What is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid is a plant-based alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds. It’s classified as a nontoxic “superficial peeling agent” because it only regenerates the topmost layers of skin. For this reason, it is often regarded as the most gentle and non-irritating exfoliant, making it equally effective for all skin types, even very sensitive skin. As the most gentle alpha hydroxy acid available, Mandelic acid only works on the skin’s surface, making it most suitable for those with a sensitive skin type that reacts to other chemical exfoliants. For those with acne-prone skin, Mandelic acid is a highly effective acne fighter due to its antibacterial action on Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes breakouts. Additionally, it helps to reduce inflammation and is a potent antioxidant. Mandelic acid is usually combined with other alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s)such as Glycolic acid, Lactic acid and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) Salicylic acid to form what is called a superficial dermal peeling. These types of exfoliating acids are topically applied to the face and then removed after a few minutes. The result is exfoliation of the top layers of skin, revealing the new, softer, smoother skin underneath.
With advanced exfoliating skin care properties, Mandelic acid is the ultimate weapon against wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of ageing while unclogging pores, fighting acne breakouts and evening out skin tone.
What are the Benefits of Using Mandelic Acid?
Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: This powerful, yet gentle AHA stimulates collagen production, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles further and improve the appearance of skin elasticity. Plus, the antioxidant properties of Mandelic acid help protect the skin from free radical damage, which otherwise leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Fades Dark Spots and Evens Skin Tone: Mandelic acid helps lighten dark spots and even the colouring of skin tone due to its melanin-inhibiting properties. One of its greatest benefits is its suitability for those with darker complexions, as there is less risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Diminishes acne scars: The exfoliating properties of Mandelic acid help remove the build-up of dead skin cells, which can help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Unclogs Pores and Treats Acne: Mandelic acid accelerates the skin’s natural exfoliation process, helping unclog pores and treating acne by reducing the build-up of older skin cells and sebum. Additionally, Mandelic acid has antibacterial properties that help reduce the unwanted effects of Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes breakouts.
Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of Mandelic acid help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
Improve Skin Texture: With its powerful exfoliating properties, Mandelic acid improves uneven skin texture by diminishing dead skin cells and revealing softer, smoother skin beneath.
The Best Skin Care Products with Mandelic Acid
Bio Fermented Triple Action Scrub by Aesthetics Rx
Combining Mandelic acid, Glycolic acid and Lactic acid, the Bio Fermented Triple Action Scrub by Aesthetics Rx is an excellent choice for those looking to improve the overall appearance of their skin. This powerful triple-action facial exfoliator helps brighten the skin, improve cell turnover and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Triple Action Facial Exfoliator combines the most advanced active ingredients developed through sustainable biotechnology, such as Fermented Paw Paw, Polylactic acid eco-beads, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Kakadu Plum and more.
All About Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs are a group of plant-based that are water-soluble. AHAs work by breaking the bonds between dead skin cells and the skin’s surface to reveal the soft, smooth skin underneath. In addition to their exfoliating properties, AHAs have hydrating and anti-aging benefits. The most common AHAs used in skin care are Mandelic acid, Glycolic acid and Lactic acid.Mandelic Acid: Mandelic acid is derived from almonds and has the largest molecular size of all other AHAs. With its indirect peeling strength, Mandelic acid can work on the skin’s surface without causing irritation. It works by gently exfoliating the skin and helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and is the smallest molecular weight, meaning it is the most rapidly absorbed of all AHAs. Glycolic acid breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, which helps to improve cell turnover and reveal brighter, more youthful skin.
Lactic Acid: Traditionally Lactic acid is derived from sour milk, but with biotechnology at Aesthetics Rx, the Lactic acid used is derived from plants, including corn, beets and fruits. Biotechnology involves the plant cells being treated with a bacterial fermentation process to create a culture where large volumes of this vegan-friendly type of Lactic acid are produced and used in our skincare. Lactic acid is slightly larger in molecular size than Glycolic acid. It works by exfoliating the skin and increasing hydration levels, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or dry skin.
AHAs and Skin Types
The best Alpha Hydroxy Acid for your skin type depends on a number of factors, including your skin concerns and your skin’s sensitivity. Dry & Sensitive Skin: AHAs can help increase skin moisture levels while also helping reduce sensitivity. Gluconolactone, Lactic acid, and Mandelic acid are good options for dry and sensitive skin as they are more gentle than other AHAs. Oily & Acne-Prone Skin: Glycolic acid and Mandelic acid are good options for those with oily and acne-prone skin as they help reduce sebum production and the size of pores. Normal Skin: Any AHAs can be used on normal skin, but Lactic acid and Mandelic acid are good options as they help brighten and even out skin tone.
Everyday Skincare Benefits of AHAs & BHAs
AHAs
Advanced Exfoliation The most common benefit of AHAs is their advanced exfoliating properties. Frequent application of AHAs helps improve cell turnover, revealing brighter skin, and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Ultimate Hydration Also known for their hydrating properties, AHAs are ideal for those with dry or delicate skin. They can help increase hydration levels and improve the appearance of dryness and flakiness. Anti-Ageing Benefits In addition to their exfoliating and hydrating properties, AHAs also have anti-ageing benefits. Helping to stimulate collagen production can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and may improve skin elasticity.BHAs
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are oil soluble and work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells. As an oil-based molecule, BHAs penetrate the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. They are beneficial in this way to reduce congestion underneath the surface of the skin.
Common BHA’s:
Salicylic acid is the most common type of BHA derived from Willow bark. Salicylic acid works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, which helps unclog pores, reduce congestion and prevent breakouts.
Tips & Precautions
Mandelic acid is generally well-tolerated by most people. However, as with any new skincare ingredient, it’s always best to do a patch test on a small area of skin first to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions. Since it is derived from Almonds, those with nut allergies can check with their health care practitioner before using it; however, in this form, it is not a protein and is unlikely to cause problems for nut allergy sufferers.Use and Application
If you have sensitive skin, start using Mandelic acid once or twice a week and then increase the frequency as your skin becomes more tolerant.Reduce Sun Exposure
It is essential to wear sunscreen when using Mandelic acid (and any AHA/BHA) as the exfoliating properties can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.Possible Side Effects
Even though Mandelic acid is gentle, a few possible side effects and sensitivity issues can occur, such as redness, dryness, and peeling. These side effects are typically mild and temporary. If you experience any severe side effects, discontinue use and consult a doctor.- Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
It’s All About Skin Care Science
Mandelic acid is a powerful yet very gentle exfoliant that can help improve the overall appearance of your skin. By dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, Mandelic acid helps unclog pores, reveal brighter skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. If you have sensitive skin, start using Mandelic acid once or twice a week and then increase the frequency as your skin becomes more tolerant. Remember to wear sunscreen when using Mandelic acid, as the exfoliating properties can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. So, what’s the verdict? Should you be using Mandelic acid in your skincare routine? The answer is a resounding yes! Mandelic acid has many everyday skincare benefits and can help improve everything from skin tone to acne scarring. Plus, it’s gentle enough for daily use on all skin types.
FAQs About Mandelic Acid
Is Mandelic Acid Suitable for Sensitive Skin?
Mandelic acid is an excellent choice for sensitive skin types as it’s gentle and non-irritating. Start using Mandelic acid once or twice a week, and then increase the frequency as your skin becomes more tolerant. It’s also important to wear sunscreen as the exfoliating properties can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.
Are Mandelic acid peels safe?
Mandelic acid peels are safe for most people, but it’s always best to do a patch test on a small area of skin first to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions. If you experience any severe side effects, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
Is a Mandelic acid peel the same as chemical peels?
Mandelic acid is a plant-based acid and is classified as a chemical type of peelMandelic acid is gentler than most chemical peels and is a good choice for those with sensitive skin. The enhanced exfoliating properties of Mandelic acid come from its’ larger molecular structure, which allows it to penetrate only the very surface of the skin, and more slowly. This also makes it less likely to cause irritation.
Is Mandelic acid suitable for all skin types?
Mandelic acid can be used on all skin types, but it’s especially beneficial for those with sensitive or dry skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Mandelic acid supports the skin’s natural exfoliation process to help unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
What skincare products should I use before exfoliation?
We recommend using an AHA cleanser, an Oil-based cleanser, or a foaming cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup before using AHA exfoliation products. For best results, follow up with a hydrating serum or moisturiser.