatologist.
