Can Mandelic Acid Be Used with Vitamin C?
Everyone will benefit from a skincare routine that contains AHAs in some way. Whether it’s PHA, lactic acid, or glycolic acid, you’ll find one that works best for your skin type. In the case of Vitamin C, this ingredient may take a little more time to introduce its active ingredients into your routine. Can combining these powerful forces improve your results, or could it lead to disaster?
That’s exactly what we’ll explore in today’s blog post. Before we get into the details, let’s briefly cover what these ingredients do for your skin and what benefits you can expect.
What is Mandelic Acid?
An acid that belongs to the AHA chemical peel class, also known as alpha hydroxy acid.
Extracted from bitter almonds and synthesized for addition to skincare formulas.
Known as one of the gentlest acids, it’s suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Effectively removes dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, debris, and other impurities from the skin.
Exfoliation can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, allowing newer skin cells to appear on the surface, making the skin firmer.
Although it is a gentle acid, it can also penetrate the skin and reach the pores to help remove excess sebum, dirt and other forms of bacteria.
If you want to learn more about mandelic acid, read our dedicated blog post.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid.
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from overexposure to free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays, central heating and other environmental aggressors.
Targets areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage and acne scars.
Rejuvenates the complexion and restores radiance and glow.
Boosts collagen production for firmer skin with youthful elasticity.
Contains anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce skin redness and similar issues.
Learn more about Vitamin C in The Beauty Insiders.
What not to mix with Mandelic Acid?
Even though I mentioned that Mandelic Acid is very gentle, it still exfoliates the skin and can cause some side effects if used with the wrong active ingredients.
Ingredients that should be avoided when combined with mandelic acid include other AHAs (like glycolic acid), BHAs (like salicylic acid), and retinol (especially when found in chemical peels).
Can AHAs and Vitamin C be used together?
Yes, but make sure you use them together correctly to avoid unwanted side effects. There are a variety of ways to effectively combine AHAs and Vitamin C.
Option 1-
First, apply the AHA with a face wash or exfoliating toner, wait about 10 minutes, and then apply a vitamin C-rich serum. Allow enough time between applications to avoid the risk of irritation, as the skin’s natural pH will be restored to balance and the skin will be prepared for further use.
Option 2-
Apply your AHA-rich product and your Vitamin C product at different times of the day. Many people prefer to use Vitamin C in the morning because of its antioxidant effects and the glow it gives the skin. Then, in the evening, use an AHA product (whether a toner or serum) to remove impurities and other debris from the skin.
If you are new to either ingredient and are planning on introducing new products into your routine, I recommend doing a 24-hour patch test before applying any product to your face.
Is it necessary to use a moisturizer after using mandelic acid?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, applying a moisturizer after a mandelic acid treatment will help counteract any possible dryness and irritation from a chemical peel. You will also notice that a moisturizer creates a physical barrier on the surface of the skin. This barrier allows the active ingredients that have been applied to work without interference from free radicals such as environmental pollution. You will also find that a layer of moisturizer helps lock in moisture on the surface, keeping the lipid barrier healthy and functional.
Which toner should I use before applying a vitamin C serum?
You can use any facial toner before applying a vitamin C serum. The only important thing is that you allow enough time between applications. Keeping this time will also bring the pH back into balance, preventing skin irritation, redness, and itching.
You will also find that using a toner with exfoliating acids will remove the buildup of dead skin cells and flaky skin that usually acts as a barrier, preventing other ingredients from penetrating.
Can mandelic acid be used daily?
Yes, it can, as long as your skin is used to the acid. Especially if you have a dry and sensitive skin type. To test skin tolerance, first do a patch test as this will help you determine what effect the ingredient has on you and your skin.
The molecular size of mandelic acid is very large, which means it cannot penetrate too deeply into the skin compared to other acids such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid. This allows mandelic acid to work on the outer layer of the skin, bringing new skin cells to the surface for a radiant, healthy and happy complexion.
Here you can learn more about mandelic acid and vitamin C. Both substances rejuvenate the skin and enhance collagen production for a healthy, youthful tone to the complexion. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our skincare experts on Instagram. You can find them in the private messages.
