Diamonds & Pebbles: Mandelic Acid.

Acid Week continues with a strange acid I had no idea existed until a few weeks ago. The acid in question? Mandelic acid. Like most things I’ve found and shared on here, I first came across this mystical acid on Curly Nikki. Sheryll Donerson, the author of the article was talking about her skin history and journey, and how living in Korea had left her with impeccable skin. It wasn’t until she left, that she started having problems with hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Luckily she managed to fix her skin with the help of a few friendly acids: glycolic (hello old friend), lactic and mandelic acid. Check out her before and after pictures here.

Mandelic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). This means that it’ll help soften the appearance of wrinkles (you guys know this isn’t a problem for me), boosts collagen and resurface the skin to improve texture.

Like most AHA’s, mandelic acid is a gentle exfoliator that works to slough away dead skin cells to reveal new skin below. However, unlike AHA’s like glycolic acid, mandelic acid has bigger molecules meaning its effects take longer to notice. But if you’re willing to wait a little longer to see results then this isn’t such a massive deal.

Why should I try it?

After seeing Sheryll’s before, after and progress pictures, I knew this was something I had to try. I also read that mandelic is a great alternative to glycolic acid – especially for black women – because not only is it less irritating, but it also doesn’t cause discolouration like glycolic acid does. And you can bet that I was so shocked to discover that. This made me realise that once my pads are finished, I’ll be needing something to replace it. And what better alternative than this!

I originally thought this was a rare acid that would only be available for sale abroad, but after a quick search, I discovered that the people’s skincare company The Ordinary, sell this very same acid. Is it just me or is that a major sign?

Now Sheryll’s hyperpigmented skin is a thing of the past and she’s living her best glowy life. Which gives me all the hope in the world for my own skin!