Do a patch test first

Patch testing for sensitivity is advised prior to product usage. This is especially important if you are using a mandelic acid skincare product for the first time, or if you’re new to alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) products.

To patch test, apply two drops to a small, discrete area of skin (like the inner arm or behind the ear) once a day for three days. If you develop irritation, hives, rash, or blistering, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician.

If no visible reaction occurs after patch testing, proceed with usage as indicated in product directions.

You may pair mandelic acid with other skincare items, but careful layering is key to avoid irritation and get optimal results. Gentle cleansers, moisturizers formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, and non-comedogenic oils such as squalane or MCT oil (for dry skin) work well. Niacinamide products are also compatible; together with mandelic acid, they soothe skin and reduce inflammation.

If you use any of the products below, alternate usage every other day, or apply them at separate times of day (e.g., mandelic acid at night and the other product in the morning):

• Retinol and retinol derivatives
• Other exfoliating acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid)
• Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): Not tolerable for everyone; layering may trigger irritation
• Benzoyl peroxide: This pairing can be very drying, yet it benefits severe acne, especially body acne.

We do not recommend combining prescription-strength treatments with physical scrubs or extra exfoliants unless directed by your dermatologist, as over-exfoliation may occur.

For your most suitable routine, we recommend consulting a dermatologist or licensed esthetician.

Like any new skincare routine, it will take three to four weeks to begin seeing results. Some people experience substantial improvement within the first month. For others, it can take a few months to see best results. Consistent application over time is the key to clear skin.

Note: Hyperpigmentation takes more time to fully clear than other skin concerns. If you are consistent with your applications, you can achieve great results in two to four months time.

Skin peeling, otherwise known as exfoliation, is a critical step in improving a wide variety of skin concerns. Many people mistakenly believe that if a product dries their skin a little, then this product is too “harsh,” and so they permanently reduce or stop their usage. This is a big mistake that will prevent people from getting the best results.

It’s true that uncomfortably dry, red, or irritated skin are signs of over-exfoliation, and these types of irritation should be avoided. If your skin becomes painfully dry then you need to temporarily stop usage, then reinstate applications gradually, as your skin allows. Another sign of product over-usage is a temporary increase in hyperpigmentation. New, darkened skin is a sign to back off of usage and apply moisturizer for a few days, then gradually rebuild applications.

On the other hand, flaking skin that is not tender or irritated is exactly what you should be experiencing when you start using a new alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and is a good sign that the products are working!

You’ll experience maximum drying over the first few weeks of using Almond Clear. That’s why it’s important to gradually work up to daily applications because this gives your skin time to adapt. After six to eight weeks of Almond Clear usage, your skin should no longer flake.

To combat flaking skin, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer as often as needed. And make sure to wash your hands after applying the serum so that your palms don’t peel. If you can deal with a few weeks of peely skin, then you’re much more likely to achieve your skincare goals!

If your dark spots seem more noticeable since you started, over-exfoliation is likely what's going on, and it's completely fixable. When skin gets exfoliated too frequently, it responds with inflammation, and inflammation is one of the main triggers of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It's one of those counterintuitive skin things: too much of a good thing can temporarily make dark spots look darker before they get better.

The fix is simple: pull back on how often you're using your serum. If you've been applying it daily, try every other day or every third day and give your skin a week or two to settle. Make sure to moisturize at least twice daily to help your skin barrier rebuild.

Also make sure not to layer the serum with other exfoliating actives like AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids in the same routine. Focus on a gentle moisturizer to support your barrier, and make sure you're wearing SPF every day because sun exposure will make hyperpigmentation significantly worse. Once things calm down, you can slowly reintroduce and build back up. A more gradual approach almost always gets better results anyway.

zIf you’re new to skincare acids then it’s possible that your skin could purge during the first few weeks of usage. Skin purging occurs when a chemical exfoliant like mandelic acid sloughs off the top layer of dead skin cells, causing new cells to regenerate sooner than they would on their own, which can bring old blockages to the surface. This may look like new breakouts, but it’s actually your skin getting rid of breakouts that were already forming under the surface of your skin. Purging typically lasts for 3-4 weeks, and after it’s over you’ll have substantially clearer, smoother skin.