Mandelic acid is an active principle widely used in cosmetics for the creation of exfoliating, depigmenting and antioxidant creams. Its not very aggressive composition makes it suitable for the treatment of numerous imperfections such as blemishes on the face, wrinkles and acne, making this acid a precious ally for women. To know everything about mandelic acid, what are its properties , uses and contraindications , read this article. What is mandelic acid and where to find it
As the name suggests, mandelic acidand a substance obtained from bitter almonds, in fact mendel in German means just almond. Its extraordinary properties have made it the subject of much research and its use is not limited exclusively to cosmetics: for example, thanks to its antibacterial properties, in the past it was used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. It was towards the end of the seventies that it caught the attention of cosmetologists and today it is mainly used in the preparation of creams , serums, or masks to be applied on the skin, in chemical peels with an exfoliating and depigmenting action.
Mandelic acid is usually available in pharmacies and drugstoresin its pure form or in combination with other acids and active ingredients: glycolic acid for a stronger peeling, multivitamin creams with antioxidant action for the treatment of mature skin, with the addition of hyaluronic acid for an anti-aging effect or with azelaic acid to fight acne and increase bactericidal action. Mandelic acid can also be found in herbal medicine in the composition of organic treatments and cosmetics. Properties and use of mandelic acid
Thanks to its antibacterial, soothing and antioxidant properties, this acid naturally purifies the skin, gently exfoliating the upper layers of the dermis and giving a brighter and more even complexion. Its exfoliating action is also used for the removal of blackheads and the treatment of skin spots, whether due to aging, scars or freckles. Mandelic acid-based masks
are also appreciated for the detoxifying and recompacting action of the dermis, as well as for its sebum-regulating properties. Finally, this active ingredient can also be a valid ally to fight the first signs of age as it smoothes fine wrinkles and expression lines, stimulating cell renewal.
The uses of mandelic acidthey are really many: the serum is indicated for more intensive treatments as it contains a high concentration of active ingredient; in the form of a face mask and excellent for regular purifying and plumping skin care; however, its most popular use is in chemical peels. These, like all peelings, must be applied to perfectly clean and clear skin, avoiding the eye contour and massaging lightly with a cotton pad, to be applied regularly every 15 days. Contraindications and side effects
Mandelic acid is distinguished by its almost total absence of contraindications and side effectson the skin. Unlike other acids used with similar purposes, it has a more delicate formula, which does not penetrate too deeply into the skin tissue and has no photosensitizing effects, which allows it to be used safely throughout the year.
Its light composition does not cause redness or irritation, making it also suitable for acne and the most sensitive skins. When side effects occur they are generally mild and consist of redness or slight burning; these issues are usually temporary and are resolved simply by stopping the use of the product.
