What Does Mandelic Acid Treat?

Mandelic acid might not be as popular as its cousins Glycolic and Lactic Acid. But that does not mean it is not potent. It targets a number of skin issues. If you tried chemical exfoliation and it left your skin feeling dry, irritated or flaky, Mandelic Acid just might do the trick.

What is the difference between Mandelic Acid and other AHAs?

Mandelic Acid is derived from bitter almonds. Mandelic Acid molecules are bigger in size than other AHAs such as Glycolic and Lactic Acid. Because of its size, it means it takes Mandelic Acid longer to penetrate the skin. End result? You get the benefits of chemical exfoliation, but with less irritation. Mandelic Acid is also suitable to use for people with darker skin tones as there is less risk it will cause pigmentation issues. At Ishtar the entire Mandelic Acid range contains Mandelic Acid. We never combine it with Malic Acid, which is a known irritant.

What does Mandelic Acid treat?

You might have gone through puberty and your twenties with nary a blemish. Then all of a sudden acne happens. Adult acne is on the rise. In fact some studies show that between 40 and 50% of people between the ages of 20 and 40 have low grade acne. It can be a pain to deal with acne. But to put together a routine for aging acne prone skin is even trickier. Unlike any other AHA, Mandelic Acid has natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties. The added benefit is that it regulates sebum production which should in turn help prevent future breakouts. Mandelic Acid has been shown to work on papular, comedonal and inflammatory pustular acne.

Those brown marks that are left long after your acne has healed? That is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. One of the best ways to treat is with chemical exfoliation. Mandelic Acid not only exfoliates, it stimulates skin renewal and fades hyperpigmentation. The end result is smoother skin and more even skin tone.

Last, but not least - fine lines and wrinkles. Sure, it might be superficial and vain, but it is nice to know Mandelic Acid also treats fine lines and wrinkles. Because it stimulates deep skin cell renewal, over time Mandelic Acid will minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It removes the dead skin cells that sit on the surface of the skin and can make your skin look dull.

Ishtar's Mandelic Acid range at a glance

Ultralase 5 Mandelic Acid Lotion - with 5% Mandelic Acid and a pH of 3.5. Using organic Aloe Vera as a base, this mild and light moisturizer is suitable to be used twice a day. It will gently exfoliate, refine skin texture, brighten and moisturize. It is best suited for combination and problem skin.

Ultralase 10 Mandelic Acid Serum - with 10% Mandelic Acid and a pH of 3.5. This serum also contains organic Aloe Vera, Gotu Kola and Yarrow extracts, vitamin E and Jojoba oil. It is suitable for all skin types, but combination, oily, congested and acne prone skins will reap the most benefits. It treats acne, fades hyperpigmentation, evens out the skin texture and exfoliates.

Ultralase 15 Mandelic Acid Treatment - with 15% Mandelic Acid and a pH of 3.5. It is best suited for people with more troublesome forms of acne.

All of our Mandelic Acid products come with an informational booklet and instructions on how to use them. You can also find out more details about the recommended use and how to introduce a Mandelic Acid into your routine on our blog.

As always, please be mindful of your skin (especially if you have never used a Mandelic Acid previously) and go slow to avoid overexfoliation.