Mandelic Acid
About
Mandelic Acid belongs to the class of 'antibacterial drugs', primarily used to improve skin texture and treat acne, hyperpigmentation (darkened skin), and the effects of ageing. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
Mandelic Acid contains Mandelic acid, which is an aromatic alpha-hydroxy acid. It is derived from bitter almonds and acts as an exfoliant by removing the top layer of dead cells on the skin. Mandelic Acid also improves the thickness in the deeper skin layers and promotes collagen production and firmness.
Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose of Mandelic Acid that suits your condition. Mandelic Acid has common side effects like itching, irritation, redness, and burning sensation at the application site. These side effects usually do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if you face any other symptoms or the side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Mandelic Acid. If you have sensitive skin, let your doctor know about it since it can cause skin irritation due to its peeling effect. Mandelic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight; hence, use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Mandelic Acid.
Uses of Mandelic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Mandelic Acid contains Mandelic acid, an aromatic alpha-hydroxy acid with antibacterial properties. Mandelic Acid is an exfoliant and helps in the removal of the top layer of dead skin cells. It improves the skin texture by promoting collagen production and thus enhances firmness. Thus, Mandelic Acid helps in treating acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Mandelic acid is also used as an ingredient in cosmetics and drug products.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mandelic Acid
- Itching
- Irritation
- Redness
- Burning sensation at the application site
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Avoid contact of topical Mandelic Acid with nose, mouth or eyes as it may irritate. In case Mandelic Acid comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Inform your doctor before using Mandelic Acid if you have any skin infections. Mandelic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight; hence, use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Do not apply Mandelic Acid on irritated and sunburned skin. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you use any medicines, including topical products, before starting Mandelic Acid.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Mandelic Acid, let your doctor know if you have any active skin infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
not applicableNo interaction found/ established. Please consult your doctor before using Mandelic Acid.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or already pregnant before starting Mandelic Acid.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere are limited studies on how Mandelic Acid affects breastfeeding. Please consult the doctor before using Mandelic Acid if you are a nursing mother. However, it is advised not to use Mandelic Acid on breasts before breastfeeding your baby.
Driving
not applicableMandelic Acid has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before recommending Mandelic Acid.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before recommending Mandelic Acid.
Children
cautionMandelic Acid is recommended for use in children only if the doctor has advised it to your child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent skin infections.
- Do not scratch the affected area of the skin as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes or socks with others.
- Wash your bed sheets and towels regularly.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne vulgaris (acne) is a skin condition caused when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules are all types of acne. It commonly occurs in teenagers though all age groups are affected.
Hyperpigmentation: It is a skin condition caused due to excess production of melanin, a skin pigment. This causes darkened skin that appears as spots or patches. It can be treated by lightening creams, retinoids, peels etc.
FAQs
Mandelic Acid consists of Mandelic acid. It helps treat acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation by removing the surface layers of dead skin cells and boosting collagen production.
Mandelic Acid is for topical (for skin) use only. Do not put bandage or dressing on the affected area while treating with Mandelic Acid unless the doctor advised. If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose, mouth or vagina, rinse with cold water. Do not apply Mandelic Acid on open wounds, lesions, and blisters.
Please do not stop using Mandelic Acid on your own even if the symptoms are relieved. Your symptoms may improve before the skin condition is completely cured. Continue the usage of Mandelic Acid until your course advised by the doctor is finished.
Mandelic Acid can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Hence it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Mandelic Acid. It is also recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
