Mandelic acid for acne scars

by Miriam

Mandelic acid is a part of the alpha hydroxy acid family, derived from the bitter almond.
Most alpha hydroxy acids are particularly harsh on the skin and can leave the skin feeling raw, red and exposed.

Mandelic acid is different from other alpha hydroxy acids in this way. Because mandelic acid is a large-form molecule, it is much slower to penetrate the skin's layers, which allows for a more even treatment.

Mandelic acid was originally used to treat the raw and exposed skin after laser treatments. Because of the extremely gentle nature of this alpha hydroxy acid, it has excellent healing properties that would sooth troubled or damaged skin. The long term effects were noticed, that not only did this product sooth skin, it also helped to reduce the signs of aging, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all without irritating the skin like other alpha hydroxy acids did.

Mandelic acid was soon used in a wide variety of skin care products to create the ultimate benefit. The improvements in the skin last for years, gradually minimizing spots, scars and lines.

A very good product is MaMa lotion:MaMa Lotion combines two Alpha Hydroxy Acids known for their non-irritating nature, Mandelic Acid and Malic Acid, with potent anti-inflammatories. This unique combination ensures maximum results with minimal irritation.

In order to achieve significant results within a reasonable amount of time, higher concentrations of active ingredients have to be used.

MaMa Lotion has a combined strength of 20% AHA, but the main source of its power comes from its low 2.5 pH. The lower the pH, the more active the acids are in the formulation.

This low of a pH is usually reserved only for peels performed in a dermatologists office (most at-home products have a pH between 3.5-4.0). Because of its unique formula, MaMa Lotion, even with its high activity, can be used safely and effectively on darker skin tones.

Mandelic acid is also used by those whose skin cannot tolerate retinols. It works the same way, but more slowly, without many of the reactions brought on by retinol products.