What is Mandelic Acid?

What is Mandelic Acid? Uses and Application in Beauty

In the world of cosmetics and skincare, Mandelic Acid is gradually establishing itself as a superior skincare ingredient, particularly suitable for those with sensitive skin. Extracted from bitter almonds, Mandelic Acid offers exfoliation, skin brightening, anti-aging benefits, and acne treatment support. This article by , Dr. Nguyen Giap will help you understand this ingredient better and how to effectively incorporate it into your beauty routine.

What is Mandelic Acid?

Mandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) first discovered in 1831 by a German pharmacist during research on bitter almonds. The name "Mandelic" derives from the German word "mandel," meaning almond.

The special feature of Mandelic Acid compared to other AHAs is its large molecular size, which makes Mandelic Acid penetrate slowly, only working on the skin's surface instead of penetrating deep into the epidermis. Thanks to this property, Mandelic Acid becomes the ideal choice for sensitive skin, prone to irritation.

Additionally, Mandelic Acid is both water and oil soluble, allowing it to work flexibly on a variety of skin types, from oily, dry skin to combination skin, this is also the reason why Mandelic Acid is considered a “bridge” between  AHA and BHA.

How Mandelic Acid Works

When applied to the skin, Mandelic Acid works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin's surface. This allows old cells to easily peel off, leaving behind a smoother and brighter new layer of skin.

Mandelic Acid also interferes with the production of melanin, which determines skin color. By inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, Mandelic Acid prevents the formation of pigment spots, helping to even out skin tone.

In particular, Mandelic Acid stimulates the production of collagen important ingredient that maintains skin elasticity and firmness. This helps to smooth fine lines, improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging.

Uses of Mandelic Acid for the skin

Exfoliate

• As an AHA, Mandelic Acid is highly regarded for its ability to gently exfoliate the skin's surface. With its large molecular structure, Mandelic Acid does not cause strong irritation while still ensuring effectiveness.
• Use the product contains Mandelic Acid regularly will help your skin brighter, smoother and increase their ability to absorb the nutrients from skin care products, other.

Anti-inflammatory and acne

• Mandelic Acid has the ability to anti-inflammatory, soothes the skin damaged by acne, besides that it helps to clean the pores, preventing the accumulation of excess oil and dead cells, the main cause of acne.
• Those who have oily skin or sensitive, Mandelic Acid is a safe solution to improve the condition of acne without irritation.

Anti-aging

• Effects scrubs of Mandelic Acid to help accelerate the process of skin regeneration, at the same time, stimulates the production of collagen helps skin retain elasticity, minimize the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.

Brightening the Skin

• Mandelic Acid has the ability to remove brown spots, pigmentation and improve skin pigmentation active substance is not only blur the existing melanoma but also prevents the formation of melanin, bring back the skin white and bright all over.

Using Mandelic Acid

Dosage and concentration

• For beginners, one should use the product contains Mandelic Acid with low concentration (about 4-5%). After you get used to it, you can gradually increase the concentration to achieve better effect.

Frequency of use

• Initially, only should use Mandelic Acid from 1-2 times/week to skin adapts when the skin was familiar, you can increase the frequency up 3-4 times/week.

Time of use

• Apply Mandelic Acid in the evening is the best time to avoid the impact of the sun, after use, don't forget to apply moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning to protect your skin.

Combination product

• Mandelic Acid can be combined with the components lotion other as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid to enhance the lightening effect and moisturize, however, avoid using at the same time, with the active substance as strong as retinol or vitamin C to limit irritation.

Side effects and precautions when using Mandelic Acid

Side effects can join

Although benign, but Mandelic Acid can still cause a number of side effects such as:

• Dry skin, peeling slightly.
• Irritation or redness of the skin.
• Skin more sensitive to sunlight.

 Note when using

• Always test product on small area of skin before applying it over the entire face.
• Avoid using Mandelic Acid when the skin is seriously hurt.
• Combined with sunscreen to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Conclusion

Mandelic Acid is a great choice for those looking for a gentle, effective skin care ingredient that is suitable for all skin types. From exfoliating, anti-inflammatory, skin brightening to anti-aging, Mandelic Acid has proven its worth in the beauty industry.

Let's start using Mandelic Acid the right way to enjoy a healthy skin bright, smooth and full of vitality!