by Dr. Jing-Long Cheng

Do you struggle with enlarged pores, constant breakouts, blackheads, or a dull, uneven skin tone? How can you improve your skin condition more quickly and effectively?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions in aesthetic clinics. When it comes to improving acne, blackheads, rough texture, and uneven skin tone, the key lies in promoting healthy skin cell turnover. According to Dr. Jing-Long Cheng, one of the most classic and fundamental medical aesthetic treatments chemical peeling is an effective solution for these skin concerns. Among the various acids used in chemical peels, mandelic acid is one of the most commonly chosen by doctors in clinical practice.

There’s a wide variety of exfoliating acids available today, including glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinoic acid. While effective, these ingredients can be harsh, often leading to dryness and sensitivity—especially for delicate skin.

In comparison, mandelic acid—our oil-soluble AHA with a uniquely large molecular structure—gently exfoliates dead skin cells, penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve excess sebum, and effectively improves pores, blackheads, acne, post-acne marks, and dullness. Thanks to its larger molecular size, it absorbs more slowly, minimizing irritation and making it suitable for all skin types. According to Dr. Jing-Long Cheng, mandelic acid isn’t just widely used in professional peel treatments—it’s also his top choice for daily skincare, proving that gentle, effective exfoliation can be part of a healthy skin routine.

Due to modern lifestyles and environmental stressors, skin cell turnover has become increasingly irregular, caused:

• Clogged pores, with recurring blackheads and acne
• Dull complexion and rough skin texture
• Patchy makeup application and poor adherence
• Reduced absorption of skincare products

These concerns can be effectively addressed through mandelic acid peels, which gently accelerate exfoliation and support healthy skin renewal. With consistent use, the skin gradually becomes clearer, smoother, more radiant, and balanced.

Many people worry that peels might make the skin more fragile. However, Dr. Jing-Long Cheng clarifies that exfoliation does not thin the skin. When used correctly, acids can actually promote healthy skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, resulting in stronger, healthier skin. Adverse reactions such as redness or sensitivity generally occur only when peels are applied too frequently or if the product’s pH is unstable. This is why selecting a safe, well-formulated product and following a gradual, step-by-step routine is essential to achieve optimal results without compromising the skin barrier.

In-clinic, mandelic acid peels are professional medical aesthetic treatments. Due to the higher concentration of acids used, these procedures require strict pH monitoring by trained professionals to minimize the risk of skin irritation or burns. Dr. Jing-Long Cheng recommends that for daily at-home skincare, users should choose products with moderate acid concentrations and stable pH levels. For example, DR.WU Mandelik Serum is developed by dermatologists using the “golden ratio of triple acids” and a “professional-grade 18% concentration.” Its pH is precisely controlled between 3.5 and 4, ensuring highly effective exfoliation while maintaining a gentle feel on the skin. This allows users to safely enjoy a clinic-grade mandelic acid experience at home.

DR.WU offers two concentrations of mandelik acid serums to meet different skin needs and allow for flexible skincare routines:

• DR.WU Mandelik Daily Renewal Serum 8%

Ideal for daily maintenance and keeping the skin balanced. It helps to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, improve clogged pores, blackheads, and uneven skin tone, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion.

• DR.WU Intensive Renewal Serum 18%

Designed for the skin is congested, unbalanced, or experiencing more severe breakouts. It works as a short-term intensive treatment or targeted spot care, delivering more powerful results for refining texture and clarifying skin.

By combining both formulas, you can create a personalized “skin renewal rhythm”, helping your skin stay at its healthiest and most radiant state.

After approximately 3 to 5 sessions of professional chemical peels at medical aesthetic clinics, noticeable improvements such as reduced blackheads, refined pores, and brighter skin tone can be observed. Mandelic acid products for at-home use, formulated more gently for safety reasons, require consistent use, but can achieve similarly significant results. According to authoritative testing conducted by Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science, continuous use of DR.WU Mandelik Intensive Renewal Serum 18% for 7 days resulted in a 22% reduction in pore size, 27% in blackheads, 19% in acne, and 11% in post-acne marks.

Dr. Jing-Long Cheng notes that mandelik acid can be safely combined with other active ingredients, but it is important to manage the timing and frequency of application. When used in conjunction with low concentrations of vitamin C, it's recommended to apply them at different times of the day:

• In the morning, vitamin C can be applied to provide antioxidant protection, helping to defend the skin against UV rays and environmental stressors.
• At night, mandelic acid supports gentle exfoliation and skin cell turnover, promoting a brighter, clearer, and more even-toned complexion.

Start by applying the serum 2–3 times per week, then gradually increase the frequency based on your skin’s tolerance. Throughout the process, it is essential to maintain adequate hydration and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen consistently. This approach helps to fully maximize the synergistic effects of exfoliation and brightening.

If your skincare routine has reached a plateau and you're no longer seeing noticeable improvements, adding DR.WU Mandelik Serum into your daily routine can gently promote skin renewal, ultimately achieving a smoother, brighter, and more refined complexion over time.

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