In brief
- Mandelic acid is a fruit acid with a larger molecule. It penetrates more slowly than glycolic acid and therefore works more gently, but it's powerful enough to see results.
- That's why it's our choice for sensitive or darker skin and for pigmentation, blemishes and enlarged pores.
- Succinic acid and centella support a more even complexion and a calmer recovery. Your skin feels smoother, and the recovery is milder than with stronger acids.
- The peel costs €89.00 and takes fifty minutes. For a visible difference, count on four to six sessions.
Written by Nilay, owner and beauty therapist at Moons BeautyUpdated on
Why a larger molecule works more gently.
All fruit acids do the same thing: they loosen the glue between dead skin cells, so these come away and your skin renews itself faster. The difference lies in how quickly the acid enters your skin. Glycolic acid has a small molecule and penetrates quickly and deeply. Mandelic acid has a larger molecule. It works more slowly and stays closer to the surface.
That sounds like less, but for many skins it's exactly right. Skin that reddens quickly is more likely to get irritated by a fast acid. And darker skin often responds to irritation with new pigment, leaving you worse off than before the peel. Mandelic acid gives that skin the effect of a peel, without that shock.
We work with a 30 per cent peel, with succinic acid and centella added. These support a more even complexion and a calmer recovery. Your skin feels smoother, and you flake less than after a stronger acid. If you'd like to see how the other peels compare, have a look at chemical peel.
What we choose mandelic acid for most often.
Pigmentation
Dark marks from the sun, from spots that have healed or from hormones. Mandelic acid loosens the top layer without the irritation that actually triggers new pigment. Also read what we write about pigmentation.
Sensitive skin
If your skin quickly turns red or starts to sting, this is the peel we start with. You get the effect of a peel, with a recovery your skin can handle. More about this under sensitive skin.
Darker skin
The darker your skin, the more quickly irritation leaves a mark. That's why for darker skin we choose mandelic acid over glycolic acid, even if your skin isn't otherwise sensitive.
Blemishes and enlarged pores
Mandelic acid dissolves blockages in the pore and smooths the skin around it. That makes enlarged pores look smaller and means fewer new blackheads.
Fifty minutes from cleansing to SPF.
Cleansing and assessing
We remove make-up and the day's build-up and look at your skin. Acids and retinol you use at home should already be out of your routine a few days beforehand.
The peel
We apply the mandelic acid and let it work. You feel tingling or a slight warmth, and that's fine. If it becomes more than that, you say so and we remove the peel earlier.
Calming
We stop the action and calm your skin with a mask or with LED therapy, for €20.00 and twenty minutes extra.
Finishing with SPF
You leave with protection on your skin. With pigmentation especially, that matters: without SPF the mark comes straight back.
What a course ends up costing you.
For a visible difference, count on four to six peels, about three weeks apart. You pay per session and decide each time whether to continue.
| Treatment | Per session | Usual course | Full course (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandelic acid peel | €89.00 | 4 to 6 sessions | €356.00 to €534.00 |
You pay afterwards in the salon, by card or in cash.
When mandelic acid suits you and when we check first.
A good idea if
- Your skin quickly turns red or stings, and stronger peels have disappointed before.
- You have darker skin and want to tackle pigmentation or blemishes without new marks.
- You have pigmentation, blackheads or enlarged pores and want a peel your skin can handle.
- You want to start peeling and would rather have a gentle start.
Check with us first
- Acids or retinol at home. Stop using them a few days in advance.
- Sun or sunbed in the days before. We don't peel sunburnt skin.
- Facial waxing. After a peel we wait with that until your skin has completely settled.
- Pregnancy or medication for your skin. Let us know beforehand, then we'll discuss what's possible.
Sometimes your skin belongs with your GP first.
A spot that grows, changes colour or has irregular edges should be checked by your GP first. The same goes for a skin condition that is flaring up. If you use isotretinoin or another medication for your skin, check with your doctor first whether a peel is possible.
Mandelic acid peel and what you pay.
- PeelsMandelic acid 30%50 minutes€89.00
A more even complexion and calm skin.
50 minutes
Prices include VAT. You book online with Moons Beauty.
Book an appointmentFrequently asked questions about mandelic acid peel
How much does a mandelic acid peel cost in Enschede?
At Moons the 30 per cent mandelic acid peel costs €89.00. The peel takes fifty minutes, and you pay afterwards in the salon.
What's the difference between mandelic acid and glycolic acid?
Both are fruit acids, but mandelic acid has a larger molecule. It penetrates more slowly and therefore works more gently. Glycolic acid works faster and deeper, and suits skin that can handle it. That's why we choose mandelic acid for sensitive or darker skin and for pigmentation, and fruit acid for skin that can take more stimulus.
Does mandelic acid help with pigmentation?
It's one of the peels we choose for that, precisely because it's mild. With pigmentation, irritation triggers new marks, and mandelic acid causes far less of that irritation. Count on a course of four to six sessions, and apply SPF every day during that time.
Will my skin peel after mandelic acid?
Sometimes lightly, for a few days. The recovery is milder than after stronger acids. Don't pull at loose flakes of skin and don't use a scrub.
Can I combine mandelic acid with microneedling?
Not in the same appointment. If you're working on pigmentation, we often alternate a peel and microneedling with brightening active ingredients, with enough time in between. We make that plan together at your first skin appointment.
Why people book this
Do you recognise this in your skin?
You might also be interested in
All peels
Fruit acid, mandelic acid and the herbal peel side by side, with when we choose which.
Pigmentation
What pigmentation is, why it stays and which treatments really make a difference.
Microneedling for pigmentation
Brightening active ingredients that we deliver with the Dermapen right where the pigment is.
Facial
We tailor everything to what your skin needs that day.
Facial cleanse
Blackheads and blockages out, in 45 or 60 minutes.
Hydra treatment
Hyaluronic acid and a cool mask for skin that feels tight.
