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How to Best Use Mandelic Acid for Acne to Aging

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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 comes from bitter almonds

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.

5 Things You Should Know Vitamin K + Dark Undereye Circles

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Vitamin K INGREDIENT GUIDE is an overview of treating dark circles with Phytonadione.

Why K Works for Dark Undereye Circles

Vitamin K, is popular in under-eye creams because it can lighten infraorbital darkness, AKA under eye circles.

Vitamin K is also called Phytonadione on ingredient listings.

Phytonadione is most beneficial for dark circles with a blue or brown undertone.

This kind of dark under eye circle has a vascular component. They are known as “vascular dark circles” because leaking capillaries.

The trapped blood pools in the skin tissues and appears blue or purple once trapped. Over time, as it absorbs and settles, it appears a mid to dark reddish brown, like a bruise.

5 Things You Should Know about Vitamin K

  1. Vitamin K reverses the calcium deposits in elastin fibers. These deposits harden and cause wrinkles.
  2. Phytonadione helps with blood coagulation and circulation.
  3. Some dark circles are caused by weak vessels that allow blood near the surface of your skin. These circles have a blue, purple or brown undertone.
  4. Topical application of Phytonadione cream prior to an in-office procedure strengthens blood vessels. Stronger blood vessels means less bruising after surgical or laser treatments.
  5. As we age, we tend to get more broken capillaries. Vitamin K strengthens these capillaries so they are more resistant to breakage.

What to look for in a Vitamin K Topical

Vitamin K is most effective as part of a team instead of a standalone K cream or gel.

A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed topical Vitamin K works best when paired with retinol, Vitamins C, E, and the Bs. (1)

What to Know About Vitamin K and Retinol

If you use prescription retinol, apply the retinol first and then the topical K product.

What Percentage of Vitamin K is Most Effective?

In order to get Vitamin K benefits, choose a product with enough Phytonadione in the formula to be effective.

The study mentioned above used a 2% Phytonadione concentration when used with retinol, Vitamin C, and similar actives to treat dark circles.

The study showed good effect on strengthening blood vessels to stop future leaking and darkening. But it did not address existing discoloration.

Another study used a 5% concentration paired with other actives and focused on allevating brusing [2].

Recommended Phytonadione Products

Watercress contains Vitamin K along with C, E and copper.  One Watercress products we like is Watercress Eye Gel.

Farmaesthetics Watercress Eye Gel

This Farmaesthetics Watercress Eye Gel contains Watercress and certified organic herbs, flowers, and oils from American family farms. An ideal combo to restore, revitalize and refresh.

Vitamin K We love using products with watercress on the delicate eye area skin

We love using products with watercress on the delicate eye area skin

Peter Thomas Roth

Peter Thomas Roth POWER K EYE RESCUE combines Phytonadione with several treating ingredients to fix the underlying problem and address existing discoloration.

More UnderEye Dark Circle Options

It is often difficult to conceal dark circles and may be best to keep the skin hydrated and dewy to refract the light.

Another option is brighten around the orbital eye area instead.

Some helpful brightening options we love:

REFERENCES

1. Mitsuishi, T. , Shimoda, T. , Mitsui, Y. , Kuriyama, Y. and Kawana, S. (2004), The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3: 73-75. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00070.x

2. BAUMANN L. & al. The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2002).

The Science of Beauty: Can Tamanu Oil Really Help Scars & Stretch Marks?

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When we hear there’s an organic oil that can be used for skin concerns such as anti-aging, acne, stretch marks, scars, razor burn, bug bites, and can be used for softer, smoother hair, we’re interested. But we are also skeptical. What does the research say? Anecdotal evidence supports beautiful hair and skin on those who use Tamanu Oil. Many people swear by Tamanu Oil for clearing up acne or fading an old scar. But does science back the Tamanu Oil folklore? What is Tamanu Oil? And how do you use it? We did Tamanu Oil Research.

 

Tamanu Oil nut on a Tamanu Tree.

Tamanu Oil comes from the nuts of the Tamanu Tree.

ABOUT TAMANU OIL

The locals call it “Green Gold”. Pacific island folk medicine uses Tamanu Oil for a host of natural remedies. In Southern India, Tamanu Oil is used for many skin ailments. In Taiwan, it is used for hair. Tamanu Oil has gained attention because of its’ rare beauty benefits. The oil comes from a nut of the Tamanu Tree. The Tamanu Tree is commonly found in Polynesia. Within the region, Tamanu Oil is prized for hair, skin and a host of medical uses. Ample anecdotal evidence exists for these uses. Countless people swear by Tamanu Oil. But there have been limited research studies on Tamanu Oil efficacy. Studies to date show a promising organic oil with many versatile uses.

What do we know about Tamanu Oil?

While used for years in Polynesian regions, Tamanu Oil is only a recent discovery to many of us.

Tamanu Oil is a lovely golden green color with a slight nutty scent.

Tamanu Oil is a lovely golden green color with a slightly nutty scent.

Tamanu oil is a topical healing agent that is:

  • antineuralgic
  • anti-inflammatory
  • antimicrobial
  • antibiotic
  • anti-oxidant

TAMANU OIL RESEARCH STUDIES

Tamanu Oil has been long associated with many health and beauty benefits. Research studies are still developing for the documentation of several promising medical uses. There is even research into Tamanu Oil’s potential benefit for cancer and HIV.(1)

But other Tamanu Oil uses are already well documented. These areas include the healing of burns and skin diseases. (2)

Tamanu Oil is both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Tamanu Oil is used for skin conditions such as:

  • acne scars
  • burns
  • dry scalp
  • eczema
  • mosquito bites
  • psoriasis
  • stings
  • stretch marks
  • flaky, scaly or dry skin.

Older stretch marks are notoriously difficult to treat. What would make Tamanu Oil more effective than any other remedy?
Its’ rare fatty acid profile.

RESEARCH: HOW TAMANU OIL HEALS SCARS & MARKS

There has been studies of the healing properties of Tamanu Oil. Of interest is the special fatty properties of Tamanu Oil. These fatty properties help soften wounds, scars and stretch marks.

Organic Tamanu oil has a unique fatty acid profile. It has an unusual fatty acid called calophyllic acid. There are few studies on Calophyllum (calophyllic acid). But studies do exist, and there are enough to give credence to the skin healing ability of Tamanu Oil. Various studies verified the wound healing, safety, and antibacterial properties of Calophyllum (3).

This supports the anecdotal reports of the skin improvement seen with the traditional use of Tamanu Oil for at least scars, burns, and stretch marks.

CONCLUSION

Tamanu Oil is an exciting and promising Oil for a host of topical and medical uses. Tamanu Oil research is still limited. But studies are still in development to further explore potential benefits. What we do know is that Tamanu Oil is effective on several skin conditions and treating damaged skin.

WARNING: Tamanu is a nut. Tamanu oil should be avoided by those with nut allergies.

REFERENCES

  1. Warrier, Kannan. (2010). Calophyllum inophyllum. Pages 168-174.
  2. Ibid, Page 176
  3. Léguillier, Teddy et al. “The Wound Healing and Antibacterial Activity of Five Ethnomedical Calophyllum inophyllum Oils: An Alternative Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Infected Wounds.” PloS one vol. 10,9 e0138602. 25 Sep. 2015, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0138602 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4583440/

The Science of Skincare: Can Tamanu Oil Really Help Scars & Stretch Marks?

· 7 Comments

When we hear there’s an organic oil that can be used for skin concerns such as anti-aging, acne, stretch marks, scars, razor burn, bug bites, and can be used for softer, smoother hair, we’re interested. But we are also skeptical. What does the research say? Anecdotal evidence supports beautiful hair and skin on those who use Tamanu Oil. Many people swear by Tamanu Oil for clearing up acne or fading an old scar. But does science back the Tamanu Oil folklore? What is Tamanu Oil? And how do you use it? We did Tamanu Oil Research.

Tamanu Oil nut on a Tamanu Tree.

Tamanu Oil comes from the nuts of the Tamanu Tree.

ABOUT TAMANU OIL

The locals call it “Green Gold”. Pacific island folk medicine uses Tamanu Oil for a host of natural remedies. In Southern India, Tamanu Oil is used for many skin ailments. In Taiwan, it is used for hair. Tamanu Oil has gained attention because of its’ rare beauty benefits. The oil comes from a nut of the Tamanu Tree. The Tamanu Tree is commonly found in Polynesia. Within the region, Tamanu Oil is prized for hair, skin and a host of medical uses. Ample anecdotal evidence exists for these uses. Countless people swear by Tamanu Oil. But there have been limited research studies on Tamanu Oil efficacy. Studies to date show a promising organic oil with many versatile uses.

What do we know about Tamanu Oil?

While used for years in Polynesian regions, Tamanu Oil is only a recent discovery to many of us.

Tamanu Oil is a lovely golden green color with a slight nutty scent.

Tamanu Oil is a lovely golden green color with a slightly nutty scent.

Tamanu oil is a topical healing agent that is:

  • antineuralgic
  • anti-inflammatory
  • antimicrobial
  • antibiotic
  • anti-oxidant

TAMANU OIL RESEARCH STUDIES

Tamanu Oil has been long associated with many health and beauty benefits. Research studies are still developing for the documentation of several promising medical uses. There is even research into Tamanu Oil’s potential benefit for cancer and HIV.(1)

But other Tamanu Oil uses are already well documented. These areas include the healing of burns and skin diseases. (2)

Tamanu Oil is both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Tamanu Oil is used for skin conditions such as:

  • acne scars
  • burns
  • dry scalp
  • eczema
  • mosquito bites
  • psoriasis
  • stings
  • stretch marks
  • flaky, scaly or dry skin.

Older stretch marks are notoriously difficult to treat. What would make Tamanu Oil more effective than any other remedy?
Its’ rare fatty acid profile.

RESEARCH: HOW TAMANU OIL HEALS SCARS & MARKS

There has been studies of the healing properties of Tamanu Oil. Of interest is the special fatty properties of Tamanu Oil. These fatty properties help soften wounds, scars and stretch marks.

Organic Tamanu oil has a unique fatty acid profile. It has an unusual fatty acid called calophyllic acid. There are few studies on Calophyllum (calophyllic acid). But studies do exist, and there are enough to give credence to the skin healing ability of Tamanu Oil. Various studies verified the wound healing, safety, and antibacterial properties of Calophyllum (3).

This supports the anecdotal reports of the skin improvement seen with the traditional use of Tamanu Oil for at least scars, burns, and stretch marks.

CONCLUSION

Tamanu Oil is an exciting and promising Oil for a host of topical and medical uses. Tamanu Oil research is still limited. But studies are still in development to further explore potential benefits. What we do know is that Tamanu Oil is effective on several skin conditions and treating damaged skin.

WARNING: Tamanu is a nut. Tamanu oil should be avoided by those with nut allergies.

REFERENCES

  1. Warrier, Kannan. (2010). Calophyllum inophyllum. Pages 168-174.
  2. Ibid, Page 176
  3. Léguillier, Teddy et al. The Wound Healing and Antibacterial Activity of Five Ethnomedical Calophyllum inophyllum Oils: An Alternative Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Infected Wounds.” PloS one vol. 10,9 e0138602. 25 Sep. 2015, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0138602 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4583440/

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