Mandelic Acid Benefits, Side Effects and How to Use it

For skin renewal and aesthetic improvement, exfoliating often is essential. Chemical exfoliants can be harsh on the skin even though they are effective. This is when the advantages of mandelic acid come into play.

Mandelic Acid is a form of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), a milder chemical exfoliator that promotes an even complexion by assisting in the fight against dark spots, blackheads, and whiteheads.

This component keeps the skin smooth and luminous and is derived from bitter almonds.

In this post, we’ll delve deeper into mandelic acid’s skin benefits, how it works, how to use it, the five best products that contain it, and the safety measures you should take. Continue to scroll!

Also Read our web story on benefits of Mandelic Acid for Skin.

Table of Contents

What is Mandelic Acid?

Mandelic acid is a form of AHA that individuals employ as chemical peels or exfoliants in skin care regimens. The material comes from almonds that are bitter.

Mandelic acid may be appropriate for persons with sensitive skin or those who find other chemical exfoliants too powerful for their skin because it is described by several cosmetic brands as a gentle AHA.

Mandelic acid is a large molecule, roughly twice the size of glycolic acid, when compared to other AHAs. Mandelic acid also absorbs considerably more slowly through skin.

Its slower rate of absorption may explain why it causes less skin irritation than other AHAs.

Benefits of Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid has numerous advantages for your skin. As follows:

1. Gentle On The Skin

Glycolic acid-containing chemical peels work quite well. Glycolic acid, however, can irritate delicate skin, resulting in post-peel redness, edoema, and hyperpigmentation.

The ultimate finest product for sensitive skin types is mandelic acid, which is kinder to the skin.

Mandelic acid is just as effective as glycolic acid as an exfoliator, according to a study done on Indian patients, but the former is easier to tolerate.

A 45 percent mandelic acid peel is just as effective as a salicylic acid peel, according to a different study, but mandelic acid is less dangerous and has less side effects.

2. Promotes Collagen Production

Because it encourages the creation of collagen, the primary protein in skin and connective tissue, malic acid also enhances the appearance of the skin.

The effects of consuming mandelic acid vary from person to person, however some claim that after a few weeks they can see a difference in their complexion and look.

3. Reduces Hyperpigmentation and Discoloration

Including melasma, mandelic acid may aid in preventing several forms of hyperpigmentation.

In order to treat melasma in Indian patients, a 2016 study evaluated glycolic acid with salicylic-mandelic acid.

It was discovered that both kinds of acid work equally well. Salicylic-mandelic acid, on the other hand, was better tolerated by the individuals.

4. Makes The Skin Firm

Your skin begins to lose firmness and elasticity as you get older. Collagen, a skin protein that gives your skin its firmness and flexibility, is produced less frequently as you age.

Skin becomes lax as a result. Using mandelic acid twice a day for 4 weeks on participants aged 42 to 68 resulted in improvements in skin firmness of 23.8% and lower eyelid skin elasticity of 25.4%.

5. Improves Skin Texture

Your skin’s texture can become uneven due to wrinkles and fine lines brought on by bad lifestyle choices or diminished collagen. Additionally, diminished sebum production hastens skin ageing.

Mandelic acid can improve skin texture, speed up cell renewal, and give the appearance of plumpness and radiance. Chemical peels using 20 percent azelaic acid and 40 percent mandelic acid have been shown to improve sebum secretion in aged skin, according to a study.

6. Helps Reduce Acne

Acne can be brought on by skin oils, germs, dead skin cells, and inflammation. Mandelic acid-containing skin care products help control sebum production, clear clogged pores, and lessen inflammation. Less acne outbreaks may be the effect of this.

In a recent study, it was discovered that for mild to moderate acne, a chemical peel containing 45 percent mandelic acid was just as efficient as one containing 30 percent salicylic acid.

In addition, the study discovered that mandelic acid may be more effective than salicylic acid at treating inflammatory acne (papules and pustules) and may also have fewer side effects.

7. Clears Up The Skin

Mandelic acid can help reduce acne, as was already mentioned. Additionally, it is said to exfoliate the top layers of dead skin and balance out skin tone. In the end, this gives your skin a clearer, brighter, and lit-from-within appearance.

You also don’t have to worry about applying mandelic acid causing redness or hyperpigmentation because it is mild on the skin.

These are the ways that mandelic acid makes your skin look firm, youthful, clean, and pristine. However, what is the underlying science of mandelic acid? How exactly does it operate? To discover out in the following part, scroll down.

How Does Mandelic Acid Work?

Compared to other AHAs, malonic acid has a larger molecular structure (glycolic acid and lactic acid).

This explains why mandelic acid needs more time to enter your skin. Due to this characteristic, it works well as an exfoliator on all skin types, including dry, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.

Mandelic acid is equally good in exfoliating the skin as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, according to studies (3). (4). Mandelic acid is hence both powerful and safe.

How To Apply Mandelic Acid

Step 1: Use a mild cleanser to wash your face. Dry your face with a gentle towel.

Step 2: After using a skin toner, wait for two to three minutes.

Step 3: Put a couple of drops of mandelic acid on your fingertips and rub your skin for around five minutes.

Step 4: Give the mandelic acid 20 minutes to absorb into your skin. After that, moisturise.

Note: At night is the ideal time to use mandelic acid.

Isn’t that simple? However, you might not get the effects you want if you don’t use mandelic acid in the right way.

Side Effects of Mandelic Acid

Any skin care product that is used carries the possibility of negative effects. Mandelic acid can be used without issue by some people, but you should stop using this AHA if you notice any kind of irritability, such as:

Swelling
Redness
Itching

After taking mandelic acid for a few days or weeks, skin irritation could appear. If so, overuse may be to blame. If your skin becomes better, try using mandelic acid-containing products less frequently each day.

Additionally, you ought to consult a dermatologist about this matter and heed their advice.

Conclusion

A regular, effective skin care programme is essential if you want to eliminate acne or improve the texture of your skin and hyperpigmented spots.

Your skin may change thanks to malic acid in as little as two weeks. Due to its minimal side effects and less irritating nature compared to other AHAs, it is a fantastic option for sensitive skin.

Consultation with a dermatologist is advised prior to utilising any kind of chemical peel. They can advise you on the best products and methods of application for your skin type.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Quickly Does Mandelic Acid Start to Work?

Glycolic acid is harsher than maldic acid. This implies that it will take more time to infiltrate your skin and provide benefits. Before you see a difference, use it for at least 4 weeks. This also means that you won’t irritate your skin or have to struggle with redness or hyperpigmentation after a chemical peel.

Can Mandelic Acid be Applied to Every Type of Skin?

Yes, mandelic acid is suitable for all types of skin. Due to its high molecular size, it is more mild than glycolic acid. This implies that skin penetration is slower. This avoids skin irritability. It helps to reduce acne scars and tighten and hydrate older skin.

How May Mandelic Acid be Used in Your Beauty Routine?

Apply a toner after using a cleanser to clean your face. Next, massage your skin for 5 minutes with 2-3 drops of the mandelic acid solution with the lowest concentration. Before applying a moisturiser, wait 15 minutes.