The secret ingredient for perfect pits…
Glycolic acid has been getting a lot of buzz, and rightfully so. Glycolic acid can be highly beneficial for armpits due to its exfoliating and brightening properties. Here’s how it helps:
- Exfoliates Skin: Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, which can accumulate under the arms due to shaving, deodorant use, and natural cell turnover.
- Reduces Darkness: By removing dead skin cells and encouraging cell turnover, glycolic acid can help fade hyperpigmentation. This makes it useful for lightening dark underarms, which can sometimes result from irritation, friction, or buildup of dead cells.
- Reduces Ingrown Hairs: Regular exfoliation with glycolic acid can help prevent clogged hair follicles, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs—a common issue in shaved areas like armpits.
- Decreases Odor: You may even find that glycolic acid can reduce body odor. By exfoliating dead skin cells, it limits the environment in which odor-causing bacteria thrive, leading to a fresher scent.
To try glycolic acid on your underarms, apply a low-concentration glycolic acid like the Ordinary 7% Exfoliating Toner a few times a week, building up as your skin adjusts and tolerates. It is essential to moisturize and protect the skin afterward, as acids can sometimes be drying agents.