Mandelic Acid: What It Does?

• Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Treatment (brown spots)
Mandelic acid rapidly aids hyperpigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Melasma, and large freckles. Its results are comparable to and often better than those from traditionally-prescribed topical hydroquinone.

• Acne Treatment
Mandelic acid has powerful antibacterial properties which allows acne sufferers to benefit from an effective serum without having to resort to traditional antibiotics and more irritating topical products. Mandelic acid is gentler than other topical acne treatments, particularly for the acne sufferer who is also concerned with discoloration and cannot tolerate abrasive topical treatment.

• Photoaging Treatment (premature aging from sun exposure)
Like glycolic acid, mandelic acid helps aging skin (which is everybody, after all) by improving the appearance of fine lines — but more dramatically, and without the irritation and possible hyperpigmentation associated with glycolic acid.

How It Works

Mandelic is an alphahydroxy acid (AHA) that dissolves the intercellular “glue” that binds dead skin cells to the surface. This causes a mild sloughing (peeling) action leaving behind a smother, softer skin. In addition AHA’s helps to dissolve pores by killing bacteria causing acne, at the same time stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the epidermis and smoothing out imperfections in darker complexions.

Chemistry

Mandelic acid is an 8-carbon alphahydroxy acid with the chemical formula HOCH(C6H5) COOH. The mandelic acid molecule is larger than the glycolic acid molecule, a widely used AHA. Mandelic acid does not cause the irritation that is associated with glycolic acid, is safer to use and does not cause reactive hyperpigmentation.

Mandelic Questions and Answers

1) How long until I see results?
Results can be seen within 2-weeks. However, you may see significant acne improvement within several days. Results may vary.

2) If it’s an acid, do I need to wash it off?
Vivant’s Mandelic Acid Serum contains 15% mandelic acid and is safe enough to use on skin without neutralization. It should not cause excess irritation as do most alphahydroxy acids.

3) Can I use mandelic acid to prevent future breakouts?
Yes, Vivant’s Mandelic Acid Serum is ideal for cleaning out pores and controlling oil production that can clog pores.

4) Are all mandelic acid’s the same?
Vivant’s Mandelic Acid Serum is formulated by James E. Fulton, Jr., MD, PhD. and does not contain unbeneficial additives, chemicals or preservatives.

5) Will mandelic acid cause peeling and/or dryness?
Using mandelic acid regularly may cause dryness and/or peeling. This is expected and means the rejuvenation/exfoliation process is beginning. Vivant’s Day Treatment Lotion or Allantoin should alleviate the dryness.

6) Will I be more sensitive to sun exposure while using mandelic acid?
As with the use of any alphahydroxy acid, it is highly recommended to use a product with an SPF of 15 or higher. Vivant’s Day Treatment Lotion (with SPF 15+), SPF 30+ Lotion and SPF 30+ Gel are recommended prior to sun exposure and to protect your skin from potential sun damage.

7) Can mandelic acid irritate my skin?
Vivant’s Mandelic Acid Serum is safe enough for most skin types and in most cases does not cause excess irritation as most alphahydroxy acids. After a few uses, a slight tingling sensation is normal and expected. This means the rejuvenation/exfoliation process is beginning.

8) Can I combine the use of mandelic acid with a topical retinoid (vitamin A)?
Vivant’s Mandelic Acid Serum can be used in combination with any topical Vitamin A product. However, products must be use at separate times. For example, use Mandelic Acid Serum during your AM skin care regimen and the vitamin A product during your PM skin care regimen. Remember, always use an SPF to protect your skin from potential sun damage.