Glycolic Acid first disrupted skincare, and crowned itself one of the best exfoliators in town — promising to deep-dive into your skin, and do God’s work within a few weeks. Many witnessed their skin exude a radiance soon after; while others noticed how it faded discolouration and wrinkles on the surface. Breakouts had been coaxed into submission, and texture and tone finally had a glow-up. Then — the AHA migrated to the mane. It claimed that it had the ability to rid our tresses of build-up, strengthen and condition, and promote the health of the hair. And it sure did.
Now — many are retiring their deos, and swiping a Glycolic Acid-dipped cotton-pad onto the underarms. Why? Apparently, it does a better job that your deodorant. I’ve roped in Dr. Kiran Sethi, MD Skin & Wellness Expert and Author Skinsense and Dr Debeshi, Award-Winning Clinical Cosmetologist and Head & Founder of Lueur Aesthetics to weigh in with their opinion on the trend, and whether it has any truth to it.
Do The Experts Approve Of The Trend?
Many are using Glycolic Acid as a deodorant, and it’s working. How come?
Glycolic Acid is an exfoliator at is very core. It sheds dead skin-cells and build-up effectively. This reduces the pH of the skin, and makes it difficult for odor-causing bacteria to survive. “This characteristic is thought to help reduce body-odor in the process,” says Dr. Debeshi.
While it blocks the odor, can it stop perspiration like an antiperspirant does?
Though Glycolic Acid excels at eliminating odor-causing bacteria, it doesn’t boast any anti-perspirant, sweat-blocking abilities (neither does your deo). It cannot stop you from sweating. “Glycolic Acid, with its low pH, can reduce the bacteria that causes odor, exfoliate the skin, and improve pigmentation in the area; but it has no anti-perspirant abilities,” says Dr. Kiran. Antiperspirants are endowed with this ability because they contain aluminium. Deodrants don’t. Dr. Debeshi agrees, “Glycolic Acid is an exfoliator — not an anti-perspirant. It will not reduce sweating; but it may help keep odor at bay.”
Is it a common deodorant ingredient?
Both doctors agree that you won’t find the acid in most formulations.
Can it cause any irritation? Are there risks? How do you use it safely?
Remember that Glycolic Acid is composed of the smallest molecules amongst AHAs — this allows maximum absorption into the skin. The more the absorption, the more it seeps into the deepest layers of the skin, and the higher the likelihood of irritation and other side-effects. “Any ingredient with higher concentrations — or overuse or misuse of said ingredient — can cause redness and irritation. Glycolic Acid, like other exfoliating acids, can be irritating on the skin, especially when used on your armpits because the skin is thin, and the folds rub against each other.” This situation creates friction, and thus, potential irritation and inflammation.
But how do you use Glycolic Acid for the underarms, and how often? Dr. Kiran recommends incorporating the acid into your routine a few times a week to allow your skin to acclimate to it. You can use it every day post this adjustment.
Is it safe to use before/after the gym?
Since the acid is notorious for causing irritation on the skin, imagine how it’d react with sweat and other build-up. Dr. Kiran agrees, “I’d use it after bathing — not before gymming as it can cause more friction and irritation with sweat.”
So, yeah, the Internet was right about the acid’s odor-blocking abilities. You can use any Glycolic Acid formulation for this; but carefully.
The Internet Is Using This One ATM…
The more you know.
Featured Image: Unsplash
