Can you use Alpha Arbutin With Mandelic Acid?
This question came up because many reviews talk about the benefits of mandelic acid when used alone, but then also mention that Alpha Arbutin is needed to achieve these results.
Can You Use Alpha Arbutin With Mandelic Acid?
Yes, you can. Alpha arbutin and Mandelic acid are both effective skin brighteners, and they work well together.
When used together, you get the best of both worlds: the exfoliating and skin-lightening benefits of Mandelic acid with the skin-brightening and firming effects of alpha arbutin.
Alpha arbutin is a natural compound found in bearberry, cranberry, blueberry, bilberry, and other plants.
It is effective in inhibiting tyrosinase (an enzyme responsible for melanin production) to produce an overall lightening effect on your complexion.
Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds and stimulates cell turnover for a smooth and radiant-looking complexion.
Here’s how you can mix them
- In a small glass container, add two drops of mandelic acid to one drop of alpha arbutin powder.
- Use a clean cosmetic spatula to blend the two ingredients together until the white powder is dissolved.
- Add the mixture to 2 tablespoons of distilled water or rose water.
- Mix it well and store it in a dark glass bottle. Use it every other night after cleansing your face.
- Apply it sparingly on your entire face using upward strokes.
How Much Mandelic Acid or Alpha Arbutin Can I Add to My Usual Routine?
Mix 5% Alpha Arbutin with 0.5% Mandelic Acid and use it twice daily for 4 weeks on problem areas such as acne scars, pigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines.
After the first month, you can reduce the frequency from twice a day to once a day, just depending on how well your skin adapts to this new regimen.
Alpha Arbutin can be used as a spot treatment for dark spots.
Simply apply it to the affected areas and wait for 10 minutes before applying moisturizer or makeup.
Alpha Arbutin can also be used after toner has been applied to brighten the skin.
Make sure you have toned your face using a pH balancing toner and then add 5% Alpha Arbutin serum.
Wait 20 minutes before applying moisturizer or sunscreen if you are using it during the day, or before going to bed at night.
You can also use Alpha Arbutin in place of your usual Vitamin C serum by adding 1-2% Alpha Arbutin to your regular Vitamin C serum and gently applying it every night to brighten the skin.
Are There Any Side Effects From Using Alpha Arbutin and Mandelic Acid Together?
Alpha Arbutin by itself has a very low side effect profile, but Mandelic Acid does have the potential to cause purging when used in higher concentrations.
Purging is the process of exfoliating the skin, which may result in flaking and peeling of the skin.
Alpha Arbutin is a natural ingredient found in Bearberry. It is a great alternative to hydroquinone because it has a much greater absorption rate and it stays in your skin longer.
Mandelic Acid is derived from bitter almonds and helps to slow down cell proliferation which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while increasing the appearance of firmness.
It is important to note that Alpha-Arbutin can be considered an active ingredient and needs to have a certain concentration depending on what type of product it will be used in.
The concentration needs to be high enough for it to be effective, but not too high so that it remains safe for use. Typically, concentrations range between 2% – 7%.
How to Use Alpha Arbutin With Mandelic Acid Safely
To help you use this product correctly, I have listed tips on how to use Alpha-Arbutin with Mandelic Acid safely:
1. Use the correct concentrations
Both alpha-arbutin and mandelic acid are very strong.
If you are not careful when mixing these ingredients, then there is a chance that your face will be damaged beyond repair.
2. Avoid UV rays
UV rays should be avoided at all costs if you are using alpha-arbutin or mandelic acid to whiten your skin.
This is because these ingredients break down when exposed to UV rays, thus becoming ineffective in whitening your skin effectively.
3. Follow up with a moisturizer
Mandelic acid can leave your skin feeling dry, so follow up on an Alpha Arbutin treatment with your favorite moisturizer to help replenish the moisture that was lost while using the product.
Not only will this help keep your skin looking young and fresh, but it will also keep irritation at bay as well.
4. Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliate regularly before using Alpha Arbutin with Mandelic Acid.
Exfoliation removes the dead layers of skin that can build up over time and clog pores, leading to acne breakouts.
Use a gentle exfoliator on the skin two times a week for best results.
5. Wear sunscreen
Wear sunscreen when using Alpha Arbutin with Mandelic Acid. Skincare products are great, but they’re useless if they’re not being applied properly.
If you want to see results with Alpha Arbutin with Mandelic Acid, you need to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
6. Find your correct skin tone
You need to determine what your skin tone is so you can find the correct shade of Alpha Arbutin With Mandelic Acid.
If you don’t have an undertone, then the product will likely turn out orange when you apply it to your face.
You can get a good idea of what your skin tone is by looking at the veins on your wrist and checking for any green or blue tones.
Final Thoughts
Alpha Arbutin and Mandelic Acid are two popular skincare ingredients. While both reduce dark spots, they also have other benefits.
They can also be used together to combat hyperpigmentation to give you skin that is brighter, even-toned, and acne-free!
