That Vivant Skincare makes one of the most amazing face wash in the world (read: Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser) is undeniable. It is so legit, I can only use it a few times a week. To keep the glow going, however, the brand’s 8% Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Serum, is a skincare treatment that anyone looking to improve tone, texture, and hyperpigmentation issues should be using on daily basis. Actually, it may be one of the best anti-agers out there.
Most of us are familiar with Glycolic, Salicylic, or Hyaluronic Acids – they’re the most common perfectors of the complexion and truly effective in their own right. Mandelic Acid, on the other hand, rarely gets any face time, which is just too bad. Side note: if you’re curious about various acids in skincare and their most comprehensive breakdown, this xovain.com piece sums it up brilliantly.
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), Mandelic Acid is derived from bitter almonds and offers some of the greatest antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Significantly more gentle than Glycolic Acid, it delivers identical results with much less of a chance of redness, dryness, or irritation. That makes it safe for those with skin sensitivities or even Rosacea. Pretty perfect if you ask me.
Vivant Skincare is known for their remarkable Mandelic Acid formulas. While this particular serum is available with 8% and 15% concentrations, it is always best to start slowly. Introduce your skin to a new ingredient and build up your tolerance, which can take a couple of months – be patient. Geared towards normal and combination skin types, the 8% Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Serum targets “blemishes, uneven color, and wrinkles”. Seriously impressive, the hero ingredient here is a multi-faceted gem that stimulates collagen production, resurfaces the skin, and lightens sun damage. Since it’s oil soluble, it penetrates deep within the pore to combat acne. Mandelic Acid = no joke.
Sorry to overstate the obvious but Vivant Skincare 8% Mandelic Serum is potent treatment, so its application may benefit from a light intro. Be sure you properly cleanse your skin so the dazzling Mandelic Acid can perform to its full potential. Start by incorporating the 8% serum every other day on a clean dry face before any moisturizer. Personally, I prefer to use exfoliating actives at night but if you opt to do so during the day, follow with an SPF of at least 30 and one that offers broad spectrum protection. I wait a minute or two after applying an exfoliating serum so it absorbs fully before laying on the moisturizer. If your first two weeks go well, start using 8% Mandelic Acid daily.
One of the most trusted brands in my extensive grooming repertoire, Vivant Skincare has been delivering effective spa grade clinical solutions since 1990. Founded by Dr. James E. Fulton, one of the co-developers of Retin-A, the range continues to be a favorite of dermatologists, editors, and skincare enthusiasts alike.
$50 (30ml) available at vivantskincare.com, dermstore.com and skincarerx.com.
