Mandelic acid is a relatively new alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds, and is a phenomenal multi-tasking ingredient that works on a number of skin concerns including acne, fine lines and pigmentation. Mandelic Acid is a gentler alternative to popular AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acids, because it penetrates the skin at a much slower rate due to its larger molecular structure. Unlike conventional acne treatments that have a potential to irritate the skin, it is great for people with sensitive skin.
Mandelic acid was originally studied in open clinical trials as an antibacterial treatment aid in healing after laser resurfacing. However, after continued use it was shown to offer excellent benefits to the skin including:
- Treating Acne: Mandelic acid was also found to be a powerful antibacterial for acne sufferers. With its use, many patients are for the first time able to control their acne without traditional antibiotics or topical acne products that can excessively irritate their skin. It works in the same manner as salicylic acid, except it cannot penetrate as deep into the pore as salicylic acid. Thus, it increases cell turnover within the pore, causing the release of comedones.
- Reducing Fine Lines and Wrinkles: As with glycolic acid treatment, fine lines and wrinkles improve dramatically with Mandelic acid, but more importantly, without the irritation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often seen with glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids. Skin texture improves rapidly and the effect is sustained over months and years of treatment, gradually minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reducing Pigmentation: In addition to visibly improving the look and texture of aged skin, Mandelic Acid also quickly reduces pigmentation, including brown spots and large freckles.
After about six months of testing, Vasseur Skincare launched our new 8% Mandelic Acid Serum last week. Our formula is made fresh and is thus extremely active and also contains 2% Azelaic Acid for an extra anti-inflammatory effect. We originally created the product for our acne clinic clients with difficult-to-treat non-inflamed acne (blackheads, small bumps on forehead under the surface, excessive oil), but in testing found that our anti-aging clients with occasional breakouts loved the Mandelic Serum as well.
*SPECIAL* Get $10 off our Mandelic Acid Serum by using code CLEARSKIN at checkout. Offer expires March 11, 2011.
The Mandelic Acid is AMAZING. I tried it and cant get enough! Morning and night I can not be with out it.
Thanks for the information! good to know it
Mandelic acid is not only one of the adult acne treatments available on the market, but it is also suitable for teenagers. Apparently, it is turning out to be a very a very excellent product when used on the skin. Studies have proven that it can not only treat acne, but it can also reduce those fine lines and wrinkles and minimizes pigmentation on the skin.
I had not heard of mandelic acid before reading this article. This is great information for anyone who is still plagued by acne well past their teens. Who wouldn’t want a product that has wrinkle-improving properties as well!
Thanks Norma! And thanks for reading our blog
I use retin-a for my skin. I think it has had a positive effect after a few months, but it is pretty subtle. I’ve heard of Alpha hydroxy acids, but not mandelic acid. I will have to check it out. thanks
Hi Carrie, we’re glad you found our blog. Check out our post on retinoids here, I think you’ll find it interesting: http://freshandagelessblog.com/2010/11/29/the-truth-about-retinoids/
I currently use Vivant’s Daily Repair Pads with Mandelic Acid. I like it, but I feel sometimes it might make me a little oily? I have used the liquid form in the dropper before which I did like better. I am very interested in trying this – how do you compare this with Vivant’s Mandelic Acids? It is the only brand that I have tried before. Also, after ordering, do you include instructions on how to use?