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Glycolic Acid Finds New Use in Underarm Skincare
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

Glycolic Acid Finds New Use in Underarm Skincare

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Glycolic acid, typically used for facial skincare, is gaining popularity for underarm care.
  • It acts as a chemical exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture and tone.
  • While it can help with odor control by altering skin surface conditions, it is not a direct substitute for deodorant.

Glycolic acid, once confined to facial skincare routines, is now making waves in an unexpected area: underarm care. This alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) is lauded for its exfoliating properties, helping to slough off dead skin cells and reveal smoother, more luminous skin.

After conquering serums and toners, this alpha-hydroxy acid began to appear in much more unexpected conversations: the armpits.

— Article textIntroducing the trend of using glycolic acid for underarm care.

Its application to the underarm area stems from the skin's similar needs to the face. Like other parts of the body, underarms can accumulate dead skin cells, develop uneven texture, and experience changes in tone. Glycolic acid's ability to promote cell turnover can address these concerns, leading to a more uniform appearance.

it can help to make the skin look smoother, more uniform, and brighter.

— Article textExplaining the exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid for skin appearance.

However, it's crucial to distinguish this benefit from skin 'whitening.' Underarm darkening often results from friction, shaving, or irritation. Over-exfoliation, especially if the skin becomes irritated, can paradoxically worsen the issue. Glycolic acid's primary function here is exfoliation, not bleaching.

it can be useful when there is an accumulation of dead cells or a rough texture and, with proper use, help improve the appearance of uneven tone.

— Article textDescribing how glycolic acid addresses specific underarm skin concerns.

Interestingly, glycolic acid is also being incorporated into products designed for odor control. By creating a less hospitable environment for odor-causing bacteria, certain formulations can help manage smell. Products like The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, while popular for this use on small body areas, are intended for exfoliation and require careful application. The brand advises against use on sensitive or compromised skin and recommends a patch test due to potential irritation. It's important to remember that facial toners are not direct replacements for antiperspirants or deodorants.

trying to solve the problem by exfoliating more and more can end up causing precisely the opposite if the skin becomes irritated.

— Article textWarning about the potential negative effects of over-exfoliation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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