Mandelic Acid & Acne
Mandelic acid has risen in popularity as a skin-care ingredient in the early 21st century. Touted as an acne treatment due to its powerful antibacterial properties, it has made its way into several regimens targeted to clear blemishes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Acne
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A common skin condition characterized by blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed cysts, acne causes distress in teenagers and adults alike.
Mandelic Acid
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With a long history of use in clearing urinary tract infections, mandelic acid has an established role as an antibacterial agent. Derived from bitter almonds, and part of the alpha hydroxy acid family, mandelic acid works both as an exfoliating and antibacterial agent.
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Significance
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Considered a gentler alternative to popular alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic and lactic acids, mandelic acid penetrates the skin at a much slower rate due to its larger molecular structure. Unlike conventional acne treatments that have a potential to irritate the skin, it is suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.
Research
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A 2009 study done in India compared glycolic acid peels and salicylic-mandelic acid peels. The study concluded that salicylic-mandelic combination peels cleared active acne lesions and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation slightly more effectively than glycolic acid peels.
Considerations
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Mandelic acid may not work at clearing all types of acne. Severe acne may require a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses multiple causal factors of the condition.
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