54 replies to this topic

[LionQueen]

I just posted this exact same info over in the blackhead forum, so I apologize if you're seeing it for the second time ... but mandelic acid is just way too good to keep quiet about.

After 4 months on retinoids (Green Cream, Diacneal, Retin A), I have managed to get rid of all of my old bumps and inflamed acne ... but the pores in my T-zone were still getting badly congested every couple of weeks, resulting in blackheads and microzits. Since I'm a habitual picker, and my skin is currently very fragile from the retinoids, these clogged pores were creating a real problem for me.

As soon as I started reading about mandelic acid, I knew I had to try it. The trouble was, the first MA product I tried really does not work well with Green Cream -- and I LOVE Green Cream and will not give it up! I could see that the MA was zapping the blackheads and tightening my pores, but unfortunately it was also burning my skin -- which is not supposed to happen. Mandelic is a very mild AHA.

Anyway, I finally found a new MA product that I can use with retinoids, and I am just loving it. My pores are tighter and clearer than I ever thought possible and my blackheads are almost entirely extinct.

So here are my product recommendations:

If you have oily skin and are NOT using retinoids, you should be able to use the Vivant mandelic acid serum sold on the Diana Yvonne site. I suggest buying a sample first to try it out. This is probably the purest, most powerful and effective mandelic product out there.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, are using retinoids or other anti-acne products, or just find that you can't tolerate the Vivant mandelic, you are probably better off going with the alcohol-free mandelic acid serum made and sold by Garden of Wisdom. They make a 10% version and a 15% version. Sample sizes are available. I use the 10% if I'm layering it under retinoids and 15% if I'm using it by itself.

Mandelic acid needs about 30 minutes to absorb into the skin and "do its thing" -- so you should apply it to clean dry skin, and not apply anything else for at least 30 minutes.

A little more info about mandelic acid: here's a quote from Deb, the Forum Host at the Diana Yvonne SkinCare Board:

It works in the same manner as salicylic acid, except it cannot penetrate as deep into the pore as salicylic acid. Thus, it increases cell turnover within the pore, causing the release of comedones. As soon as you stop using it faithfully, just like salicylic acid, back they come!

I think the reason people rave about mandelic acid is that it is an AHA with some BHA properties. As well as being antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and lipid permeable (thus the pore exfoliation), it is a gentle 15% AHA at a low pH. AHAs exfoliate the epidermis much better than with salicylic acid, which cannot penetrate very deeply into the epidermal layers. So, the skin is smoother, tighter and more even in tone. Thus, the AHA activity combined with the lipid permeability aids in the appearance of smaller pores.

CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!

[wicket]

Hi, I am new.

I've been reading about this stuff on the boards and would really love to get some.

I am in the UK and I can't find anywhere to buy it. I want the serum but it only seems to be avaliable from American sites. I don't know what the shipping would be but I can't buy it anyway as I only own a switch card.

Anyone know any info on UK sales of Mandelic acid?

Cheers.

W

[LionQueen]

Try googling "Vivant mandelic" and "MaMa lotion" -- the MaMa is not as pure a product, but many people love it, and I seem to recall there were UK users. It contains mandelic and malic acids, hence the name.

[Petrarch Fan]

I agree, Mandelic Acid is amazing. I love NuCelle's skin care line. I have only purchased the 10% Serum, but I used it once before when I received a sample of it and it was amazing. I could tell that some of the marks I have were fading quickly. Now that I have incorporated it and more exfoliation in my routine, I can't wait to see the results.

[LionQueen]

Phai ... that is great! I have heard of the NuCelle line but never tried it. Please keep us posted.

[LionQueen]

More info on mandelic from the Vivant site:

MANDELIC ACID:
A POWERFUL 3-IN-1 PUNCH
Vivant Skin Care’s Mandelic Acid Serum effectively treats photo-aging, irregular pigmentation and acne in one bottle.


Vivant Skin Care, Inc., whose potent, medically-based formulations are developed by James E. Fulton, Jr., MD, PhD, is pleased to introduce to its line Mandelic Acid Serum. Mandelic acid, a relatively new alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds, is proving unique in its ability to multi-task. Unlike other AHAs, it targets several prevalent skin care issues--rejuvenating photo-aged skin, actively suppressing pigmentation, and treating acne.

A more streamlined skin care regime for the complex needs of aging skin: Mandelic acid was originally studied in open clinical trials as an antibacterial treatment aid in healing after laser resurfacing. However, after continued use it offered excellent benefits to the skin. As with glycolic acid treatment, fine wrinkles and lines improve dramatically with Mandelic acid, but more importantly, without the irritation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often seen with glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids. Skin texture improves rapidly and, as with glycolic acid, the effect is sustained over months and years of treatment, gradually minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

An effective and non-abrasive treatment for hyper pigmentation: In addition to visibly improving the look and texture of photo-aged skin, Vivant ’s Mandelic Acid Serum also quickly aids abnormal pigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, treatment-resistant melasma (brown spots), and lentigoes (large freckles). Results are comparable and sometimes superior to those attained from topical hydroquinone.

A powerful antibacterial for acne sufferers: With its powerful anti-bacterial action, Mandelic Acid Serum has proven to be a true phenomenon. With its use, many patients are for the first time able to control their acne without traditional antibiotics or topical acne products that can excessively irritate their skin.

Dr. Fulton states, “Mandelic Acid Serum is ideal for the adult woman with complex skin care needs. My patients love the fact that one product is able to deliver three potent therapies equally effective. In my opinion, it is one of the best modalities to come along since Dr. Kligman and I developed Vitamin A acid (tretinoin, Retin-A®) in 1969. Super-efficient and potent, it epitomizes what I consider to be modern skin care innovation at its best.�

[Moonface]

LionQueen, would you agree that mandelic acid is better at unclogging pores then salicylic acid?

[LionQueen]

LionQueen, would you agree that mandelic acid is better at unclogging pores then salicylic acid?

Ummmm ... it's different. It is a whole lot less irritating than SA, for one thing, so many more people can use it ... and use it more often ... and use a higher concentration of it. So in that sense, it is better. Of course SA can be very effective as well, and many people swear by it ... the Paula's Choice BHAs are supposed to be great for clogged pores. But some people, like me, just can't use SA at all. It irritates my skin horribly and mandelic does not.

So .... like so many skin-related things, I think it's a matter of personal preference. I always try to buy samples now before I invest a lot of $$$$ in a new product, and that's what I recommend for anyone wanting to start with mandelic.

[willow569]

Would mandelic acid be ok to use while using Differin? I've been using salicylic acid products, but wasn't sure if I should keep using them while I am using Differin. I thought mandelic might be a better alternative, as it is less irritating?

[LionQueen]

Would mandelic acid be ok to use while using Differin? I've been using salicylic acid products, but wasn't sure if I should keep using them while I am using Differin. I thought mandelic might be a better alternative, as it is less irritating?

Yes, I think it would be better than salicylic ... it is hard to predict how anyone will respond, so I definitely recommend getting samples before you blow a lot of $$$$ on a big bottle of the stuff.

Since you are using Differin, I would suggest trying the 10% alcohol-free and 15% alcohol-free serums from Garden of Wisdom (see link in my signature) and see which you prefer.

BTW, the GoW website is a little frustrating to navigate ... there are a bunch of different mandelic serums and different sizes of each all grouped together, so read closely. Also, shipping is calculated separately, so you have to tell them whether you want first-class or priority mail. If you pay by PayPal, they send you a second invoice for shipping; if you give them your credit card info, they will tack the shipping on.

[left210]

Can you use this while you are trying to get pregnant? I tried checking the website but couldnt find this info.

Thanks

[LionQueen]

Can you use this while you are trying to get pregnant? I tried checking the website but couldnt find this info.

Thanks

I have certainly never heard that you CAN'T ... but to be absolutely certain, you might want to ask on the Diana Yvonne skin care board. Deb, the forum host, has a background in biochemistry and is a real expert on the products.

You might also PM LabGirl81 and see if she knows ...

[LionQueen]

Here's a link to a thread with more excellent information about mandelic acid.

Mandelic thread

[LionQueen]

Just a quick update. I am still LOVING this stuff ... it is really helping to keep my pores clear. My face looks so much better when I don't have gunk to pick at ...

I have also learned when NOT to use mandelic acid:

-- When I've had too much sun
-- When my skin is red or irritated from Retin A
-- When my skin is dehydrated

Even the alcohol-free marine serum formulation, which is very gentle and soothing, still packs a punch!

[willow569]

Although I have just started using mandelic, I like the results so far. I'm using the Nucelle 10%. I think I have to do 3-4 nights in a row using it, and then a night off though. My skin got dry and flaky after 4 nights in a row (and I'm generally pretty oily). I took one night off from using it and I think that helped. It does clear out blocked pores very quickly though! I wonder why this works so much better/quicker than other gycolics or even than salicylic acid? I was using salicylic for months, and my skin didn't clear out nearly this fast. My forehead is still giving me some grief, but everything else looks good!

[LionQueen]

Can you use this while you are trying to get pregnant? I tried checking the website but couldnt find this info.

Thanks

According to the Diana Yvonne SkinCare Board host, mandelic is safe during pregnancy. She also commented on retinoids and salicylic acid ... see quote below ...

There are actually no studies proving a link between topical retinoids and issues with pregnancy, but I would personally also be better safe than sorry with vitamin A derivatives.

Because a certain percentage of women in the Retin-A trials had babies with birth defects, a rumor was propagated that Retin-A caused the birth defects. The % of the population in the Retin-A study turned out to be no higher than the standard rate of birth defects in the general population so no causative link could be made. Just FYI.

I know of no other topicals that are even controversial with the exception of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid at the concentrations used in skincare topicals is safe and no warnings are issued on OTC products at all. The misconception comes from the fact that aspirin is indeed discouraged during pregnancy, other than for those who require low dose aspirin therapy for heart health. Topical salicylic acid does not reach the blood stream in any measurable amount and has never been linked to any problems with pregnancy. If your friend is extremely cautious, she may choose to avoid salicylic acid products anyway.

Mandelic acid is safe.

[JustChar]

How do you apply it? Do you just rub it allover your face like if applying BP?

[JJRed4]

Hey LionQueen, you say youve been using Green Cream and Diacneal, which do you reccomend? I just started using Green Cream, and how long does it take to see reults? My redmarks on my cheeks WONT go away, so I hope Green Cream works!

Thanks for the help!

[LionQueen]

How do you apply it? Do you just rub it allover your face like if applying BP?

It's a liquid serum ... I put a few squirts in the palm of one hand and apply it with my finger. And yes, it goes all over my face in a very thin layer ... I don't advise applying more than that until you have some experience with it!

Hey LionQueen, you say youve been using Green Cream and Diacneal, which do you reccomend? I just started using Green Cream, and how long does it take to see reults? My redmarks on my cheeks WONT go away, so I hope Green Cream works!

Thanks for the help!

Green Cream cleared up my bumpy skin in about 3 months ... I was using Level 6 for the first two months and then moved up to Level 9.

But I have never had a problem with redmarks. So I can't comment personally on that.

I *think* Diacneal might actually be better against redmarks because of the glycolic acid/retinaldehyde combination ... you would get more exfoliation going on. You might achieve a similar effect by adding some acids into your GC regimen ... kojic acid is supposed to be good for fading marks, though I've never used it. Mandelic is good for brown marks, not sure about red.

Check out the Diana Yvonne website (link in my signature) for more info on acids. The SkinCare board there is also a wonderful resource ... that's where I got the info about mandelic being OK for pregnant women. The forum host is a biochemistry whiz, which is useful guidance when you start combining all these powerful active products!

[Moonface]

Although I have just started using mandelic, I like the results so far. I'm using the Nucelle 10%. I think I have to do 3-4 nights in a row using it, and then a night off though. My skin got dry and flaky after 4 nights in a row (and I'm generally pretty oily). I took one night off from using it and I think that helped. It does clear out blocked pores very quickly though! I wonder why this works so much better/quicker than other gycolics or even than salicylic acid? I was using salicylic for months, and my skin didn't clear out nearly this fast. My forehead is still giving me some grief, but everything else looks good!

How bad were your clogged pores?

I've also been using salicylic acid (2%) (Paula's choice 2%) for 6 months and it isn't doing much for my very persistent clogged pores! I had the best results when I combined it with a 15% AHA. However this was also a little harsh and it didn't work that well.
Before I read this topic I was thinking of buying MD Formulation's Clearing complex (5% salicylic acid, 5% lactic acid, 5% glycolic acid) but now I think I'm just going to wait a little longer and see how mandelic acid works out for you all.