Mandelic acid is a product used to combat wrinkles and expression lines, being indicated to be used in the form of cream, oil or serum, which must be applied directly to the face.
This type of acid is derived from bitter almonds and is especially suitable for people who have sensitive skin, as it is more slowly absorbed by the skin because it is a larger molecule.
What is Mandelic Acid for?
Mandelic acid has a moisturizing, whitening, antibacterial and fungicidal action, being indicated for skin prone to acne or with small dark spots. In this way, mandelic acid can be used to:
- Lighten dark skin patches; Moisturize the skin deeply; Combat blackheads and pimples, improving skin uniformity; Combat signs of aging, such as wrinkles and expression lines; Renew cells because it eliminates dead cells; Assist in the treatment of stretch marks.
Mandelic acid is ideal for dry skin and intolerant to glycolic acid, but it can be used on all skin types as it is much softer than other alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). In addition, this acid can be used on fair, dark, mulatto and black skin, and before or after peeling or laser surgery.
Normally mandelic acid is found in formulations between 1 and 10%, and can be found combined with other substances, such as hyaluronic acid, Aloe vera or rosehip. For professional use, mandelic acid can be marketed in concentrations ranging from 30 to 50%, which are used for deep peeling.
How to use
It is advisable to apply daily on the skin of the face, neck and neck, at night, keeping distance from the eyes. You should wash your face, dry and wait about 20-30 minutes to apply the acid to the skin, so as not to cause irritation. To start using it should be applied 2 to 3 times a week in the first month and after that period it can be used daily.
If there are signs of skin irritation, such as itching or redness, or watery eyes, it is advisable to wash your face and only apply again if it is diluted in another oil or a little moisturizer until the skin is able to tolerate it.
In the morning you should wash your face, dry and always apply a moisturizer that has sunscreen included. Some brands that sell mandelic acid in the form of cream, serum, oil or gel, are Sesderma, The Ordinary, Adcos and Vichy.
Before applying the product on the face, it should be tested on the arm, in the region close to the elbow, placing a small amount and observing the region for 24 hours. If signs of skin irritation such as itching or redness appear, wash the area with warm water and this product should not be applied to the face.
When not to use
It is not recommended to use products containing mandelic acid during the day and it is also not recommended to use for a long time because it can have the effect of rebounding the appearance of dark spots on the face. It is also not recommended to use in case of:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding; Sore skin; Active herpes; After waxing; Sensitivity to touch test; Use of tretinoin; Tanned skin;
Products containing mandelic acid should not be used at the same time as other acids, not even during treatment with chemical peels, where other acids in high concentrations are used to peel the skin, promoting total skin regeneration. During this type of treatment it is best to use only moisturizing creams and lotions.
