What is Mandelic Acid? Why is it good for the skin? What is it recommended for?
Mandelic acid belongs to the group of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) acids, being gentler on the skin compared to, for instance, glycolic acid. It can aid in fighting acne, impure skin, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. Stick with us to learn more about mandelic acid and its effects on the skin.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). AHAs have beneficial effects on the skin as they loosen the connections between cells, allowing natural cell shedding, resulting in a fresher, smoother, more even skin.
All AHAs are exfoliating, prompting the aforementioned process, shedding dead skin cells from the skin's surface (also increasing photosensitivity, so using sunscreen is an essential part of any AHA regimen). It's often combined with other active ingredients, added into creams and various products, as it's a super-effective agent with excellent effects on the skin. What makes mandelic acid truly unique is its molecular structure. It's milder on the skin due to its larger molecular weight (152.1 daltons) compared to glycolic acid (another type of AHA with a molecular size of 76 daltons), which allows it to penetrate the skin more slowly. Therefore, it's confidently recommended for sensitive skin.
What Does Mandelic Acid Do?
So, what are the benefits of mandelic acid for the skin? Here are some of its advantages:
Exfoliates: Mandelic acid is a chemical exfoliant that reacts with the skin, removing dead skin cells. Some formulations not only dissolve dead skin cells but also have additional properties.
Promotes cell oxygenation: Mandelic acid enhances cell oxygenation by releasing skin surface-attached dead cells. It reduces skin damage or acne appearance by preventing skin clogging, improving skin respiration, which, if impaired, can cause numerous problems.
Reduces hyperpigmentation: The acid diminishes the appearance of dark spots, especially post-acne marks and damage from sun exposure.
Antibacterial: It's an excellent choice for combating acne due to its antibacterial properties, improving the condition of acne-prone skin by acting against bacteria responsible for acne formation.
How to Use Mandelic Acid?
What should mandelic acid users pay attention to? In other words, how should mandelic acid be used? If you have sensitive skin, avoid using retinol at least two days before exfoliation. It's not recommended to undergo any exfoliation treatment performed by a doctor or aesthetician at least two weeks before using mandelic acid. Additionally, it's strongly advised to avoid using mandelic acid if your skin's protective barrier is damaged, and you experience burning, stinging, or pulling sensations. It can be combined with various effective agents. Using sunscreen is obligatory, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors and are exposed to sunlight, or if summer is approaching and you're unable to focus on regular sun protection—consider abstaining for a while.
Can I Use It Every Day?
Mandelic acid should be applied as part of the nightly skincare routine after cleansing the skin. Despite being gentler, it's not recommended for daily use; instead, opt for 2-3 times a week after your skin has acclimatized.
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