A super gentle alpha hydroxy acid, mandelic acid has benefits like getting rid of dead skin cells and reducing dark spots.
Unlike other alpha hydroxy acids, mandelic acid also has benefits for people with acne prone skin thanks to its structural similarity to salicylic acid.
It’s also more gentle than lactic and glycolic acid, making it more suitable for people sensitive skin.
This article will explain everything you need to know about the benefits of mandelic acid.
Benefits of Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid products and similar chemical peels have unique benefits that you won’t find with every type of chemical exfoliant.
In fact, mandelic acid peels are particularly great for people with darker skin tones and have great anti-aging benefits.
Safe for Sensitive Skin
Of the three main AHAs, mandelic acid is a larger molecule than either glycolic or lactic acid. Therefore, it penetrates in your skin more slowly and reduces the risk of irritation often found with other exfoliants.
This unique feature makes mandelic acid ideal for people with sensitive skin as it’s less likely to cause excessive dryness or compromise your skin barrier function.
Suitable for Darker Skin Tones
Because mandelic acid is less likely to irritation, it may be more suitable for people with deeper skin tones.
This is because darker skin tones often respond to irritation with a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). You may recognize PIH better as dark spots.
That being said, people with darker skin tones can still use stronger acids like glycolic acid as long as they don’t cause irritation for you.
Promotes Chemical Exfoliation
Mandelic acid chemically exfoliates the top layer of your skin by breaking down the bonds that hold your dead skin cells together.
This layer of skin is also known as your stratum corneum.
Chemical exfoliation is a beneficial process to help with speeding up cell turnover and fighting unwanted skin texture.
Improves Skin Texture
If you have rough bumps and uneven texture, mandelic acid is your new best friend.
By gently turning over the top layer of your skin, mandelic reduces fine lines and unnecessary roughness.
Over time, your complex will even out and glow beautifully.
Reduces Uneven Skin Tone
Thanks to its ability to speed up skin cell turnover, mandelic acid fights uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
Thanks to its acne and scar fighting properties, it’s the perfect exfoliating acid for people with oily skin.
Uses for Mandelic Acid
Thanks to its versatile nature, mandelic acid has tons of applications for use in your skincare routine.
Reducing Acne
Not only is mandelic acid antibacterial, but it’s also somewhat anti fungal!
This means that it can:
Unclog pores
Reduce excess oil production
Fight mild acne
Help treat fungal acne
As a bonus, it also has some anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce redness.
Improving Signs of Aging
If there’s one thing AHAs are good at, it’s fighting fine lines and wrinkles.
By promoting skin cell turnover, mandelic acid has promising anti-aging benefits. That being said, the anti-aging effects won’t be as significant as they would if you were using something stronger like glycolic acid.
Brightening Dull Skin
If you’re dealing with dull skin, you might benefit from adding a mandelic acid product to your routine.
By getting rid of dead skin cells and evening on your skin tone, it can help you develop a beautiful, healthy glow.
Side Effects of Mandelic Acid
Even though mandelic acid is generally well tolerated, people with sensitivity might experience mild skin irritation.
Signs of irritation include redness and itching and typically subside once you reduce the frequency of your product. You can also use hydrating serums and moisturizers to reduce your chances of developing irritation.
Summary: Mandelic Acid Benefits for Skin
In summary, mandelic acid offers a range of benefits for the skin. It is suitable for individuals with darker skin tones and sensitive skin, making it a safe option for various skin types. As a chemical exfoliant
