Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMandelic Acid BenefitsPossible Side EffectsChoosing a TreatmentTips for Using Mandelic Acid
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Mandelic Acid Benefits
Possible Side Effects
Choosing a Treatment
Tips for Using Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acidis analpha hydroxy acid (AHA)that is used to exfoliate the skin. The benefits of mandelic acid include treatments for acne,hyperpigmentation(dark spots), and aging skin.
This article discusses mandelic acid’s benefits, uses, and side effects.
Milena Boniek / Getty Images
Using mandelic acid regularly can help improve many skin issues. The results you get from mandelic acid, like those of nearly all skincare ingredients, are cumulative. The longer you use it, the better results you will see.
Brightens Your Complexion
As an exfoliator, mandelic acid refines your complexion. Exfoliated skin feels softer and smoother, and looks brighter.
Mandelic acid helps deliver that look of glowing skin and allows other skin products you may use to better penetrate the skin and be more effective.
Exfoliation Tips to Help Acne-Prone Skin
Fades Hyperpigmentation and Melasma
Mandelic acid can help fade hyperpigmentation. This skin discoloration can occur due tosun spots or age spots, freckles,post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, andmelasma.
Some people experiencemelasma with pregnancy(the “mask of pregnancy”) or with hormonal contraceptive use. Hormonal birth control is the cause in up to 46% of people with melasma due to a hormonal cause.
Melasma on Darker Skin
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoMelasma on forehead.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Helps Improve Acne Blemishes and Marks
Although it’s not used alone to treat acne, it can be incorporated into an acne treatment routine to help clear pores and reducecomedones.
Softens Signs of Aging
Mandelic acid is also a gentle treatment for aging skin. It can help soften fine lines, and long-term use may help with firmness and elasticity, though it won’t erase all lines and wrinkles.
Skin Elasticity: What It Is and How to Protect It
Gentle Exfoliator for All Skin Types
Mandelic acid products and peels are mild compared to other AHA treatments, and not as likely to cause side effects. Still, all alpha hydroxy acid products and treatments can cause side effects.
Some studies have demonstrated that treatments with mandelic acid as an ingredient can cause:
The irritation, redness, and other side effects are more likely to happen if you start with a high percentage of the mandelic acid product.
Mandelic Acid and Cold SoresMandelic acid and other chemical peels can trigger acold soreoutbreak if you’re prone to them.So can other treatments, including microdermabrasion. If you’re at risk, consider having adermatologistdo your peel rather than anestheticianor using an at-home peel. A dermatologist can prescribe antiviral medications to help keep a cold sore breakout at bay.
Mandelic Acid and Cold Sores
Mandelic acid and other chemical peels can trigger acold soreoutbreak if you’re prone to them.So can other treatments, including microdermabrasion. If you’re at risk, consider having adermatologistdo your peel rather than anestheticianor using an at-home peel. A dermatologist can prescribe antiviral medications to help keep a cold sore breakout at bay.
Microdermabrasion Process and Benefits
As mandelic acid becomes more popular, more products containing this AHA are being introduced to the market. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the best options for your skin.
Over-the-Counter Products
For general exfoliation, a brighter complexion, and improvement of minor blemishes and discolorations, over-the-counter products orcosmeceuticalsare good choices.
While you can find mandelic acid face washes and toners, it’s most often incorporated into facial serums and at-home peels.
Facial serums are daily-use products. You apply them after cleansing (and toning, if you use a toner) and before moisturizing. Facial serums are leave-on products, so don’t wash them off. Most mandelic acid facial serums are applied at night only.
If your skin becomes irritated, don’t use mandelic acid on days you’re using another exfoliator and vice versa.
Who Shouldn’t Use Mandelic Acid?Certain conditions mean you should not use mandelic acid products, including:Atopic dry skin (eczema) that is susceptible to irritationFacial skin inflammation and infectionPregnancy and breastfeedingAllergy to any ingredients of the mandelic acid productSimultaneous use of oralisotretinoinIf you’re taking any medication, let your healthcare provider know before using mandelic acid.
Who Shouldn’t Use Mandelic Acid?
Certain conditions mean you should not use mandelic acid products, including:Atopic dry skin (eczema) that is susceptible to irritationFacial skin inflammation and infectionPregnancy and breastfeedingAllergy to any ingredients of the mandelic acid productSimultaneous use of oralisotretinoinIf you’re taking any medication, let your healthcare provider know before using mandelic acid.
Certain conditions mean you should not use mandelic acid products, including:
If you’re taking any medication, let your healthcare provider know before using mandelic acid.
Tretinoin vs. Isotretinoin: What’s the Difference?
Professional Peels
Stronger professional mandelic acid peels can be used to treat melasma and more serious cases of hyperpigmentation, as well as active cases of acne.
During a peel, a mandelic acid solution is applied to your face. It’s not painful, but you may feel some tingling or burning. With superficial peels, you may not notice any side effects at all. With deeper peels, your skin will flake over the course of several days, revealing brighter skin underneath.
Mandelic acid peels have less potential for causing side effects than glycolic acid peels and are preferred for people who are prone to hyperpigmentation.
Chemical Peel Timeline
Some people may need to prepare the skin for two to four weeks ahead of a peel. After the peel, expect swelling to worsen for 48 hours and then healing to continue for up to three weeks, depending on the type of peel.
Whether you’re going with OTC products or pro peels, there are a few things you can do to get the most from your treatments. You can:
In fact, limitingsun exposureis a key anti-aging strategy for everyone. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends adequate rest, not smoking, a healthy diet, and daily routines of washing the face and applying moisturizer to boost your skin health.
7 Positive Lifestyle Factors That Promote Good Health
Summary
Mandelic acid is a skincare product with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It offers benefits in treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging impacts on the skin. The biggest benefit of mandelic acid is its gentle nature.
Other AHAs and topical retinoids may work faster or prove more effective, but not all skin types can handle these products. Mandelic acid is an excellent option for people with conditions like rosacea, melasma, or other skin sensitivities.
If you’re using any type of prescription skincare medication, be sure to get your provider’s approval before you add anything to your current skincare routine. Remember that slow and steady will yield results. Be consistent and give your product time to work.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Chen X, Wang S, Yang M, Li L.Chemical Peels for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials.BMJ Open.2018 Apr 28;8(4):e019607. doi:10.2147/CCID.S167081
Kontochristopoulos G, Platsidaki E.Chemical Peels in Active Acne and Acne Scars.Clinics in Dermatology.2017 Mar - Apr;35(2):179-182. doi:10.2147/CCID.S167081
Sarkar R, Ghunawat S, Garg VK.Comparative Study of 35% Glycolic Acid, 20% Salicylic-10% Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in the Treatment of Active Acne and Postacne Pigmentation.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2019;12(3):158-163. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_135_18
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