Can Retin A and Mandelic Acid be used together?
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 what happens when Retin A and Mandelic Acid are used 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?
It is extracted from bitter almonds and is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is often found in exfoliating products and used in professional treatments such as chemical peels and facials.
Its larger molecular size, twice that of glycolic acid, makes it gentle enough for those with sensitive skin.
Mandelic acid is gentle on the skin because it penetrates the skin 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.
Targets areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots and age spots to even out skin tone.
If you want to learn 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 exposure to UV rays can affect how retinol works 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 rate of natural cell turnover of the skin, removing dead facial skin cells and bringing new, fresh cells to the surface.
Helps boost collagen production for plump, firm, youthful and elastic skin.
Helps thicken the skin so it can better protect itself from free radical damage.
Visit The Beauty Insiders for more information on Retin A and its effects on the skin.
Is Retinol better than Mandelic Acid?
The answer to this question depends on what you want to achieve for your skin. Retinol is hailed as 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 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 those with dry skin types that tend to be sensitive. This is where mandelic acid comes into play and it is best used in a daily skincare routine. For other skin types, retinol works effectively if used correctly, i.e. slowly working it into the skin during an evening skincare routine.
While each ingredient affects the skin differently, both can increase photosensitivity due to their exfoliating effects and faster skin cell turnover, so using a sunscreen with SPF 50 every day is essential to ensure your skin is protected from further sun damage.
Can I mix mandelic acid with retinol?
Yes, you certainly can, but you need to be careful to avoid over-irritating your 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, it is best to use 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 treatment. 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 mandelic acid be used?
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, from cleansers, toners, serums to moisturizers. With different product formulas, you may notice that the percentage of mandelic acid may vary. What I mean 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 irritation.
How to use mandelic acid routinely?
This comes down to formulating with mandelic acid, as there is a correct way to use skincare products. The basic skincare rule is to start with the thinnest consistency and go to the thickest. As I mentioned, mandelic acid is found in many skincare products, so it’s important to pay attention to which product contains this active ingredient. For example, if the product is thin, such as if you use a cleanser, you must apply it to the skin before your 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 from thinnest to thickest, you can ensure that each active ingredient is absorbed by the skin and works effectively without any effort.
Below is more information about Retinol A and Mandelic Acid and how to use them together in your daily routine. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions and learn more on our Instagram.
