How to Best Use Mandelic Acid for Acne to Aging

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and no acne treatment would be complete without Mandelic Acid.

Retinol is still the gold standard for acne. But peeling acids are more common in acne and acne scar treatment. And Mandelic Acid is an ingredient worthy of your attention. It gets the results of a robust acid but with little to no skin irritation.

WHAT IS MANDELIC ACID?

Mandelic acid is a natural ingredient that is extracted from bitter almonds

Mandelic acid is a very gentle AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid).

It penetrates the skin slowly, making it suitable for even sensitive skin.

While it is an “acid” it is very gentle and rarely causes skin irritation.

It is natural, clean, green, and skin-friendly.

It is useful in organic and clean beauty skin care product formulations.

HOW MANDELIC ACID WORKS: ACNE TO ANTI-AGING

It works by accelerating cell turnover by dissolving the tiny bonds that hold skin cells together. This microexfoliation accomplishes several skincare objectives.

ACNE

It is an exceptionally effective acne treatment.

It removes bacteria-trapping dead skin, which contributes to acne formation. Dead skin also dulls the complexion and makes fine lines look worse. Removing dead skin cells brightens skin.

It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. If you have adult acne, products with Mandelic acid in their formulations is ideal to treat both acne and signs of skin aging. (1)

ANTI-AGING

It has excellent anti-aging properties.

It is helpful for:

• smoothing mesh-like pattern wrinkles
• promotes collagen production. More collagen increases skin’s elasticity and youthful appearance. Collagen counteracts sun damage by smoothing and refining the skin surface. Sun damage is the largest cause of visible signs of aging.
• reducing hyperpigmentation. It lightens acne scars, sun damage, and age spots.

MANDELIC ACID VS GLYCOLIC ACID

• Both acids are highly effective at causing rapid cell turnover.
• Both reveal younger, smoother, brighter skin.
• Both acids dissolve the “glue” holding dead skin cells.
• Both remove dead skin cells without forceful scrubbing.
• Both are ideal for skin unable to tolerate harsh exfoliants.

A difference between the acids is that Mandelic acid has a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid. Smaller molecular structures penetrate the skin faster and deeper.  (2)

If the skin can tolerate glycolic, that’s great. But if the skin gets irritated by Glycolic acid, Mandelic acid is an ideal option.

It’s larger molecular structure gets the job done, albeit a tad slower. But you won’t have to skip a day due to irritation like sometimes occurs with retinol.

Mandelic is kinder to the skin. There is little to no irritation and redness with regular use. (3)

Read How to Use Glycolic Acid (aHA) for better skin

MANDELIC ACID TIPS FOR BEST USE

• Skin using any AHA is more sensitive to light. Always wear sunscreen
• To avoid irritation, choose products with 10% or less Mandelic Acid concentrations

HYPERPIGMENTATION

Some hyperpigmentation fading ingredients work best on pink undertone skin.

Mandelic Acid works on the hyperpigmentation of all skin tone types.

It inhibits melanin production in existing scars, age spots, and acne marks. (4) This reduces hyperpigmentation of all types on all skin tones.

Mandelic Acid: A Holy Grail Ingredient

A “Holy Grail Ingredient”!

It reduces sun damage, acne, and hyperpigmentation. It gently exfoliates and improves skin texture. It works on all skin tones and textures, including mature and sensitive skin.

It is natural and suitable for organic product formulations.

A Style Chicks skincare superstar! ??

REFERENCES

1. Debowska, Renata & Kaszuba, Aleksandra & Michalak, Iwona & Dzwiga‚owska, Agata & Cieciska, Czanita & Jakimiuk, Elbieta & Zieli„ska, Joanna & Kaszuba, Andrzej. (2015). Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of mandelic acid-containing cosmetic formulations for acne skin care. Dermatology Review. 4. 316-321. 10.5114/dr.2015.53419.
2. Garg VK, Sinha S, Sarkar R. Glycolic acid peels versus salicylic-mandelic acid peels in active acne vulgaris and post-acne scarring and hyperpigmentation: A comparative study. Dermatol Surg 2009;35:59-65.
3. Taylor MB. Summary of mandelic acid for the improvement of skin conditions. Cosmet Dermatol 1999;12:26-8
4. Kessler E, Flanagan K, Chia C, Rogers C, Glaser DA. Comparison of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris. Dermatol Surg 2008;34:45-50.