Comparison of Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid

Fuchic acids have their own abilities and different effects in skin care. This article discusses the similarities and differences between Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid in detail.

Molecular Structure and Properties
Glycolic Acid is the simplest of alpha-hydroxy acids. Its molecules are small and highly hydrophilic. Because of its simple structure, it has a strong ability to penetrate the skin and can quickly reach the deep layers of the skin. Lactic acid is also an α-hydroxy acid, with slightly larger molecules than glycolic acid, better hydrophilicity, and natural moisturizing properties, which often exists in the skin's natural moisturizing factors. Mandelic acid is an aromatic α-hydroxy acid, which contains a benzene ring structure and is relatively large. Its lipophilicity is better than the former two. This property makes it especially effective in skin parts in lipophilic environments, such as near the mouth of hair follicles.

Differences in efficacy
1. ** Keratin renewal **: With its strong permeability, glycolic acid can quickly dissolve the connection between keratinocytes, promote keratin renewal, and quickly remove the old waste keratin on the surface of the skin, making the skin renewed, smooth and delicate. Although lactic acid is slightly slower than glycolic acid in keratin renewal, it can also gradually improve keratin metabolism, and because of its moisturizing properties, it can renew keratin and keep the skin hydrated. Mandelic acid has a relatively mild keratin renewal effect due to its large molecule, but it can improve the abnormal keratosis of the hair follicle mouth, dredge the pores, and the effect is quite good, which can prevent acne formation.
2. ** Whitening light spots **: Glycolic acid can promote melanin metabolism, accelerate the shedding of melanin-containing keratinocytes, and can stimulate collagen production and improve skin color, but it has limited effect on deep pigmentation. Lactic acid also has a certain whitening effect, can inhibit tyrosinase activity, reduce melanin synthesis, and its moisturizing properties can make the skin hydrated and shiny, indirectly improving the whitening effect. Mandelic acid can inhibit tyrosinase activity, block melanin production path, and has a significant effect on pigmentation, especially for pigmentation problems such as melasma.
3. ** Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory **: Lactic acid has certain antibacterial properties, can adjust the balance of flora on the surface of the skin, and has a soothing effect on slightly inflamed skin. Mandelic acid has strong antibacterial power and has obvious inhibitory effect on acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acne, so it is often used in the treatment of inflammatory acne. Although glycolic acid has weak antibacterial power, it promotes keratin renewal and can indirectly reduce the breeding environment of bacteria.

Suitable for skin
Glycolic acid is suitable for oily and tolerant skin due to its strong penetration and keratin renewal, and can effectively improve problems such as enlarged pores, roughness and dullness. However, it is used for sensitive skin, which is prone to discomfort, such as tingling and redness. Lactic acid is mild and moisturizing, and has a wide range of applications. Sensitive skin can also try low-concentration products, which can improve dry, rough skin and strengthen skin barrier. Mandelic acid is mild and antibacterial, improves hair follicle mouth keratosis, and is suitable for oily, mixed and acne-prone skin. It is also friendly to sensitive acne skin.

Use Note
All three are acidic. When using, you need to start from a low concentration and gradually increase the concentration and frequency of use. After use, you should pay attention to sun protection. Due to the acceleration of skin renewal, it is more sensitive to ultraviolet rays. Glycolic acid is highly irritating, and there may be short-term tingling and redness after use. If the discomfort is serious, you should stop using it immediately. Although lactic acid is mild, some people may still have allergies. A skin test should be done before use. In the early stage of use of mandelic acid, or the skin may be slightly peeling and dry, moisturizing should be strengthened.

In short, glycolic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid have their own strengths. Those who choose them should be carefully selected according to their own skin characteristics and needs in order to achieve the best effect of skin care.