Why use glycolic acid on underarms?

With increasing interest and discussion on social media and the internet, the potential benefits of glycolic acid for underarm care have come into focus. While specific scientific studies directly assessing its full range of benefits for underarms are yet to be conducted, several products featuring glycolic acid are already on the market. These products typically contain glycolic acid in low concentrations (less than 10%), aimed at safely brightening and improving the appearance of darker skin patches under the arms.

This hyperpigmentation in the underarm area is caused by melanin buildup and represents an insecurity for a lot of women. Glycolic acid works by accelerating the turnover of the top layer of the skin, promoting the shedding of pigmented cells, and thus, reducing melanin accumulation. It does this through a process known as chemical exfoliation, where it weakens the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be removed more easily, revealing fresher, less pigmented skin underneath. So by using glycolic acid on the underarm area, the hyperpigmentation underarm area can be gradually lightened and skin tone can be evened out. 

However, when we take into consideration all the interesting properties of glycolic acid, we can’t help but wonder if other benefits are possible as well? If you are struggling with irritation from daily shaving that is making your armpits rough and bumpy, glycolic acid is a great exfoliator. It penetrates deep into the skin to slough off dead skin cells, clearing away debris that causes clogged pores and rough texture. This penetration is facilitated by its small molecular size, which allows it to go deeper into the skin layers compared to other AHAs. It dives deep to slough off dead skin cells, clearing away the debris that causes clogged pores and rough texture. This means fewer ingrown hairs and smoother skin.

The ongoing debate surrounding traditional deodorants and antiperspirants often centers on their ingredients, such as aluminum compounds and parabens, which some believe might have potential health risks. What if glycolic acid-based solutions could replace them? Glycolic acid's antibacterial properties don’t only stem from its ability to exfoliate the top layer of skin, removing bacteria, but also from its ability to lower the skin's pH. This creates an acidic environment that damages the cell walls of alkaline-thriving bacteria, effectively reducing their growth and presence, which helps in controlling body odor.

Beyond this, glycolic acid improves the overall health of your underarm skin. It enhances hydration, supports barrier function, and optimizes the skin to better absorb other beneficial ingredients from your skincare products. The acid's ability to hydrate stems from its water-soluble nature, attracting water molecules and helping to keep the skin moist and resilient.

Adopting glycolic acid into your underarm care is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure comfort and effectiveness:

• Selecting Your Product: Look for formulations specifically designed for the underarm area, with glycolic acid concentrations suitable for sensitive skin—typically around 8-10%.

• Application Tips: Start by applying the product once or twice a week on clean, dry skin. As your skin adjusts, you might increase the frequency, monitoring how your skin reacts to find the perfect balance. In terms of precautions for use, you should avoid applying glycolic acid to newly shaved or depilated skin.

• Protect Your Skin: Glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If your underarms are going to be exposed, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must to protect your newly tender skin.

As social media and online discussions amplify interest in the use of glycolic acid for underarms, a variety of specialized products have emerged to cater to this growing demand. Although direct scientific studies specifically examining the effectiveness of glycolic acid for underarm application are limited, the known benefits from its use on other parts of the body offer promising indications. These initial insights suggest that glycolic acid could potentially enhance underarm skincare by addressing issues like discoloration, roughnes and even body odor, however this is yet to be confirmed with upcoming clinical studies.

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