Mandelic and hyaluronic acid are two of the most popular skincare ingredients out there. But what do they actually do? And how can you use them in your routine?
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at both of these ingredients, what they can do for your skin, and how you can incorporate them together into your daily skincare routine.
Hyaluronic acid vs mandelic acid: What’s the difference?
Mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid are often used in serums and other products designed to improve skin appearance.
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds. AHAs are known for their ability to exfoliate the skin and improve skin texture. This active is commonly used in skincare products because it is scientifically proven to help exfoliate the skin, but also improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It’s believed to be less irritating than other AHAs, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a type of glycosaminoglycan. Glycosaminoglycans are found naturally in the body, where they play an important role in maintaining hydration levels, regulating cell growth, promoting cell adhesion, anticoagulation, and wound repair in the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a moisture-binding ingredient that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. This makes it an excellent choice for those with dry skin. It also helps to plump the skin, making it look fuller and more youthful.
Can I use mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid together?
Mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid are both great for your skin care routine. They can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve the overall texture of your skin.
You can use mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid together, but it is important to understand how each one works before you start using them together.
By exfoliating the topmost layer of skin, mandelic acid gets rid of dead skin cells and can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. It is also used in the treatment of skin conditions like acne.
Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, works by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, which can plump up fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to improve the overall texture of your skin.
When used together, mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid can work synergistically to improve the appearance of your skin.
How to use mandelic acid with hyaluronic acid
When used together, mandelic and hyaluronic acid can provide your skin with a boost of hydration and nutrition. Here’s how to use them in your skincare routine:
1. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.
2. Apply a pea-sized amount of mandelic acid serum to your face and neck area. Gently massage it into your skin using circular motions.
3. Follow up with a hyaluronic acid serum or cream. Apply it to your face and neck area and gently massage it into your skin until it’s fully absorbed.
4. Finish off your routine by applying a moisturizer to lock in hydration
There are nevertheless, a few things to note when pairing these two actives in your routine.
- Depending on what type of product they are formulated in, you will either have to layer them or use one before the other.
- If both actives are in different serums, it is best to apply the mandelic acid before the hyaluronic acid. This is because exfoliating the skin first provides a cleanse slate on which hydration actives like hyaluronic acid will be applied and better absorbed. This also applies if mandelic acid is in a toner or cleanser.
- If you are using a mandelic acid cream, you can apply the hyaluronic acid first and then follow up with the cream. It is also possible to find both actives in the same product.
- It is important to note that you should not mix mandelic acid with other exfoliating acids such as glycolic or lactic acids in the same routine. Unless they are all formulated together in the same product.
- Mandelic acid is best used on its own or with other gentle ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Do not apply it more than 3x a week to avoid the risk of irritation.
- Always apply hyaluronic acid serums on damp skin to avoid the risk of it drying your skin out.
- Hyaluronic acid serums can be applied to the skin twice a day every day.
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Petra Nakashian (previously Kravos) is a dedicated natural health and beauty blogger, driven by the loss of her parents to cancer, which led her to meticulously research beauty product ingredients. With over 10 years of experience, her in-depth knowledge has made her a trusted expert in the field. Founder of Be Healthy Now and Green Beauty Talk, Petra recently expanded her expertise with Beauty Insights Hub, exploring a wider range of beauty treatments. Committed to transparency and honesty, her work is a vital resource for navigating the complex world of beauty.
