6 popular questions about mandelic acid: how to get rid of acne, wrinkles and pigmentation

• Distinctive properties
• Indications
• Contraindications
• Kinds
• Stages
• Rehabilitation
• Actions
• Side effects
• Number of sessions
• Use at home
• Advantages
• conclusions

In modern cosmetology, chemical peels occupy a leading position for normalizing the quality of the skin and eliminating imperfections. Efficiency and minimal risks are the main goals of aesthetic correction that almond peeling meets. The procedure is a popular part of acid treatment for gentle healing and restoration of cellular processes.

Distinctive properties

The molecular weight of mandelic acid is 8 times larger and heavier than a glycolic molecule, due to which the component has an atraumatic and comfortable effect on the surface layers of the skin, quickly removes scales and improves cellular respiration. Almond peeling is used on sensitive and thin skin, since processes occur in the upper layers of the epidermis.

Phenylglycolic acid does not have a photosensitizing effect and does not affect the forced production of melanin, so peeling is carried out in the spring and summer. After the technique, there is no swelling or severe hyperemia due to the delicate effect of the component on the skin.

The substance is a chemical antiseptic, similar in structure to macrolide antibiotics and is used for inflammation, unlike other alpha hydroxy acids. Mandelic acid slowly penetrates the skin without irritation, provides control of effectiveness and combines well with mechanical cleansing and laser biorevitalization.

Reviews from cosmetologists

Markina R.I., 18 years of experience

Among superficial peels, skin cleansing with mandelic acid deserves attention. Compared to other chemical peels, this type is considered safe and does not require a rehabilitation period. The active substances act gently, leaving no serious consequences. The lack of trauma is explained by the fact that the acid works exclusively on the surface of the epidermis. Dead cells come off delicately. This cleaning method is suitable for those with sensitive skin and those prone to allergies.

Avdeeva M. A., 12 years of experience

Features of almond peeling are the ability to carry out the procedure regardless of the season, the absence of skin trauma, and the prevention of premature aging. The composition works well in the fight against age spots, seborrheic dermatitis, hyperkeratosis, and acne. After cleaning, the relief and color are evened out. To obtain a lasting effect, it is recommended to undergo 4-6 sessions with an interval of 10 days.

Indications for using almond peeling

• Oily and seborrheic skin: comedones, acne, post-acne, folliculitis, enlarged pores.
• Photo- and chronoaging: small expression wrinkles, sagging, uneven complexion.
• Atony and dryness of the skin: decreased tone, dull color, impaired microcirculation, dehydration.
• Superficial hyperpigmentation.
• Hyperkeratosis is excessive thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.
• Sensitive skin, rosacea, rosacea.
• Prevention of premature aging of the face and body: décolleté, hands, feet, knees, back.
• Ethnic skin type is a high phototype.
• Intolerance to glycolic and retinoic acids.
• Preparation for aggressive methods of exposure: laser resurfacing and median exfoliation.

Contraindications for almond peeling

• Pregnancy, lactation.
• Viral and fungal processes: warts, microsporia, herpes.
• Increased body temperature.
• Damage to the skin: wounds, burns.
• Inflammatory dermatoses in the acute stage: psoriasis, eczema.
• Autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma.
• Severe damage to the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys.
• Malignant and multiple benign neoplasms.
• Taking hormonal medications and retinoids.
• Tuberculosis.
• Tendency to keloid scars.
• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
• Individual intolerance to components.

Contraindications

Unfortunately, not all women are recommended to carry out such activities. There are some contraindications that you should listen to and refuse a session if:

• there are purulent rashes on the face;
• allergic skin diseases are observed;
• there is an exacerbation of acne;
• a person has individual intolerance to the drugs used.

Thus, almond peeling done at home is an excellent way to improve the condition of your facial skin. The main condition is the correct observance of all stages of this procedure. Then the facial skin will definitely delight its owner with radiant health and beautiful appearance. Also read what is Jessner peeling.

Types of almond peeling

By structure:

• Gel - for gentle and uniform distribution of the product.
• Hydroalcoholic - for effective exfoliation and cellular renewal.

By number of components:

• Monopilling - only mandelic acid is included in a concentration of 10-60% with a pH of 1.5-2.1.
• Combined exfoliation - additionally contains other types of acids for a deeper effect and prolongation of the result. For example, lemon, salicylic, apple, milk.

By age:

• Up to 25 years - to improve the visual condition and quality of oily skin.
• 25-30 years - to stimulate skin resources.
• 30-45 years - for prevention and reduction of age-related changes.
• 45-60 years - preparatory procedures for invasive correction of deficiencies.

Top 5 professional products

Specialized cosmetics stores offer a varied selection of almond peeling compositions. The following products occupy the rating positions.

Bielita - facial peeling Professional Face Care Almond 30% pH 2

Purpose: skin cleansing. The basis of the composition are the following substances: mandelic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol. The following auxiliary components are used: methylpropanediol, polyacrylate-6 crosspolymer, alcohol, water.

Cosmetic result after using the product:

• gentle recovery;
• exfoliation;
• smoothing wrinkles;
• bleaching.

How to use

Distribute the working solution with a brush or sponge in the direction from the periphery to the middle of the face. You need to keep the composition for 6-12 minutes. Residues are removed with a cotton pad soaked in neutralizing tonic. An alternative option is to rinse your face with cool water.

Cost – 1824 rubles.

Dr. Kozhevatkin – facial peeling Almond 20%

The product is intended for superficial cleansing of the epidermis. Effect declared by the manufacturer: evening out color, microrelief, stimulation of exfoliation of dead skin cells, cleansing of sebaceous plugs and other impurities.

Application

The product is distributed onto previously cleansed skin. The area around the eyes is not treated. Apply the working solution with your fingertips in a circular motion for 1-3 minutes. Afterwards, wash your face with cool water. Cosmetics with SPF effect are used as additional care.

Frequency of procedures – 2 r/week. for 1 month.

Cost – 1475 rubles.

Kosmoteros - chemical peeling Peeling Chimique with mandelic acid

The product smoothes wrinkles and activates cellular renewal. Regular use promotes the production of your own collagen. Freckles and age spots are lightened, skin tone is evened out.

Peeling is carried out to prepare for laser facial resurfacing and is used in the fight against acne. The active formula improves the functioning of sebaceous secretion and suppresses gram-negative flora.

A brief description of:

• skin type – for any type;
• area of ​​application – face, neck, décolleté;
• release form - liquid;
• active ingredient – ​​fruit acids;
• cosmetic result - leveling the microrelief, cleansing, increasing the exfoliation process;
• Feature: For professional use only.

Rules for the procedure

It is convenient to apply the composition with a brush. Leave the solution for 3-5 minutes. At the end of the procedure, the face is rinsed with cool water.

Price – 2060 rub.

Alpika – multi-acid facial peeling with mandelic acid 5%

The product is developed on the basis of active acids (tartaric, citric, almond, succinic, malic). The composition includes mandelic acid, which provides a gentle effect and high efficiency in cleansing the skin of dead cells, sebaceous plugs and other impurities. Post-peeling complications are excluded.

Effect declared by the manufacturer:

• gentle cleansing;
• exfoliation;
• color alignment.

How to use:

• skin cleansing with Bio-tonic;
• applying the peeling agent for 10-20 minutes;
• neutralization of the working solution with Postpeeling tonic;
• applying the Reparant mask for 15-20 minutes;
• rinse off any remaining product with clean water and dry with a napkin;
• applying Solar Protect SPF-50 cream.

Cost – 1458 rub.

Woman's Bliss - chemical facial peeling Almond 30% superficial Superficial Almond Peel

The active formula of the product is based on mandelic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, methylpropanediol, alcohol, water. After use, the skin is cleansed of dead cells. Pores are narrowed, pigment spots are lightened. The effect of restoration and increase in elasticity is noted.

How to use:

• Apply the peeling agent to cleansed skin with a brush;
• after 6-12 minutes. rinse off the residue with cool water;
• spread a moisturizing serum that has a sunscreen effect over your face.

To obtain maximum results, it is recommended to carry out a cleansing course that includes 6-8 sessions. The procedures are carried out with a break of 1 week.

Cost – 1562 rubles.

Stages of the method

1. Collecting anamnesis by a specialist and assessing the condition of the skin to identify contraindications.
2. Allergy test - test application of mandelic acid on the wrist for 5 minutes. If there is no redness, the test is considered negative.
3. Pre-peel preparation - prescribing products containing 15% phenylglycolic acid at night 10-14 days before the procedure to smooth and receptive the surface layer of the skin. Additionally, preparations with fruit acids are used 2-3 times a week to enhance the effect.
4. Makeup remover - cleansing the skin using a soft gel or foam.
5. Toning - using 10% mandelic acid to restore pH levels.
6. Pre-application of a 5% mixture of mandelic, lactic and glycolic acids for better penetration of the base substance.
7. Carrying out a true peeling procedure using phenylglycolic acid in a concentration of 30% to 60% depending on skin type. The procedure is performed with quick movements with a fan brush or cotton swabs in the direction from the periphery to the center: forehead, temporal region, chin, cheeks, nose, eyelids. Exfoliation time ranges from 3 to 5 minutes during the first procedure, followed by an increase in exposure to 10-25 minutes. The number of layers depends on the individual reactions of the skin.
8. Neutralization - washing off the composition with water from the center to the periphery, since mandelic acid does not react with water, or using a special component if the treated areas are hypersensitive. For example, a neutralizing lotion is soothing.
9. Application of a regenerating mask for 10-20 minutes, moisturizing and sunscreen preparations with SPF 30-50. For example, Cream block for tanning and age spots, SPF 45.

Important Rules

Carrying out any cosmetology event requires compliance with certain rules. So almond peeling at home should be carried out in stages, that is, it is necessary to establish a program of action:

1. Pre-cleansing of the face. Involves thorough removal of existing makeup residues, that is, creams, masks and lotions.
2. To enhance the effects of mandelic acid, the skin of the face must first be steamed so that the pores open and there are no obstacles to the successful penetration of the active substance.
3. Each person’s facial skin is individual, and if for one woman a certain product turns out to be a “magic wand,” then another may suffer greatly from the drug used. To avoid such incidents, it would be better to check your skin for allergic reactions and susceptibility to burns before using any cosmetic product.
4. After cleansing and steaming, they proceed to the most important procedure - peeling.
5. Washing off residues. The penultimate stage is cleansing the facial skin of the remnants of the substance used.
6. Applying a soothing mask. To minimize the effect of peeling, it is recommended to use similar products. Read what masks you can make after peeling at home.

Also read how to make peeling with lactic acid at home.

Principles of rehabilitation

• For 2-5 days, use delicate cleansers and do not apply decorative cosmetics.
• For 3-5 days, use nourishing and regenerating agents: “Bepanten”, grape seed oil and do not rip off the scales yourself.
• For 4-7 days, moisturize the skin with light creams and fluids with hyaluronic acid 3-4 times a day.
• For 7-10 days do not visit the bathhouse, sauna, swimming pool and avoid heavy physical exercise.
• Do not actively sunbathe for 14 days.
• For 7-10 days, avoid aggressive procedures - scrubs, polishing.
• During the course of procedures, constantly use sunscreen with SPF 40 or more.

Unique actions of almond peeling

• Keratolytic - superficial intermolecular cleansing between scales and loosening of the stratum corneum.
• Bactericidal and anti-inflammatory - suppression of the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Antiseborrheic - normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands and dissolves subcutaneous fat in the pores.
• Lifting - increasing elasticity and updating cellular receptors.
• Whitening - smoothing the epidermis by exfoliating dead cells.
• Antioxidant - binding and blocking free radicals.
• Metabolic - normalization of target blood circulation and stimulation of local immunity.
• Moisturizing - restoring water balance in tissues.

Side effects

• Redness after almond peeling is a spontaneous reaction to the procedure, which lasts up to 2-3 hours and goes away after applying moisturizers.
• Dryness and flaking are natural skin processes influenced by mandelic acid, which disappear within 4-5 days.
• The addition of a secondary infection is an unpredictable complication if the peeling technique is performed incorrectly or post-procedure care is not followed. External antibacterial agents are prescribed to improve tissue regeneration and trophism.
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation is a rare manifestation that occurs due to internal disruptions in the body or improper rehabilitation. Anti-inflammatory drugs with antioxidant and whitening effects are used.
• Allergic manifestations (rash, itching, burning) are the body’s response to intolerance to the components of almond peeling. A preliminary history and test samples are important to prevent undesirable consequences that may occur when antihistamines are used.

Almond peeling at home

When carrying out the technique independently, 5-10% mandelic acid is used. The application technique is similar to professional stages.

1. Preliminary medical consultation to determine the type of peeling and selection of quality products.
2. Makeup remover - removing surface impurities using milk or lotion.
3. Rubbing with a tonic containing up to 10% mandelic acid to degrease the target area.
4. Evenly distribute 5-10% phenylglycolic acid to the affected areas using a brush or cotton pad, maintaining the exposure time from 3 to 20 minutes as the number of procedures increases.
5. Neutralization - rinsing off the peeling with water or a special solution when a reaction occurs in the form of severe redness and burning.
6. Use of restorative, moisturizing and sunscreen preparations in compliance with key care recommendations.

Benefits of almond peeling

• Versatility - used for all ages and skin types to solve multiple aesthetic imperfections.
• Delicacy and ease of manipulation is a safe and gentle method.
• High and fast results in the face and body.
• Almond peeling is all-season.
• Minimal likelihood of side effects.
• Short rehabilitation period.
• Comfort and painlessness.

Flaws

• Risk of allergic manifestations.
• Short-lived result - a course cycle is required.
• Specific aroma of components.

Photos before and after

You can clearly see the effect of the procedure thanks to comparative before and after photographs from people who have already undergone almond peeling. The positive effect is noticeable even with the naked eye, the visual material will once again convince you that the procedure is effective and really helps fight skin problems.