Product Spotlight - Mandelic Acid

If you have acne, it's likely you've used salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinol on your skin. But mandelic acid? You may have never even heard of this little-known, acne-fighting superstar. Mandelic acid works so well at fighting acne that it is easily one of the most important products in our acne practice. 

What exactly is mandelic acid? Derived from the bitter almond, it's an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that increases cell turnover and smoothes skin texture, making it beneficial for preventing both clogged pores and fine lines and wrinkles.

We use mandelic acid with our clients to control the build-up of dead skin cells inside the pores that happen in acne-prone skin. We have our acne clients work up to using it two times a day to prevent comedones (new acne) from forming. Mandelic acid is so important in preventing breakouts that it's a mandatory part of our maintenance routine for acne clients once they are clear.  

But mandelic does so much more than exfoliate!

It is also superb for treating pigmentation issues such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. And, it increases the efficacy of other brightening ingredients such as Vitamin C, so we often recommend using mandelic acid along with other products for a brighter and more radiant complexion. 

Paige Cole L-Mandelic + B3 Serum has the following added benefits:

• Corrects uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and melasma
• Lactic Acid for brightening and lightening age spots, hyperpigmentation and overall complexion
• Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) for anti-aging and accelerated healing of red marks and acne lesions
• Green Tea Leaf reduces redness/irritation, speeds healing, and is a mega-dose of antioxidants
• No alcohol = less irritation and dehydration
• low pH formula is more "active" without being more irritating
• Anti-Fungal - can be used to treat folliculitis, a common fungal infection that looks like acne 
• Anti-Bacterial - kills the P. acnes bacteria inside the pores that cause acne

If you are considering adding mandelic acid to your skincare routine, make sure you choose a formula that uses "L-mandelic" and not "D-mandelic" to ensure the best possible results.

Also, be sure to start on a low percentage and work your way up to a higher strength to avoid irritation and dryness. 

If it hasn't already, mandelic acid will quickly become one of your anti-aging, acne-preventing skincare essentials.