Skincare can be confusing at the best of times, but it often gets even more complicated when trying to find the best routine for dark skin tones. The main difference with dark skin tones is that they are more prone to hyperpigmentation because the skin contains more melanin. Here’s how it works: the more melanocytes there are in the skin, the greater the chance of developing hyperpigmentation, especially after even the slightest injury to the skin’s surface.
So with this in mind, we wanted to know what the best steps are for treating dark skin and helping it maintain its overall health and appearance. These questions and similar ones will be answered in today’s blog post, so stay tuned if you want to learn more. The next section briefly explains mandelic acid and its benefits for the skin.
What is mandelic acid?
Extracted from bitter almonds and processed into a range of skincare products
Known for its gentle effects on the skin, it is suitable for all skin types
Removes layers of dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria and debris that build up on the surface of the skin
By clearing these deposits from the skin, signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles become visible
Helps clear acne from the skin by unclogging the pores. It can help dissolve comedones (also known as whiteheads and blackheads) and remove excess sebum using its antibacterial properties.
Best known for its chemical peels, it is better tolerated by those with sensitive skin and darker skin tones
If you want to learn more about mandelic acid and its effects on the skin, read our dedicated blog post.
Which acids are best for dark skin?
I’ve already briefly discussed the best treatments for dark skin. You need to be gentle with your treatments due to the increased risk of hyperpigmentation and melasma areas. In fact, it’s thought that lighter skin types can tolerate more intense exfoliation, which can cause a lot of problems for those with dark or black skin types.
The best acids for dark skin are those that are considered the gentlest of the AHA family, such as lactic acid and mandelic acid. Both of these acids have a larger molecular size, which means they work primarily on the outer surface of the skin and rarely cause irritation, redness, or breakouts. This doesn’t mean they can’t effectively treat the skin and eliminate signs of dryness, flaking, and a dull, lackluster appearance.
Check out Beauty Insider for more on how these AHAs work on the skin.
How to use mandelic acid for dark skin?
Some products contain mandelic acid in their formulas. These products include cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers and even masks. Depending on which product you choose will determine when you apply it to your skin during your daily routine. To reap the benefits of your skincare products, you should apply them in order from thinnest to thickest. This ensures that the active ingredients can absorb into the skin without hitting the physical barrier that other thicker formulas create on the skin.
You can also combine mandelic acid with other powerful ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to enhance the benefits of mandelic acid. These are all rich in antioxidant properties, ensuring that the skin’s lipid barrier is strengthened and protected from free radical damage from pollution, UV rays, central heating and other environmental aggressors.
It is important to be aware that chemical peels, even the mildest ones, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light. Therefore, it is important to wear SPF every day to avoid sun damage, which can cause further pigmentation and melasma on the skin.
Is mandelic acid good for dark skin?
Yes, mandelic acid works really well for all skin tones, but especially darker skin tones, as its gentle action is beneficial to the skin, but not too harsh. As I mentioned before, darker skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation than lighter skin. Therefore, it is important to spend some time finding the most effective daily routine with powerful ingredients to keep your skin at its healthiest.
Compared to other AHAs, mandelic acid has some unique properties, such as: B. They have the ability to micro-exfoliate. This means that mandelic acid can remove excess pigment from the surface of the skin, helping to brighten and unify the skin tone and even out the skin tone. While it is a gentle exfoliant, it can also penetrate deeper into the skin to inhibit the production of melanin. This causes the hyperpigmented areas to not darken when exposed to UV rays.
Not only does mandelic acid fight skin discoloration, but it also fights signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. As a result of gentle exfoliation, you will notice a renewed complexion over time, and your skin will look plumper, firmer, more vibrant, and healthier. The question of whether mandelic acid can whiten the skin is not answered. This is because mandelic acid does not adequately exfoliate the skin, which can affect skin pigmentation. With continued use, you’ll notice a more even skin tone, a visibly reversed appearance of existing sun spots, melasma, acne scars and age spots, and the acid prevents further damage to the skin.
Although I describe mandelic acid as one of the gentlest alpha hydroxy acids, you’ll note that it’s still an acid, and everyone has different skin. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you’re introducing the best, most effective ingredients into your daily skincare routine. If you have any more questions about skin care, you can find one of our experts on our Instagram.
