Can You use Mandelic Acid with Vitamin C?

Everyone in one or another will benefit from a skincare routine that contains an AHA. Whether it’s a PHA, lactic acid or glycolic acid, you’ll be able to find one that is best suited to your skin type. When it comes to vitamin C, this is an ingredient that may need a little more time to introduce the active into your routine. Combing these powerhouses together could be something that super charges your results, or could it become a recipe for disaster?

This is exactly what we will be exploring in today’s blog post, before we get stuck into the nitty gritty, we’ll briefly run through what each of these ingredients do for the skin and the benefits you can expect to see.

What is mandelic acid?

• An acid that belongs to the group of chemical exfoliants called AHAs, also known as alpha hydroxy acid.
• Derived from bitter almonds and synthetically produced to be added into a skincare formula.
• Known for being one of the gentlest acids and can be used by those with a sensitive skin type.
• Effectively rids the skin of dead skin cell build-up, dirt, bacteria, debris, and other impurities.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to the exfoliation bringing newer skin cells to the surface and skin firmer.
• Although it’s a gentle acid, it is also able to penetrate through the skin reaching the pores helping to unclog them of excess sebum, dirt, and other forms of bacteria.
• If you wanted to find out more about mandelic acid, check out our dedicated blog post.

What is vitamin C?

• Vitamin C, also known as L-ascrobic acid or ascorbic acid.
• Packed with antioxidants that can help protect the skin from overexposure to free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays, central heating, and other environmental aggressors.
• Combats areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and post acne scarring.
• Helps revive the complexion, restoring glow and luminous finish.
• Boost collagen production resulting in firmer skin, with a youthful bounce.
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the flare-up in skin redness and similar concerns.
• Find out more about vitamin C over on The Beauty Insiders.

What can you not mix with mandelic acid?

Although I have mentioned how gentle mandelic acid is, it still provides exfoliation to the skin and if used with the wrong active ingredients can result in several side effects.

The ingredients you should avoid mixing with mandelic acid, is other AHAs, such as glycolic acid, BHA, such as salicylic acid, especially if included with chemical peels, and retinol.

Can I use AHA and vitamin C together?

You can, but ensure you use them properly together to avoid unwanted side effects. There are a couple of different ways to team an AHA and vitamin C together effectively.

Option 1-

Apply the AHA first by using either a face cleanser or exfoliating toner, wait for about 10 minutes before applying a serum enriched in vitamin C. Ensure you leave enough time in between applications to counteract the risk of irritation, this is because the skin’s natural pH levels would have rebalanced and the skin become prepared for further applications.

Option 2-

Use an AHA enriched product and vitamin C product throughout different times of the day. many favours using vitamin C in the morning due to its antioxidant benefits and luminous finish it gives your skin. Follow this in the evening with evening with your AHA product, be it toner or serum to rid the skin of impurities and other build-ups.

If you are new to both ingredients, and you are planning on introducing a new product into your routine, I would suggest performing a 24-hour patch test before applying anything on the face. 

Do you put moisturiser after mandelic acid?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, applying moisturiser after mandelic acid will help counteract any potential dryness and irritation caused from the chemical exfoliation. You’ll also find that the moisturiser will form a physical barrier on the surface of the skin. This barrier enables the active ingredients that have already been applied to work undisturbed from exposure to free radicals, such as pollution. You’ll also find that a layer of moisturiser helps to lock hydration into the surface helping to keep the lipid barrier healthy and functioning properly.

What toner should I use before vitamin C serum?

You can use any toner before vitamin C serum, the important factor to remember is ensuring you leave enough time between applications. Leaving this amount of time will also help the pH levels rebalance therefore avoiding skin irritation, redness, and itching.

You’ll also find that using a toner which contains an exfoliating acid will slough away the build-up of dead skin cells and flaky patches of skin, both of which often act as barrier preventing other ingredients from penetrating.

Can you use mandelic acid every day?

Yes, you can, as long as you’ve built your skin’s tolerance to it, especially if you have a skin type is dry and prone to sensitivity. The way you build the skin tolerance is by firstly performing a patch test as this will help you determine how effect the ingredient will be for you and your skin.

The molecular size of mandelic acid is very large, meaning it’s unable to penetrate too far down the skin compared to other acids, such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid. This helps mandelic acid work on the outer layers of the skin helping bring new skin cells to the surface acid leaving the complexion, glowing, healthy, and happy.

There you have some more information about mandelic acid and vitamin C. Both powerhouses are skin reviving, collagen boosting, and leaves the complexion with a healthy, youthful bounce. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our skincare experts over on Instagram, you’ll find them in the direct messages.