A Gentle Rebirth of Your Skin with the Mandelic Peel

It’s one of our favorite chemical peels because, well, it’s just amazing.

The Mandelic acid peel is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) based facial peel derived from bitter almonds. It’s considered a ‘superficial’ peel', which means it is one of the gentler chemical peels available. This mild acid is no slacker though - paired with it’s anti-bacterial properties, this peel is perfect for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. It’s a gentle, yet thorough exfoliation, leaving your skin with a beautiful healthy glow. This peel is an absolute must-have in any licensed professional’s treatment options!

SO, WHAT SKIN CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH A MANDELIC CHEMICAL PEEL?

PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING.

A Mandelic peel does well for acne, melasma, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Studies have shown it even helps increase collagen production!

One question we get asked often at Skin Therapeutic is ‘are chemical peels safe for darker skin tones or higher Fitzpatrick tones?’ The answer is YES they are safe! And Mandelic is one of the most popular peels for those skin tones. When applied by a licensed professional, there is little chance of negative side effects.

This long-standing myth that chemical peels are not an appropriate treatment option for people of color is a thing of the past.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A MANDELIC CHEMICAL PEEL TREATMENT?

Mandelic acid does not penetrate the skin aggressively. There should only be minor stinging while the peel is being applied, which only lasts 10 minutes tops. Typically, there is no peeling from a Mandelic peel, but some will experience flaking of dead skin cells post treatment. We call this one our ‘lunch-time peel’ because there is virtually no down time!

*One thing to keep in mind about ALL chemical peels is that the chemical peel is still working at improving the skin, even if there is no major sloughing of skin layers. When acids are applied to the skin, it is an exfoliation treatment, which means the dead skin cells are being lifted so newer, healthier cells can shine.

The most noticeable result of a Mandelic peel treatment is the GLOW! The peel works at unclogging pores, exfoliating dead skin and renewing the skin’s appearance and tone. A series of Mandelic peels will provide longer lasting results, so be sure to have clients schedule another peel in about 3-4 weeks.

Frankly, this peel should be in your arsenal if you offer chemical peels as a treatment option. It is considered a staple, a foundational chemical peel, and a launching point for any treatment regimen that includes peels.