I admit that skin care can be very confusing at times. Some ingredients require a team player to work, others should be avoided altogether, and finally, others can produce results alone or in combination with another powerhouse. So how well do Retin A and Mandelic Acid work together? That’s what we want to learn today, but before we answer your question, let’s quickly summarize how these powerhouses work.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Extracted from bitter almonds, it is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is often found in exfoliating products and used in professional treatments such as chemical peels and facials.
With a larger molecule size, twice that of glycolic acid, it is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin.
The reason why Mandelic Acid is gentle on the skin is that it penetrates the skin very slowly, reducing the risk of irritation, redness, and severe dryness.
It works on the surface of the skin to remove accumulated dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and debris that can cause blemishes and breakouts.
It helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity by boosting collagen production.
It targets areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and age spots to even out skin tone.
If you want to know more about mandelic acid, read our dedicated blog post.
What is Retinol A?
Retinol A, also known as tretinoin, is a form of vitamin A that is synthetically formulated from a variety of effective products.
It should only be applied to the skin at night, as any exposure to UV rays will weaken the effective effects of retinol on the skin.
It must be slowly incorporated into your daily routine, applying a small amount 2 to 3 times a week, alternating between night and day to avoid over-irritation.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Speeds up the skin’s natural cell turnover, clearing away dead skin cells from the face and bringing new, fresh cells to the surface.
Helps boost collagen production, giving the skin a plump, firm, youthful, and elastic appearance.
Helps thicken the skin so it can better protect itself from free radical damage.
Visit The Beauty Insiders to learn more about Retin A and its effects on the skin.
Is Retinol better than Mandelic Acid?
The answer to this question depends on the skin results you want to achieve. Retinol is considered one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients. Mandelic acid is considered best for fighting acne and blemishes as well as hyperpigmentation. You might be surprised to learn that you can actually use both ingredients in your daily skincare routine, but more on that later!
Another factor you need to consider is your skin type. Retinol and other forms of vitamin A are not suitable for people with dry, sensitive skin. This is where mandelic acid comes into play and it is best used in daily skincare. For other skin types, retinol can work effectively if used correctly and slowly worked into the skin during an evening skincare routine.
Although each ingredient affects the skin differently, both can increase photosensitivity due to their exfoliating effects and increased skin cell turnover. Therefore, using a sunscreen with SPF 50 every day is essential to ensure that your skin is protected from further sun damage.
Can I mix mandelic acid with retinol?
Yes, you absolutely can, but you need to be careful to avoid over-irritating the skin. The easiest and most effective way to use retinol and mandelic acid together is to rotate them on your skin. Since retinol is sensitive to UV radiation, you are best off using mandelic acid in your morning skincare routine. If you use retinol in your evening routine, the skin has enough time to rebalance its pH and prepare for the next step in your regimen. If this method doesn’t work for your skin, or you want to avoid using two active ingredients on the same day, you can alternate the nights you use the active ingredients.
How many times a week should you use mandelic acid?
The percentage of mandelic acid determines how often you can use it in a week. If the formula is a serum with 10% or more, many dermatologists recommend using it only 2-3 times a week. However, there are many different products that are rich in this acid, including cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. The percentage of mandelic acid active ingredient content can vary for different product formulas. What I mean by this is that cleansing products usually have lower levels, so they are less effective. Plus, they rinse them off the skin, which means they don’t cause skin irritation. irritation.
How to use mandelic acid routinely?
This comes down to the formula containing mandelic acid because there is a correct way to use skin care products. The basic skin care rule is to start from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. As I mentioned, many skin care products contain mandelic acid, so it is important to pay attention to which products contain this active ingredient. For example, if a product is thin, such as if you use a cleanser, you must apply it to the skin before applying a serum or moisturizer. When you apply the thicker product first, you create a physical barrier on the skin that prevents the active ingredients in the thinner formula from penetrating the skin. By applying it in layers from thinnest to thickest product, you ensure that each active ingredient can be absorbed by the skin and work effectively without having to work too hard.
