Can You Use Mandelic Acid on The Neck?

Using a daily skincare routine will often consist of moisturisers, serums, and sometimes treatment face masks. We spend a lot of time and energy applying these potent formulas to keep the skin looking and feeling its best. The problem is that a lot of the time, areas such as the neck are completely forgotten about.

This may not sound like something too drastic, but believe it or not, the skin around our necks is considerably thinner meaning it can show signs of ageing a lot sooner. There are also many different factors that can contribute to the accelerated ageing of the neck. The way we sleep, our lifestyles, how long or often we look down at a computer or iPhone, even how often you spray perfume can cause discolouration.

So, we will be exploring into finding out how using certain ingredients, and whether you can use mandelic acid on the neck.

What is Mandelic Acid?

• Derived from bitter almonds and is a member of the extensive family of chemical exfoliants, called AHAs.
• Compatible with many different skin types, including those prone to sensitivity.
• Helps to accelerate skin cell turnover, ridding the skin of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion.
• Packed with anti-inflammatory properties making it highly effective at targeting acne and other forms of breakouts.
• Combats areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage, with proven results of a more even skin tone after 4 weeks.
• Helps to stimulate collagen production to help iron out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Improves skin texture removing dead skin cells and leaving the overall skin firmer and smoother.

Although it is thought to be one of the gentlest acids, it is still advisable to consult with a doctor or dermatologist before introducing mandelic acid to the skin. If you wanted to find out more about the clever AHA, check out our dedicated blog post.

Can you use mandelic acid on your body?

Yes, it can, in fact, because the molecular size of mandelic acid is twice the size of glycolic acid, and a third larger than lactic acid, it is one of the gentlest acids available. This results in limited amounts of irritation and redness, with a slower absorption meaning all skin types can use it on any suitable area on their body.

Quite often formulated into body care products such as moisturisers and specialist shower gels, mandelic acid can get to work reviving the skin and leaving it with all-over improved clarity. As I have already mentioned, the speed of absorption is a little slower than other acids, however, mandelic acid is still able to work its way deep into the lower layers of the skin enabling the benefits of the acid to get to work. These benefits are the stimulation of collagen production, sloughing away the layer of dead skin cells, and inhibiting the overproduction of melanin preventing dark spots becoming more pigmented, and finally helping the complexion to become clearer and acne-free.

All these concerns are not limited to the face, and quite often affect areas of the body too, finding a body care product to help combat these will help keep the skin clear and in its healthiest state.

What can mandelic acid not be used with?

As mentioned, several times already, mandelic acid is one of the gentlest acids, but it is an acid, and this can still result in a flare-up in irritation, redness, severe dryness, and general discomfort. Therefore, it is important to remain mindful of layering mandelic acid with other acids, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and potent actives such as retinol.

The reason for this is due to many factors, such each ingredient containing different pH levels, delivering similar results to the skin, and causing too much stimulation. Having said that, you are still able to use these actives in your routine, it is just a case of applying them at the right stage. Many experts suggest either alternating when you apply each ingredient or leaving enough time in between applications allowing the skin to settle and prepare for the next step in your routine.

As I would suggest for all new skincare products, the easiest way to establish there will be no side effects, is to perform a patch test for 24 hours. Apply a 10p amount of the product on your forearm and leave it there for 24 hours, if after that time you find there is no irritation caused, you can apply the formulation to the face.

How long do you leave mandelic acid on?

This is very much dependant on the product mandelic acid is formulated in. For example, if you are using a face wash or cleanser, it will usually be 5 minutes before the product is rinsed off the skin. For other products, such as serums and moisturisers, these remain on the skin for a longer amount of time, these are usually best left until your skin has built a tolerance for the acid, especially if you have a skin type that is highly sensitive and prone to flaring up.

If you have any concerns with any potential drying effects of using the acid, try teaming it with a hyaluronic acid as this will help keep the skin hydrated, happy, and lipid barrier functioning properly. This means it can protect the skin from any exposure to free radicals and other environmental aggressors.

Does mandelic acid help wrinkles?

Absolutely it can, this is due to the benefits this clever active is able to deliver to the skin. By stimulating the production of collagen, mandelic acid can help the skin become firmer, plumped, with a youthful bounce. You will also find it is able to rid the top layer of the skin of any build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and dry patches of skin. When these are left on the surface, fine lines and wrinkles appear worsened with a noticeable improvement once the dead skin cells are sloughed away.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to come, and follow us on Instagram, you’ll find one of our skincare experts ready to help you.