5 Pro Tips On Why Estheticians Should Use Mandelic Acid

by Trisha Kinderman, L.E.

#1 Mandelic Acid Has Larger Molecular Size

Mandelic acid’s larger molecular sizes makes it ideal for treating darker skin tones such as Fitzpatrick 3 – 6. It’s ideal for sensitive skin too.  I have successfully used mandelic in my skin care studio treating everything from acne, aging, dull skin and pigmentation, cutibacterium acne, and chest & body breakouts.

#2 Mandelic Acid Is Antimicrobial

If you have dipped your toes in any skin care articles lately, then you must have heard about mandelic acid, but did you know that it is an antimicrobial? What is an antimicrobial? An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth. The exciting thing about the fact that it is an antimicrobial is that it will stop the spread of bacteria without causing harm to the skin. It’s also It is also useful in controlling fungal outbreaks! 

#3 Mandelic Acid Brightens + Tightens

Mandelic acid should be in every esthetician’s treatment room.  A few days after treating with mandelic acid, your client will notice the powerful properties of mandelic acid as their skin begins to look brighter and feel tighter.

#4 Mandelic Acid Reduces Sebum Production + Congestion

A few weeks after a mandelic acid peel coupled with regular use of a good mandelic acid serum at home, the client will begin to notice less sebum production. There will also be less skin congestion with proper use of mandelic acid over a prolonged period of time.

#5 Mandelic Acid Combined With Vitamin C Lightens Hyperpigmentation

In 2019 I competed in the Skin Games pigmentation category. My model suffered from deep pigmentation from sun damage as well as melasma from hormonal imbalances. I decided to use a Mandelic Acid peel on a bi-weekly basis for 8 weeks. My model went home with a home care regimen including mandelic acid for home care use. I instructed her to layer the mandelic acid with a vitamin c serum while doing her home care routine. Over 8 weeks time, we were able to lighten the model’s pigmentation by 75%.

When treating pigmentation you can expect to see wonderful results if mandelic acid peels and serums are used consistently.  I love to pair mandelic acid serums with active vitamin C serums when treating pigmentation. Vitamin C is a wonderful antioxidant that pairs well with mandelic acid,  You can also combine manual exfoliation with the acid peels, the L+A Fall Resurfacing Skin Care Guide and the L+A Tech Tool Box have some great options for manual exfoliation.

In addition to mandelic acid, one should always include sunscreen as a vital component to your skin care routine.  In my experience I have found mandelic acid to be an essential ingredient that effectively treats multiple skin issues such as fungal acne, cutibacterium acne and pigmentation. I suspect that in the near future, we will see mandelic acid as the active ingredient in many more professional and over the counter skin care products.