Do you ever get that feeling where your face doesn’t feel it is at its best on some days or even on most days? We totally understand what it feels like. The reasons could be – lack of proper skin regimen, lack of sleep, or even mismatched ingredients for your skin type. The first step in skincare is always getting to know your skin type. Do you know your skin type? If yes, head over to our website beautybarn.in to get free recommendations on K-beauty products best suited for your skin.

Introducing the right ingredients plus a good skincare regimen for your skin type is crucial in every way because one size does not fit all. In K-beauty, we will come across different types of ingredients that have various benefits for the skin. One of which we will be walking you through with is – Mandelic acid a variant of AHA which is less irritating and gentler than the other types of AHAs for the skin.

MANDELIC ACID: WHAT IS IT?

Mandelic acid is derived from sunflower seeds, chia seeds, walnut, etc. It is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), that has multiple benefits on the skin such as – combatting early aging signs, hyperpigmentation, acne breakouts, and improving the overall texture of your skin specially if you have the sensitive skin type. In short, it is a miracle exfoliating ingredient to include in your skincare regimen.

Mandelic Acid is suited for exfoliating the surface of the epidermis and may not work as effective as BHAs like Salicylic Acid but nevertheless it works its charm slowly without irritating sensitive skin types.

IS IT THE SAME AS LACTIC ACID OR GLYCOLIC ACID?

Well, yes and no. Yes, because these acids are generally what we call AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid) which are included as ingredients in skincare products for generally shrinking enlarged pores, combating wrinkles, fine lines, irregular pigmentation, etc. And no, because the molecules of glycolic and lactic acid are smaller compared to mandelic acid and as such the former two acids (glycolic and lactic acid) penetrate deeper into the skin which may lead to irritation for some skin types. Whereas, mandelic acid molecules are larger and affect the outer region of the skin without much penetration and so as a result it causes much lesser irritation whilst also being an effective gentle exfoliator.

BENEFITS OF MANDELIC ACID FOR YOUR SKIN

• Combating early aging signs: Fine lines and wrinkles
  Mandelic acid as an AHA enhances the production of collagen in the skin which in turn improves the elasticity of the skin. It also hydrates the skin with the improved collagen production.
• Solution for acne
  Let’s be honest here, we all wish acne would just disappear from our lives. But sadly, some skin types are just prone to acne breakouts. This is where mandelic acid comes in to save the day. Not only does it control the rate of sebum being produced, it also quells the inflammation and clears out the pores.
• Exfoliates your skin
  We all know by now that Mandelic Acid has larger molecules than the other two AHAs i.e., Glycolic and Lactic Acid. As such, it does not penetrate deeply into the skin so it causes much lesser irritation. It also acts as an effective exfoliant to remove dead skin cells from the epidermal layer of the skin leaving you with a fresh and smoother skin.
• Balancing hyperpigmentation
  Mandelic acid as an AHA can also be used with other ingredients for balancing some forms of hyperpigmentation and melasma as it may have skin lightening properties.
• For the sensitive skin type
  Since the molecular weight of mandelic acid is larger, it does not penetrate too deep into the epidermal layer. As such, it is an ideal option for those of us that have sensitive skin prone to irritation or inflammation. It works its magic slowly and is gentle to the skin.

OUR PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION: Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

One product we would recommend is the Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water that works wonders on sensitive skin types by gently exfoliating the dead skin cells, improving cell turnover and smoothens your skin like a charm.

This product is very popular as a gentle but effective facial exfoliator. Aside from mandelic acid as an active ingredient, the Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water also contains a number of ingredients. Centella Asiatica delivers its soothing powers to the skin to help regenerate damaged skin, Vitamin B5 functions to moisturize and prevent itchiness and inflammation, hyaluronic acid
maintains the skin’s moisture levels to ensure that the skin stays healthy and plump, while beta-glucan reduces the redness and soothes inflammation because of exfoliating properties.

The Wishtrend Mandelic Acid not only improves the skin’s texture, brighten the skin toner, and nourish the complexion, it exfoliates away dead skin for a more radiant appearance. It also carries anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties, making it very effective on acne as well.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

• After cleansing your skin with a low pH cleanser like Heimish pH 5.5 All Clean Green Foam which is close to the pH of the skin, apply an ample amount of the toner to the skin and pat it lightly or apply it on a cotton pad and gently wipe the skin with it.

RESULT

• Improved skin texture and minimizing whiteheads on continued used.
• Balancing hyperpigmented patches on the skin in as little as 2 weeks.
• It controls sebum production in oily skin types as well.

DOs AND DON’Ts

• Allow the toner to get completely absorbed into the skin before applying anything else such as serums, sunscreen, etc.
• Make sure to use it in the evening as the toner may leave the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Avoid the sun as much as possible as the skin will become more sensitive to the UV rays after applying Mandelic acid.
• Avoid mixing with other products containing Pure L Ascorbic Acid or generally any other acid (except Hyaluronic Acid), Vitamin C serum, Retinols/Retinoid and other form of exfoliators.
• Avoid applying this acid if you have sunburned or tanned skin.
• Avoid using the toner near your eyes as it may be harmful.

Have you tried the Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water? If you have, did you see any results on your skin, share with us in the comment box below!