Exfoliation is one of the most important parts of my skincare routine, so I love trying out new exfoliants. Sometimes, I find that my skin can be a bit too sensitive for using certain AHAs, which is why I was excited to try the new Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant, which contains gentler forms of AHAs.
Jump to:
- Key Ingredients of Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant
- How to Use Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant
- My Experience With Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Can You Use Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant With the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant?
- How to Use Both Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant and 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant?
Key Ingredients of Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant
The new Skin Perfecting exfoliant from Paula’s Choice contains both mandelic acid and lactic acid, which are both alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) commonly used in skincare products due to their exfoliating properties.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic Acid is a type of AHA that is found naturally in almonds. Mandelic acid has larger molecular size compared to other AHAs, making it gentler on the skin. It is also more oil soluble compared to other types of AHA, making it better for those with oily and acne prone skin to use.
What Does Mandelic Acid Do For Skin?
- Mandelic acid exfoliates the skin by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to promote cell turnover and revealing smoother, brighter skin.
- Mandelic acid also has antibacterial properties, which makes it effective for treating acne and controlling breakouts.
- It can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone, particularly for individuals with hyperpigmentation.
What is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is derived from fermented milk or vegetables, as a natural by-product, although it can also be created synthetically in a lab. It’s known for its moisturizing properties and its ability to gently exfoliate the skin. Lactic acid is often recommended for those with sensitive skin or those who may find other AHAs too harsh, as it tends to be more gentle and less likely to cause irritation.
What Does Lactic Acid Do For Skin?
- Lactic acid helps to remove dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and more even skin tone.
- Lactic acid also has humectant properties, meaning it helps to attract moisture to the skin, making it beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin.
- It can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, soften rough skin texture, and reduce the visibility of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
How to Use Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant
When using exfoliants in your routine, it is good to build up usage over time to allow your skin to get used to it. Start with every other day and increase usage until you are using it once or twice a day, depending on how your skin responds.
Apply this product after cleansing and toning skin and do not rinse it away. Apply a coin sized amount over the face and avoid the eye area. Always make sure to use SPF after using an exfoliating product.
My Experience With Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant
Instantly after using, my skin feels smoother and softer. There is a noticeable improvement in the fine lines on my forehead.
It is certainly gentle, and I haven’t experienced any redness after using this. Even if you’re brand new to AHAs, this should be a product you can jump in with and try.
I’m not too fond of the initial scent of this product, but it does dissipate and it’s certainly not a dealbreaker.
Can You Use Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant With the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant?
The 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is one of Paula’s Choice’s best loved products and is widely renowned as one of the greatest BHA products on the market. BHA is Salicylic Acid, which helps to unclog pores, smooth skin and even skin tone.
You can use both the 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant and a Paula’s Choice BHA in your routine, as they target slightly different things:
6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant:
- Resurfaces texture and tone
- Works on the skin’s surface
- Smooths, brightens and strengthens skin barrier
2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant:
- Unclogs pores
- Works below skin’s surface
- Smooths and evens skin tone
How to Use Both Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant and 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant?
It is best to alternate which you use. There are a few different ways you can do this, depending on how used to using exfoliants your skin is:
- Alternate between AHA and BHA exfoliants every other day
- Use BHA in the morning routine and AHA in the evening routine
Remember to use sun cream with an SPF of at least 30 or more in the morning to protect your skin.
