Everyone benefits in some way from a skincare routine that contains AHAs. Whether it’s PHA, lactic acid or glycolic acid – you’ll find the one that’s best for your skin type. Vitamin C is an ingredient that may take a little more time to incorporate into your daily routine. Could the combination of these powerful forces improve your performance, or could it lead to disaster?
This is exactly what we will explore in today’s blog post. Before we get into that, let’s take a quick look at what these ingredients do for your skin and the benefits you can expect.
What is mandelic acid?
An acid that belongs to the AHA class of chemical peels, also known as alpha hydroxy acid.
Extracted from bitter almonds and synthesized to be added to skin care formulas.
Known as one of the mildest acids available for people with sensitive skin types.
Effectively removes dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, sediment and other impurities from skin.
Exfoliation can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, allowing new skin cells to appear on the surface, making skin firmer.
Although it is a mild acid, it can also penetrate the skin and reach the pores, removing excess sebum, dirt, and other forms of bacteria.
If you’d like to learn more about mandelic acid, check out 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 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 post-acne scarring.
Revitalizes the complexion and restores radiance and glow.
Increases collagen production, making skin firmer and with youthful elasticity.
Contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the onset of skin redness and similar problems.
Learn more about vitamin C at 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 ingredient.
Ingredients that should not be mixed with mandelic acid include other AHAs (like glycolic acid), BHAs (like salicylic acid), and retinols (especially those found in chemical peels).
Can AHA and Vitamin C be used together?
It’s possible, but make sure you use them correctly to avoid unwanted side effects. There are several ways to effectively combine AHAs and vitamin C.
Option 1-
Apply the AHA first with a cleanser or exfoliating toner, wait about 10 minutes, then apply the vitamin C-rich serum. Make sure to allow enough time between uses to offset the risk of irritation. This is due to the skin’s natural pH being restored and the skin being prepared for further use.
Option 2-
Use AHA-rich products and vitamin C products at different times of the day. Due to its antioxidant effects and radiance-giving properties, it is recommended to use vitamin C in the morning, followed by an AHA product (either a toner or serum) at night to remove impurities and other debris from the skin. .
If you’re new to both ingredients and planning on introducing a new product into your routine, I recommend doing a 24-hour patch test before applying any product to your face.
Do I need to use moisturizer after using mandelic acid?
Yes, that’s right. In fact, using a moisturizer after applying mandelic acid will help counteract the dryness and irritation caused by chemical peels. You’ll also notice that moisturizer creates a physical barrier on the surface of your skin. This barrier ensures that the active ingredients used can work without interference from free radicals, such as environmental pollution. You’ll also find that a layer of moisturizer helps retain moisture on the surface, keeping your lipid barrier healthy and normal.
What kind of toner should I use before Vitamin C Serum?
You can use any toner before applying the vitamin C serum. It is important to allow sufficient time between applications. Maintaining this amount of time will also restore pH balance and prevent skin irritation, redness and itching.
You’ll also find that using a toner with exfoliating acids can remove the buildup of dead skin cells and flaky skin that normally act as a barrier, preventing other ingredients from penetrating.
Can mandelic acid be used every day?
Yes, you can, as long as your skin has developed a tolerance to it, especially if your skin type is dry and prone to sensitivity. To improve skin tolerance, first conduct a patch test. This will help you determine how the ingredient affects you and your skin.
Mandelic acid’s very large molecular size means that it cannot penetrate the skin as deeply as other acids such as salicylic or glycolic acid. This supports the action of mandelic acid on the outer layer of the skin and helps bring new skin cells to the surface, leaving a radiant, healthy and happy complexion.
