Both mandelic acid and salicylic acid should be applied to dry skin a maximum of three times per week to avoid irritation. If your skin isn't particularly sensitive then you can use both exfoliants together, although it's better to use a multi-ingredient product than to layer mandelic acid and salicylic acid yourself.
Mandelic acid can be effective on its own, but it's usually combined with salicylic acid for maximum exfoliation and moisture. While salicylic acid is praised for its effective acne prevention and treatment, it doesn't have to do all the work—sometimes, the most effective way to treat acne is by mixing these two acids.
Don't use with: Other AHAs, other peels, retinol, retinoids.
“AHAs and BHAs can certainly be combined. For example, for oily skin, a salicylic-based cleanser can be used followed by a glycolic acid toner. Generally, a glycolic acid is great for dry, dehydrated or combination skin, whereas salicylic acid would be perfect for oily/spot-prone/acne skin.
Salicylic-mandelic peels are used to treat both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne, and can lessen the amount of breakouts after a couple of months of using this AHA/BHA combination.
Can I moisturise after salicylic acid? Absolutely, if anything I strongly suggest moisturising after using salicylic acid. Not only will this soothe and calm the skin after applying the potent BHA to your skin.
"If salicylic acid is an ingredient in your cleanser, it is fine to use it every day." However, if you are using an exfoliant that salicylic acid in the formula, Dr. Hu advises only using the product three times per week, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.
Yes, mandelic acid and niacinamide can be used together, including by those with sensitive skin for exfoliating benefits and improved topical skin texture and tone.
About mandelic acid
Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds. It's an AHA that's been mostly studied for use with acne. AHAs are natural and synthetic ingredients that provide skin care benefits ranging from exfoliation to increasing hydration and firmness.
Can niacinamide and salicylic acid be used together? The simple answer is yes. They complement each other well. Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, but it can also dehydrate and irritate skin.
Top tip: Combine mandelic acid with salicylic acid to treat cystic acne (the large, painful, under-the-skin breakouts that appear on your jaw and cheeks). Acne scars often leave behind pink and brown marks of pigmentation that can be hard to get rid of.
Mandelic acid's antibacterial properties are extremely helpful in treating acne. It also helps to regulate sebum production and in turn decrease the occurrence of breakouts. Mandelic acid has even been shown to benefit those who suffer from cystic acne.
Any exfoliant, including Mandelic Acid, can cause a purge.
Once that's done, no more breakouts.
"Apply mandelic acid to clean and dry skin after cleansing and before moisturising," she advises. "It is better as one of the first layers of skincare, followed by a cream. Simply pat it into the skin gently." You can use cotton pad or your fingers if you prefer to be a little more eco-friendly.
What order should they be applied? Yes, The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA may be applied before Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
Mark says tranexamic acid works very well with usual super-actives such as vitamin C, niacinamide and even exfoliating acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. Concentrations can range between 0.5 and 5 percent, depending on the product at hand. It's well-known as an acne treatment, but it can also help calm down general redness and inflammation.
Don't use with: Although salicylic acid can be combined with other exfoliating ingredients, Mudgil says that in order to avoid irritation, it's best to stick to only one exfoliant at a time.
“You can use a salicylic acid–based cleanser in the morning to unclog pores and avoid acne and a glycolic acid–based cleanser at night to exfoliate your skin and get rid of dead skin cells,” notes Jailman.
It's well-known for reducing acne by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear. You can find salicylic acid in a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's also available in prescription-strength formulas. Salicylic acid works best for mild acne (blackheads and whiteheads).
By using a salicylic acid enriched wash after cleansing the skin of any remaining makeup, you are helping to rid the skin of any dead skin cell build-up allowing any nourishing products applied afterwards to absorb quicker into the lower layers of the skin and show results quicker.
It is considered the best idea to apply niacinamide before salicylic acid. This is because the humectant traits of niacinamide ensure the natural skin barrier contains the correct levels of water. When the skin barrier is moisturised and healthy it can keep itself protected from exposure to free radical damage.
Aim to leave on for a good twenty minutes before moisturising, as this will allow for proper penetration.
I started applying salicylic acid after the cleansing and toning steps and before moisturising. It is important that you let your skin absorb the product. While applying salicylic acid, I massage the product into my skin in a circular motion. I also make sure to keep the product away from my eyes and mouth.
You want to make sure that you're not using a product that has too high of a concentration of salicylic acid. Gels should have no more than 5% acid. Lotions that are applied once or twice a day should have 1–2% salicylic acid, and solutions like cleansers or toners should have 0.5–2% salicylic acid.