Help!! My trial with Mandelic Acid
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

enjoys freebies · Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:24 pm Quote

Hi,

After reading all posts on the use of mandelic acid, I ordered the DY 15% sample and applied sparingly a couple of nights ago. My skin in the last little while has been looking and feeling really good - my pores (one of my major concerns) were faily good and overall texture was even. My only reason for trying the mandelic is that I think I need some sort of an exfoliating acid for cell turnover - as a reference I am 41 with sensitive skin on the drier and dehydrated side - no problems with breakouts and skin inflames easily. Another reason mandelic caught my eye was some forum members had reported significantly smaller pore size.

Anyway, in the pm I cleansed and applied the mandelic. I was really tired and decided to take my night moisturizer to bed with me so I could apply it just before I slept. However, I fell asleep right away so that plan didn't quite work. I woke up the next morning to angry cheeks and forehead with pores the size of giant craters! Today is the second day and ny cheeks are still slightly red and they tingle frequently all day.

Now my question - could this reaction be because there was no emollient applied after the mandelic? I'm scared to try this again but if it helps in the long run I can take the short term pain. I do use cellcosmet exfoliant once a week and have a sample of the PSF pumpkin peel which I tried a couple of times and did not notice any change at all either way.

Or alternatively, I would appreciate suggestions for other milder acids. I do use 12% vitamin C, DNA Repair and have used ISC Active in the past. The Active did not give me the angry reaction I got with the Mandelic but I fould over the few months I used it, my skin felt unhealthy and reactive.

Sorry for the long post. Thanks.

enjoys freebies · Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:36 pm Quote

Whoa, that's a bit scary. I haven't had a problem like that, but always put some moisturizer on not because I thought I had to, but I just did.

Does one need to put an emollient on after this? I figure if I didn't it would just make my skin more dry.

Is this your second time trying it? Maybe it's an allergic reaction?

enjoys freebies · Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:52 pm Quote

IMO you overdid it with the mandelic. This is from what I understand a pretty strong product especialy because of the pH level. I don't quite know what to make of the large pores but the redness, etc. almost sounds like something that would happen from a peel. I think that not moisturizing just made things worse but is not the cause of your reaction. I would start out slower. Maybe try another mandelic at a lower % or try rinsing the Vivant mandelic after 5-10 minutes and gradually build up to longer application times. Your skin is probably not used to chemical exfoliation and needs to develop a tolerance. Also,definetly use moisturizer afterwards.

ariesxtreme the moisturizer comment was for samkaj. It is not really a requriement but you would know if you need it. Personally even with moisturizer afterwards regular use of mandelic acid still dehydrated my skin too much.

enjoys freebies · Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:00 pm Quote

Theresa,

I do agree. Lately, I've notice after I wash my face that there are some dry patches it seems where I apply the mandelic acid. But usually a shot of emu oil and HA serum smooths it out, not to mention a nice layer of sunscreen.

enjoys freebies · Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:28 pm Quote

Samkaj,

I don't think you should use that mandelic again. It is a leave on product and you should not have had a reaction like that! (And putting an emollient afterwards did not cause it either). I think you had some kind of allergic reaction and it's quite likely that the next time would be worse.

enjoys freebies · Thu Nov 02, 2006 8:33 pm Quote

I agree about not trying the mandelic again. My cheeks are stinging as I'm typing. Thanks for all the responses.

Perhaps I'll stick to the cellcosmet exfoliant and occasional use of the PSF pumpkin mask for exfoliation. But I somehow always feel that's not enough and some sort of chemical acids are necessary at my age.

enjoys freebies · Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:24 am Quote

What about lactic acid? Could you try that instead? I just love the idea of using milk to wash my face Laughing

.

Hope you will find a good exfoliant soon!

enjoys freebies · Fri Nov 03, 2006 7:10 am Quote

samkaj the lactic may be worth a try. If you decide to go that route start out with a low percentage and do a spot test!

If your main reason for wanting to use AHAs is to increase cell turnover then another option is retinol/retinaldehyde/retinoids. But since you have sensitive skin and tend towards dehydration approach these with caution as well if you decide to use them. IMO if your skin can tolerate these without irritation and without compromising your skin barrier then these would be the best choice for what you want to accomplish. I have very sensitive skin and find that my skin tolerates retinoids better than it tolerates AHAs but I guess that everyone is different on this.

enjoys freebies · Fri Nov 03, 2006 9:10 am Quote

Neostrata makes some products that are supposedly better for sensitive skin. They use PHAs instead. Here are some links:

http://skincarerx.com/aha.html
http://skincarerx.com/neostrata.html

I am thinking of trying either the Renewal Cream or the Bionic Cream but want to wait to add something new.

enjoys freebies · Fri Nov 03, 2006 10:00 am Quote

I wrote the one review (on SkincareRX) of the Neostrata Bionic Serum...titled "Don't buy if you're sensitive to AHA's".

'Nuff said. Wink

enjoys freebies · Fri Nov 03, 2006 1:46 pm Quote

I think I will try a lactic acid peel in a low percentage once my skin clears up and seems healthy again. I remember as a young girl my mom putting yogurt on her face and me following suit - she said it brightened the complexion. I's amazing how the many generations of women have found different but ultimately similar ways to obtain healthier skin.

TheresaL, if you don't mind, could you let me know what retinoid products have worked for your sensitive skin? Thanks.

enjoys freebies · Fri Nov 03, 2006 1:57 pm Quote

samkaj I have been using Differin for 8 years now. It did really irritate my skin at first which is normal but I think that alot of the irritation was from combining it with a sulfur product which is a big no-no (at my derms instruction even!!).

Over the summer I added ISC Proheal serum to my routine and also did not experience any problems irritation wise. Apparetnly the Proheal has a high percentage of retinol at 1% but I had been told that it had such a small amount that I could use it in the morning and then my retinoid at night. So unknowingly I had been combining a retinoid and a product with a high percentage of retinol. I am still astonished that my skin was able to tolerate it! BTW I did stop using the Proheal because I think it was contributing to my clogged pores.

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