Mandelic Acid Skin Benefits and How Long Does It Take to Show Results
Mandelic acid has been a game changer in the skincare world. You may be thinking about trying it and wondering how quickly you’ll see results. As a rule of thumb, all skincare products take at least three weeks to get visible results, but the timing varies from person to person and from one skin concern to another. In this article, we’ll break down how quickly to expect mandelic acid results depending on your skin concern.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds. It's best known for being gently yet powerfully exfoliating, antimicrobial, and safe for sensitive skin. Its molecular size is larger than other AHAs, allowing for slow, even skin penetration.
Mandelic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin's surface. This promotes cellular turnover. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in treating acne and folliculitis.
How Long Does It Take for Mandelic Acid to Work for Acne?
The time it takes to see improvements in acne with mandelic acid can vary from person to person. You might start noticing fewer breakouts and clearer skin within three weeks of consistent use. However, significant improvement often requires six weeks to two months of regular application, depending on the severity of acne and individual skin response.
How Long Does Mandelic Acid Take to Work for Hyperpigmentation?
Mandelic acid's effect on hyperpigmentation depends on various factors, including the depth and severity of the pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation takes longer to clear than other skin concerns because you have to exfoliate every layer of irregularly pigmented skin, interrupt the production of melanocytes, and replace the darkened skin with new layers of regularly pigmented skin. This process takes time. With consistent use, you can expect to see noticeable fading of dark spots and a more even skin tone within eight weeks. It may require continued use over a longer period to see optimal results.
What About Folliculitis?
Mandelic acid can help reduce folliculitis symptoms by calming inflammation and controlling bacterial growth around hair follicles. Improvement in folliculitis is often faster than other skin concerns- in the range of three to five weeks, although individual results can vary based on the severity of the condition.
How Long Does Mandelic Acid Take for Fine Lines And Wrinkles?
To address fine lines and wrinkles, mandelic acid stimulates collagen and elastin production. This process is a slower and more gradual one. Visible improvements in skin texture and reduction of fine lines may become noticeable after eight weeks of consistent use. Patience and regular applications over time are key to achieving smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
Mandelic Acid for Ingrowns, Keratosis Pilaris & other skin concerns
Mandelic acid effectively prevents and treats ingrown hairs by exfoliating the skin and preventing hair follicle blockages. Results for ingrown hair reduction can be noticed within a few weeks of regular use.
Additionally, mandelic acid helps address other skin concerns like Keratosis Pilaris, rough texture, uneven tone, and dullness, which leads to an overall improvement in skin health and appearance. Skin-smoothing benefits tend to appear in a similar timeframe to acne clearing, so four weeks to two months, depending on the severity of the skin concern.
What are the Primary Benefits Of Using Mandelic Acid On Skin?
Mandelic acid is a multi-tasking, versatile skincare product. It’s a great exfoliator, reduces acne, has anti-aging effects and treats hyperpigmentation. Here’s a deeper look at the benefits:
Great Exfoliator
Mandelic acid acts as a gentle exfoliator by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This process helps to slough off dull/rough skin. This leaves behind smoother skin and a brighter complexion. Compared to harsher exfoliants, mandelic acid is suitable for sensitive skin because of its larger molecular size, which reduces the risk of irritation and inflammation.
Reduces Acne
One of the greatest benefits of mandelic acid is treating acne effectively. It works by penetrating into the pores to break down excess oil and sebum, preventing clogged pores that lead to acne. Its antibacterial properties help to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Anti-aging Properties
Mandelic acid stimulates collagen and elastin production, which helps with skin elasticity and firmness. This also helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin, leading to smoother and more youthful-looking skin over time.
Treats hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs due to excess melanin production, resulting in dark spots and uneven skin tone. Mandelic acid inhibits melanin synthesis, which helps to fade existing dark spots and prevent the formation of new ones. With regular use, it promotes a more balanced and even complexion.
Helps With Folliculitis & Fungal Acne
Folliculitis and fungal acne are inflammatory conditions caused by bacterial or fungal overgrowth in hair follicles. Mandelic acid's antibacterial and antifungal properties help to combat these conditions by reducing inflammation and stopping microbial growth which leads to clearer and healthier skin.
Can You Use Mandelic Acid Every Day?
Mandelic acid is gentle enough for daily use, but it is important to consider skin sensitivity. It's recommended to start with a lower frequency, such as every other day. Once your skin adjusts to the exfoliant, gradually increase usage based on skin tolerance. Reduce the frequency of application if there are signs of overuse, such as redness or irritation. This is important so that you do not damage your skin barrier.
Can You Use Mandelic Acid for Oily Skin?
Mandelic acid is highly effective for oily skin. It helps regulate sebum production by exfoliating the skin and preventing pore congestion. By reducing excess oil and preventing acne formation, mandelic acid can help in achieving a balanced and clearer complexion. Its gentle exfoliation also smooths skin texture without causing irritation.
Can You Use Mandelic Acid With Other Acids Or Retinoids?
When combining mandelic acid with other skincare ingredients like acids or retinoids, it's important to be cautious with application. We recommend patch-testing new products to test compatibility and minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
Introduce one new product at a time into your skincare routine and gradually increase frequency based on your skin's response. Avoid using mandelic acid with highly potent acids or retinoids to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. This is especially important for people who struggle with sensitive skin.
What Percentage Of Mandelic Acid is Effective?
The effectiveness of mandelic acid varies depending on its concentration and individual skin tolerance. Lower concentrations (around 5-10%) are suitable for applications to the face and for beginners and sensitive skin types. Higher percentages (up to 20%) can be used to address body skin concerns like acne and hyperpigmentation, but require careful application and monitoring for potential irritation. Estheticians sometimes do chemical peels with Mandelic Acid in concentrations higher then 20%, but this is not recommended for at-home use and should only be administered by a skincare professional.
How Long Should Mandelic Acid Be Left On the Face?
Follow the recommended guidelines provided by the product manufacturer for optimal results. Typically, leave-on treatments can range from a few minutes to overnight application. It's important to monitor your skin's reaction and adjust the application time to avoid over-exfoliation or irritation. Always follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Almond Clear’s Soothing Daily Moisturizer is a great choice for this.
Almond Clear’s Mandelic Acid Products
DISCLAIMER: Results may vary from person to person. Images do not represent a guarantee.
Almond Clear’s skincare line is powered by mandelic acid. It’s become a staple in many people’s routines and has helped clear acne, folliculitis, hyperpigmentation, ingrown hairs and more. All the products are made with natural ingredients and safe for daily use and sensitive skin. Here’s a brief look at the product line :
Face and Body Wash : This gentle cleanser has 2% mandelic acid and gently exfoliates the skin, improving a variety of skin concerns. It can be used on both the face and body, making it versatile in tackling problem areas from head to toe.
Level 1 Exfoliating Serum : This exfoliating serum is powered by 10% mandelic acid and is formulted for the face or sensitive body skin. It improves all types of blemishes, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, fine lines and sagging skin, and dark scars.
Level 2 Exfoliating Serum: This exfoliating serum contains 15% mandelic acid and is formulated for use on the body. It improves acne, folliculitis, and hyperpigmentation. is also effective in removing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and scars. This top-selling product has helped thousands of people to clear butt acne, body acne, folliculitis, and more.
2-in-1 Hydrating Gel : This 2-in-1, ultra-lightweight gel is way more than just a moisturizer; it's also supercharged with natural ingredients that go beyond hydrating the skin. It’s great for users with oily skin and has a low percentage of mandelic acid that helps fight breakouts, reduce pore size and keep your skin nourished.
Soothing Daily Moisturizer: This creamy, lightweight moisturizer is incredibly hydrating and soothing. It is non-comedogenic and works great at maintaining and repairing the skin’s protective barrier after exfoliating. It has natural and calming ingredients like aloe vera, squalane and hyaluronic acid.
What to Keep In Mind About Using Mandelic Acid
Consider these tips when incorporating mandelic acid into your skincare routine:
- Patch Test: Always conduct a patch test before full application to check for any adverse reactions.
- Potential Side Effects: Be aware of common side effects such as mild redness, dryness, or peeling, especially during the first two weeks of usage.
- Consult a Professional: If you experience sever irritation, a rash, or discomfort, stop using the product consult a dermatologist or skincare professional.
- Use a Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer: It is important to protect your skin barrier, so follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Sun Protection: When applying AHAs, it’s very important to use sunscreen daily because they make your skin more sensitive to the sun and prone to sunburn.
- Consistency is Key: Incorporate mandelic acid into your routine gradually and consistently to achieve desired results over time.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, mandelic acid offers many benefits for a variety of skin concerns, from acne, folliculitis and hyperpigmentation to fine lines and oily skin. Its gentle exfoliating properties make it suitable for sensitive skin types and help to promote a clearer complexion.
Visible results from using mandelic acid can typically be seen within a few weeks to a couple of months of consistent use, depending on the specific skin condition and individual skin response.
