When you mention glycolic acid for armpits, you may also imagine that your face skin shines and is softened. However, in the recent past, skincare lovers and beauty followers have begun discussing the application of glycolic acid underarms as well – to brighten the skin, smooth the texture, and even reduce the odor. Sounds intriguing, right? Let us unravel what is actually happening and whether this trend is as hyped or not.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid belongs to a family of such ingredients as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These are well known to shedding off the uppermost layer of dead skin cells and stimulating the growth of newer ones to come to the surface leaving fresh skin beneath and silkier skin. Due to the lowest possible size of the molecule, glycolic acid is easy to penetrate and works without the use of harsh scrubbing.
Previously, glycolic acid was primarily applied to the face – on things such as dull skin, uneven texture, and fine lines – but now, the benefits of this acid are being tested in other parts of the body as well.
Why Glycolic Acid for Armpits is Gaining Popularity
The science of the hype and what people actually are trying to accomplish is as follows:
1. Smoother, Brighter Underarms
Glycolic acid accelerates the rate at which dead cells are shed off by the skin. What they mean is that the darker, coarse cells that accumulate in the sensitive underarm part are shed into new fresher ones – that can actually lighten pigmentation in the long run.
2. Helps With Odor Issues
The sweatshops are warm and wet, and thus bacteria breed there. They are sweat-eating bacteria and thus cause odor. Exfoliation of dead skin by glycolic acid and decreasing bacterial growth among other things will make the area less conducive to odor causing bacteria – essentially clearing out the food on which they feed.
According to some dermatologists, the bacteria growth may also be prevented by low skin pH, which can be corrected by glycolic acid.
3. Fewer Ingrown Hairs After Shaving or Waxing
Since glycolic acid maintains the skin surface by making it smoother and less clogged, the hair follicles will have low probabilities of holding hairs beneath the skin following shave or waxing. The fewer the ingrowns the fewer the irritation and bumpiness.
Is It a Magic Fix? Not Exactly
This is the sincere part: glycolic acid will work, although it is not the miracle. And as any other active skincare ingredient, it should be used mindfully.
1. It can irritate sensitive skin.
Due to the thinness of the underarm skin and being delicate, some individuals can experience redness, stinging or dryness especially in case of using high concentration or too frequently.
2. Avoid right after shaving or waxing.
Its immediate application may only aggravate the irritation. The majority of specialists insist that one should wait at least a day or two after depilitation before using glycolic acid.
3. Start slow and patch test.
In case you have never applied glycolic acid to your body, it is advisable to first apply it on a small area just to see how your skin will respond without being excessively harsh.
How to Use Glycolic Acid on Your Underarms
This is a kind and easy way which you might adopt:
- Take a glycolic acid product to be used on the body (preferably 5-10% concentration).
- At first it is recommended to apply 2-3 times per week only.
- Goods to be applied in clean and dry skin to minimise stinging.
- Apply a follow up that is fragrance-free and a moisturizer to ensure that the barrier of the skin is happy.
- When you will be exposing your underarms to sunlight (as in the case of sleeveless tops), apply sunscreen on any exposed area following exfoliation – glycolic acid may increase sun sensitivity to the skin.
Final Takeaway
The application of glycolic acid to your underarms can truly turn the game around to have smoother skin, brighter and less odorous, but only when used sensibly. It is not only hype but also not an overnight solution. Go slow, tune your skin and remain consistent. Carefully and patiently, this skincare tip may even become a regular affair after all.
Mayank Rawat
Certified Skincare Consultant and passionate researcher, I specialize in exploring skincare ingredients and haircare actives. Always eager to stay ahead of trends, I continuously update my knowledge to bring science-backed solutions. Dedicated to helping others achieve healthy skin and hair through expertise and innovation.