Question for Dr. T./Mandelic and malic acid

jdema321 · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Posts: 1 Location: NC

I just received a sample of MA MA lotion. I read the reviews on this product and they were great. When I did research on the two different acids they seemed to be fine to use, but when I went on Skin Biology's web forum Dr. Pickart discourages use of both. He said they could cause nerve damage to the skin. I was wondering if you read the same research. He also discourages using glycol acid as well he says to only use lactid or salicylic acid. When I was reading your skin rejuv. I was pretty sure you thought glycol acid was fine to use, but you should only use them for 2-3 months, then take a break for 2-3 months.

drtodorov · Site Admin Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 3177

Actually, it is best not to use all of the time any AHA formula strong enough to significantly exfoliate.

I have not seen any research showing that topical mandelic or malic acid have any proven advantages over common AHA.

wannerce · Joined: 20 Jan 2009 Posts: 63

Hi there - has anyone used this product and could post results, comments, etc? Also, what do you think of the ingredients and the quality/potency of the formulation? is 12% enough to be effective yet mild enough for daily use (my skin is not sensitive)? I have read that the Ph is 4, which is too high to be an effective exfoliant, right (does anyone know the Ph on this product)? It seems to at least mildly exfoliate, then again this is only my second day using it...and i would guess that i doht want it to be too harsh and turn over cells too quickly (haylfick limit, etc)...

Ingredients:
Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Stearic Acid, PEG 40 Stearate, C12 15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 60, Steareth 2, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein (Peptides), Green Tea Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum, PVM/MA Decadene Crosspolymer, Imidazolidinyl Urea, BHT

Is it optimal to apply AHAs after C? Where in the regimen should a gel-like cream be applied (i use it in the AM after my C and A serums and before my organic moisturizer).