Professional Mandelic Acid Peels

PROFESSIONAL MANDELIC ACID PEELS

As our bodies mature, it is natural for wrinkles, dark spots, dullness, and even acne to appear. These are only some of the numerous skin scare concerns that many face at one point in their lives.

Luckily enough, thorough research and the advancement of technology have now given us a multitude of options that can easily be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) to combat such concerns. All OTC products contain essential ingredients manufactured to address both specific issues and enhance skin health in general – and one of these essential ingredients is mandelic acid.

What Is Mandelic Acid?

Mandelic acid is an ingredient found in many top of the line skincare products that acts as a gentle exfoliator and helps safely peel off the uppermost layer of one’s skin. This process promotes the growth of a new layer, which keeps the skin looking healthy and prevents certain problems from persistently arising such as acne or discoloration.

Where Does Mandelic Acid Come From?

This particular acid is primarily made out of amygdalin, which is extracted from bitter almonds. In fact, its name origin is from the German word “mandel”, translating to “almond”.

Not only is its main ingredient all natural, almonds are also known for offering direct advantages to the skin such as brightening, anti-aging, reduction of acne, treatment of dried skin cells, and as a remedy for unhealthy sun exposure.

Is Mandelic Acid an AHA Or BHA?

It is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which are water soluble and designed for brightening, smoothening, and overall repairing the skin. Mandelic acid is also known to be gentler compared to other AHAs due to its unique molecular structure that allows it to penetrate the surface of the skin at a slower, less aggressive pace.

Once an AHA is applied, it helps loosen the bond across multiple surface skin cells, which lead them to naturally shed off in affected areas and produce a fresh, rejuvenated layer.

What Is Mandelic Serum Used For?

Mandelic acid serum is used as a gentle exfoliator. It is applied to skin types that are rough, dry, and dull. It is also used for cases of hyperpigmentation, melasma, persistent acne, as well as acne scars.

It can be used for all skin types and across all ages. Apart from its many advantages for young skin, it can also help the more mature market combat signs of aging.

What Are The Benefits Of Mandelic Acid?

By exfoliating the skin through chemical means, mandelic acid safely and gently removes old cells without the need for harsh and abrasive scrubs. This process promotes the turnover of dead or decaying cells without risking more harm and stress on the skin.

While AHAs are popular for brightening complexion and fading signs of damage, mandelic acid specifically goes above and beyond by also tightening and strengthening the skin. Its effectiveness gets stronger with consistent and continued application.

Is Mandelic Acid Safe?

Being the more gentle type of the alpha-hydroxy acids, mandelic acid is definitely safe. In fact, it is so safe that it is widely used by a vast range of skin types with little to no adverse effects.

Nevertheless, it is always recommended to speak with your preferred dermatologist before starting any kind of treatment that your skin has yet to experience.

What Not To Use With Mandelic Acid?

Abiding by a skincare routine involving mandelic acid means that the best results are to come through a slow and steady process. As mentioned, it is a gentle ingredient and therefore should not be mixed with harsh products. Because of this, we highly recommend not to use it with other kinds of AHAs, other kinds of peels, varying retinols, or retinoids.

MANDELIC ACID PRODUCTS

With the rise in demand for safe, natural, and gentle skincare treatments, more and more products have now been incorporated with mandelic acid. The expanded lineup and a short description of each of their usage are found below.

Mandelic Acid Lotion

By simply applying lotion containing mandelic acid, the skin will soon smoothen out and stay refreshed. Regular application will help maintain the skin’s hydration levels and lock in moisture to keep the surface supple and soft. Compared to cream-based products, lotions are also less greasy and offer a more comfortable way to reduce dryness.

Mandelic Acid Serums

Another way to boost hydration levels in the skin is by applying serum containing mandelic acid. At the same time, these products will also help brighten the skin, reduce blemishes, and gently even out pigmentation.

Mandelic Acid Toners

An important factor when utilizing mandelic acid is its ability to loosen dried out cell connections and safely strips them off. By pairing this process with a toner’s ability to help tighten the new cells and close off pores, the user can greatly reduce risk of dirt and other contaminants from entering the skin’s surface.

Mandelic Acid Peel

The Mandelic Acid Peel is a mild product that helps even the most sensitive and damaged of skins hasten the turnover of skin cells. Furthermore, its antibacterial properties specifically target stubborn acne spots and blackheads.

It is to be used after a toner to ensure the peel is at its most effective state once applied on the skin. However, one should not expect actual peeling due to its how mild the solution is. Despite the absence of physical peeling, its effects will manifest with continued use.

Mandelic Acid Exfoliator

Mandelic acid in itself makes for an excellent exfoliator. A lot of the time, consumers with persistent skin problems rely on an exfoliator as their best chance at resurfacing the skin. With mandelic acid at the heart of their chosen exfoliating product, results are sure to be accelerated in the safest and most subtle way possible.

Mandelic Acid Pads

Pads infused with mandelic acid are a great way to exfoliate and brighten skin all while minimizing the appearance of pores in as little as a few strokes nightly. It helps dislodge dead skin cells, combat the excess of oil, and prevent the build up of bacteria with the pad’s gentle, exfoliating surface. Once the pads clear and smoothen out the skin, the mandelic acid solution then works its wonders.

Mandelic Acid Cleanser

Cleansers are a daily necessity to scrub and wash off the combination of dirt, makeup, oil, dead skin cells, other face products, and pollutants accumulated from a busy day out. Regular use can greatly prevent the clogging of pores and dulling of complexion. By using a cleanser that contains mandelic acid, not only will one enjoy the benefits of cleansing, but can also experience total skin repair as well.

Mandelic Acid Powder

Mandelic acid powder is a very versatile product as it can be added to the consumer’s preferred moisturizer, lotion, cleanser, serum, pads, and other forms of skincare treatment. It can also be made into a DIY peel or mask. It is important to note that consumers must never use mandelic acid powder without diluting it first as the concentration may be too harsh on the skin and cause irritation.

MANDELIC ACID USES

Basing from the multiple products containing mandelic acid, we now have a better idea as to what exactly are its many benefits and various uses. To further discuss each of these in detail, below is a list of skin issues that mandelic acid has proven to target best.

Mandelic Acid For Hyperpigmentation

There are many kinds of hyperpigmentation such as sunspots or liver spots, age spots, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmention, and melasma. Mandelic acid has been repeatedly revered for combating all of these kinds.

• Sunspots and liver spots are the results of too much sun exposure over a long stretch of time. They are more common on the face and hands as these are most vulnerable to daylight. Age spots are similar but can also appear on the shoulders and travel down to the arms.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmention is a product of injury to the skin. Acne scars is one of the most common types under this category.
• Studies show that melasma is due to hormonal changes within the system. More often than not, it develops during pregnancy and can manifest on the stomach and face.

Mandelic Acid For Acne

Mandelic acid makes for an excellent addition to any existing acne treatment routine. While it is not usually used on its own, it is often incorporated to acne-fighting products to efficiently clear out pores and reduce blemishes. Due to its superb antibacterial influence, it is best for targeting inflamed and stubborn acne.

Mandelic Acid For Acne Scars

As previously mentioned, it does wonders for all kinds of hyperpigmentation, including scars left from acne and dark areas caused by major pimples. By gently exfoliating the surface of the skin, dead cells are effectively dislodged and replaced by a newer and brighter layer. The more often the product is utilized, the faster the resurfacing process goes.

Mandelic Acid For Rosacea

Rosacea is often mistaken for acne, eczema, or even just an allergic reaction because of its similarity in symptoms. It is a fairly common condition and manifests when the face starts to blush or get too red, similar to having bad sunburn. During this time, mini blood vessels become enlarged and more visible through the skin. Other symptoms also include swollen bumps that are either red or resemble whiteheads, discoloration, and watery eyes. By treating these with products infused with mandelic acid, there is a better chance at preventing the spread, frequency, and it lessens that risk of the condition becoming permanent.

Mandelic Acid For Melasma

Melasma is a condition wherein brown speckles form on the skin. More often than not, it will be present on the face, but it can also appear on the arms and neck area. As briefly mentioned, it is usually caused by hormones and can often manifest in pregnant women. Another main cause would be heavy or constant exposure to radiation either ultraviolet, visible light, or even infrared.

Regular usage of mandelic acid can greatly help in stripping away damaged skin cells and fade traces of discoloration.

Mandelic Acid For Blackheads

Three of the best treatments for blackheads are (1) gently exfoliating using AHAs, (2) utilizing chemical peels, and (3) cleansing regularly – all of which are achieved with mandelic acid. Because its formula can also help regulate sebum production and unclog pores, it is perfect for preventing blackheads from coming back.

Mandelic Acid For Fungal Acne

Fungal acne feeds on dead skin cells and sebum, both of which foster clogged and inflamed follicles. The application of mandelic acid through various kinds of skin care products can relieve the pores of accumulating elements, clean out existing fungal acne, and work to prevent it from reoccurring.

Mandelic Acid For Folliculitis

Folliculitis is the condition wherein hair follicles develop fungal infections. Viruses or inflammation due to ingrown hairs are the usual triggers, which make it very common for those that regularly experience shave bumps.

As a potent exfoliator, it can quickly yet lightly dissolve any binding of decayed skin cells from the surface of affected areas.

Mandelic Acid Alternatives

Mandelic acid is the ultimate multi-tasking ingredient that any skincare routine could use. Whether it be for sensitive, oily, dry, or normal skin, it targets and works towards permanently eliminating many common skin concerns.

However, despite the high tolerance rate surrounding the ingredient, it still stands that not every single consumer will have the same reaction. The skin could either resist its formula, or perhaps not be as effective due to various other factors. In these cases, alternatives that are just as beneficial should be considered. Below, we discuss other possible options and how they stand against mandelic acid.

Mandelic Acid VS Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is another type of AHA and is derived from milk. Its molecular structure is smaller than mandelic acid but bigger than glycolic acid, making it a good middle ground for those trying to balance potency. It penetrates the skin at a faster pace than mandelic acid and is therefore a little harsher on the skin.

For those that find mandelic acid too mild for their condition, lactic acid is the next best step to consider.

Mandelic Acid VS Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is yet another type of AHA, is derived from sugarcane, and is known to be the most potent of the three kinds. Its molecular structure is very tiny, which helps it get through the skin at a more aggressive pace and therefore has the power to yield substantial effects.

Due to the contrast in sizes, a small percentage of glycolic acid offers much more AHA molecules than another product with the same percentage of mandelic acid. If mandelic is much too mild for your specific condition, and lactic acid is also delivering little to no results, then glycolic acid may just do the trick but always practice extra caution when applying highly potent products.

Mandelic Acid VS Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is the most common type of BHA and is very popular for treating acne, redness, and inflammation. It is extracted from the witch hazel plant and is best suited for those with oily and spot-prone skin.

It has shown more favorable results in treating non-inflammatory acne such as blackhead and whiteheads, while mandelic acid is more favorable for inflammatory acne such as pimples and papules.

Mandelic Acid VS Retinol

Retinol is the most popular source of Vitamin A when it comes to skincare and is best used as an anti-aging product. Just like mandelic acid, it has the ability to reduce fine lines, fade out dark spots, unclog pores, and promote cell turnover.

However, unlike mandelic acid, retinol is not very gentle on the skin and a lot of people are not able to tolerate it very well leading to redness, breaking out, and other forms of irritation.

Mandelic Acid VS Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid made its name combating moderate acne and is usually incorporated in products that require prescriptions. It is derived from wheat, barley, and rye, and utilized as an exfoliant that must be left on. It also acts as a brightening agent and holds the ability to fade post-acne scars.

As it is one of the gentler types of acids, it is often interchanged with mandelic acid. It is overall very well tolerated among most consumers with sensitive skin but has had a fair share of reports citing stinging and redness as well.

Overall, the same market can use both acids and the best way to determine which works for certain consumers is by sampling them.

Mandelic Acid VS Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and is often regarded as an effective addition to numerous skincare products. Like mandelic acid, it is also a gentle formula that is water-soluble making it perfect for top layer concerns. It works to lessen inflammation, dullness, and is well tolerated even by sensitive skin.

Mandelic Acid VS Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant widely known in the skincare industry for its anti-aging properties. In some instances, it can also be used in treating melasma. Vitamin C helps regulate collagen production and melanin formation, therefore helping your skin become firmer and tone evenly.

Mandelic Acid VS BHA

As an AHA, mandelic acid is made water-soluble. This means that they focus on the surface level of the skin and only penetrate deep enough to peel off lodged elements and dead skin cells bound to the exterior that could affect pigmentation, acne, surface wrinkles, and the like.

BHA’s, on the other hand are oil-soluble, which allows them to infiltrate even deeper into the pores to dry out excess sebum and dig out dead skin cells to keep your pores open. They are more aggressive than mandelic acid and other AHAs, and are primarily utilized for treating long lasting acne and sun damage.

If mandelic acid and other AHAs have not been successful in a skin care treatment, perhaps the condition requires deeper cleansing that can only be done through applying BHAs. While they may be more potent, those with sensitive skin may still take advantage of BHAs but with lower concentrations.

How To Use Mandelic Acid Serum?

Mandelic acid serum is best used during an evening skincare routine. It is most effective to apply it after cleansing the face but before moisturizing. We recommend administering in small amounts and gently patting it down, followed by a short pause to allow efficient absorption.

Mandelic Serum Benefits

Utilizing mandelic serum comes with a load of benefits, including, but not limited to:

• Gently exfoliating old layers of skin cells
• Promoting cell turnover and resurfacing of skin
• Treating existing acne of varying kinds
• Preventing future acne from developing
• Fading hyperpigmentation, including acne scars, age spots, and damage from too much sun exposure
• Treating Rosacea
• Preventing blackheads and whiteheads
• Reducing signs of aging such as fine lines and surface wrinkles
• Brightening dull complexion and evens out skin tone by stripping away dead skin cells
• Unclogging pores
• Treating folliculitis

Mandelic Acid Serum Side Effects

Because it is a very gentle acid, its potential to cause any side effects is extremely low. Should there be any, especially for extra sensitive skin, it may usually manifest in the form of mild irritation.

Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Salicylic Acid?

Mandelic acid is often combined with salicylic acid to yield amazing results and garner maximum exfoliation and moisture. Because salicylic acid targets blackhead and whiteheads more while mandelic acid is more focused on inflammatory acne, many find that the best acne treatment is pairing the two in controlled amounts.

Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Retinol?

As a rule of thumb, acids and retinol should not be mixed together. However, since mandelic acid is very gentle, some consumers still opt to do so while following a few precautions. One preventative measure is using retinol at night since it tends to break down under light, then applying mandelic acid in the morning to exfoliate the dead skin cells accumulated overnight due to the retinol.

Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Niacinamide?

Mandelic acid and Niacinamide work great on their own, however, studies show that mixing the two in well-calculated concentrations can be even more beneficial.

Can Mandelic Acid Be Used With Vitamin C?

While mandelic acid and vitamin C are effective as the sole treatment, they work best when paired with each other. One may opt to either apply them at different times of the day, alternate between days, or apply them at the same time – whichever works best for the specific situation.

Can Mandelic Acid Be Used Daily?

It cannot be stressed enough just how mild and gentle mandelic acid is on the skin. Because of this, it is perfectly safe to use on a daily basis.

Is Mandelic Acid Good For Oily Skin?

AHA’s are water-soluble but because of mandelic acid’s molecular structure being much larger and very similar to salicylic acid, it also has the properties of oil-soluble products. This makes it highly suitable for skin that is either oily and/ or prone to acne.

Is Mandelic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?

Generally, all AHAs are perfectly safe to use during pregnancy, but the safest option of all is mandelic acid because of its mild characteristics.

Does Mandelic Acid Cause Purging?

Purging is made possible by speeding up the turnover of skin cells since the breakouts hiding underneath are then exposed to the surface. So no matter the exfoliant used, even one as mild as mandelic acid can potentially cause purging.