Skincare can be confusing at the best of times, but it often gets even more complicated when trying to find the best routine for dark skin tones. The main difference with dark skin tones is that they are more prone to hyperpigmentation because the skin contains more melanin. Here’s how it works: the more melanocytes there are in the skin, the greater the chance of developing hyperpigmentation, especially after even the slightest injury to the skin’s surface.
So with that in mind, we wanted to know what the best steps are for treating dark skin and how to maintain its overall health and appearance. These questions and similar ones will be answered in today’s blog post, so stay tuned if you want to learn more. The next section briefly explains mandelic acid and its benefits for skin.
What is mandelic acid?
Extracted from bitter almonds and used in a range of skincare products
Known for its gentle effects on the skin, it’s suitable for all skin types
Removes layers of dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria and debris that build up on the surface of the skin
By clearing these deposits from the skin, signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles become visible
Helps clear acne from the skin by unclogging the pores. It can help dissolve comedones (also known as whiteheads and blackheads) while removing excess sebum using its antibacterial properties.
Best known for its chemical peels, it is better tolerated by those with sensitive skin and darker skin tones
If you want to learn more about mandelic acid and its effects on the skin, read our dedicated blog post.
Which acid is best for dark skin?
I have already briefly discussed the best treatments for dark skin. You need to be gentle with your treatments due to the increased risk of developing areas of hyperpigmentation and melasma. In fact, it is thought that lighter skin types can tolerate more intense exfoliation, which can cause many problems for those with dark or black skin types.
The best acids for dark skin are those that are considered the gentlest of the AHA family, such as lactic acid and mandelic acid. Both of these acids have a larger molecular size, which means they work primarily on the outer surface of the skin and rarely cause irritation, redness or breakouts. This doesn’t mean they can’t effectively treat the skin and eliminate signs of dryness, flaking and a dull, lackluster appearance.
Check out Beauty Insider for more on how these AHAs work on the skin.
How to Use Mandelic Acid for Dark Skin?
Some products contain mandelic acid in their formulas. These products include cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers and even masks. Depending on which product you choose will determine when you apply it to your skin during your daily routine. To reap the benefits of your skincare products, you should apply them in order from thinnest to thickest. This ensures that the active ingredients can penetrate the skin without hitting the physical barrier that other thicker formulas create on the skin.
You can also combine mandelic acid with other powerful ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to enhance the benefits of mandelic acid. These all have antioxidant properties that ensure the skin’s lipid barrier is strengthened and protected from free radical damage from pollution, UV rays, central heating and other environmental aggressors.
It’s important to realise that chemical peels, even the mildest of them, can increase your skin’s sensitivity to light. It’s therefore important to wear SPF every day to avoid sun damage, which can cause further pigmentation and melasma.
Is mandelic acid good for dark skin?
Yes, mandelic acid works really well for all skin tones, but especially darker skin tones, as its gentle effects are beneficial to the skin, but not too harsh. As I mentioned before, darker skin is more susceptible to hyperpigmentation than lighter skin. Therefore, it is important to spend some time finding the most effective daily routine and active ingredients to keep your skin in its healthiest state.
Mandelic acid has some unique properties compared to other AHAs, such as: B. They have the ability to micro-exfoliate. This means that mandelic acid can remove excess pigment from the surface of the skin, helping to brighten and even out skin tone. While it is a gentle exfoliant, it can also penetrate deeper into the skin and inhibit melanin production. This causes areas of hyperpigmentation to not darken when exposed to UV rays.
Mandelic acid is not only effective in combating skin discoloration, but it also reduces signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. With mild exfoliation, you will notice a renewed complexion over time, and your skin will look plumper, firmer, more vibrant, and healthier. The question of whether mandelic acid can whiten the skin is not answered. This is because mandelic acid does not exfoliate the skin sufficiently, which can affect skin pigmentation. With continued use, you’ll notice a more even skin tone, existing sun spots, melasma, acne scars and age spots are visibly reversed, and the acids prevent further skin damage.
