That being said, it may help keep odor at bay. "Glycolic acid is thought to help reduce body odor by reducing the pH of the skin and making it harder for the odor-causing bacteria to survive," Garshick says.
While glycolic acid can actually help prevent body odor in the underarms, it can also cause irritation. Still, glycolic acid can work incredibly well as long as the formulation and concentration are just right. But many dermatologists are wary of suggesting using it.
If you're concerned about sweating and body odor, the solution may be simple: an antiperspirant or deodorant. Antiperspirant. Antiperspirants contain aluminium-based compounds that temporarily block sweat pores, thereby reducing the amount of sweat that reaches your skin.
Answer: Yes, benzoyl peroxide can help prevent body odor. It is a bactericidal agent, meaning that it kills bacteria. The bacteria on the surface of our skin, especially in the armpits and groin, break down sweat and can produce a foul odor.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a good choice for dark armpits. Use it 2-3 times a week at night to exfoliate and lighten the skin. Make sure to moisturize and apply sunscreen during the day to prevent irritation. Always patch-test before full use.
This can lead to redness, flaking and sensitivity. To reduce your chance of irritation, you should stick to lower concentrations. "The maximum concentration of glycolic acid that can be used on this area is eight to 10%, but even that can be irritating, so the lower the concentration, the better," Garshick says.
What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.
Removing some of the bacteria on your skin regularly can prevent unpleasant body odor. Keep your armpits shaved, so sweat evaporates quickly and doesn't have as much time to interact with bacteria. Hair is a breeding ground for bacteria. Regularly wash clothing, and wear clean clothes.
HuffPost recently interviewed Cedars-Sinai dermatologist Brandon Cohen, MD, about the use of glycolic and salicylic acids to treat body odor—a popular social media trend—and whether they are safe and effective. Glycolic and salicylic acids are commonly used as exfoliators.
Take a daily shower (or two, if you're in a hot, humid area), and pay extra attention to the regions with the apocrine glands. Use antibacterial soaps or cleansers designed to kill bacteria, like a benzoyl peroxide. Use antiperspirants with a higher percentage of active ingredients, or a prescription-strength option.
Vitamin D does more than just give you a sunny glow—it's also super important for keeping your skin and body in check. If you're low on it, your skin could let more bacteria do their thing, which = more body odor.
Apocrine glands, located in areas like the armpits and groin, secrete a thicker fluid that, when broken down by bacteria on the skin, can produce a strong odour. One of the most common causes of smelly armpits in the breakdown of this sweat by bacteria.
A body scrub can be an effective addition to your skincare routine, especially for removing odor. By gently exfoliating the skin, it eliminates dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria that contribute to unpleasant smells.
Skin concerns: Because of their different modes of action, glycolic acid is generally better suited for addressing surface-level skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, and signs of aging. Salicylic acid is better suited for addressing acne, blackheads, and other types of clogged pores.
It's also effective in fighting hyperpigmentation, which will lighten skin discoloration in the areas it's applied. One caveat: “Glycolic addresses the dirt and sweat build up in the pores and kills odor-causing bacteria accumulated underneath the armpits, but on its own won't stop sweating,” says Dr.
Still, it's possible that things like diet, medical conditions or a bacterial buildup on the skin could be causing odor, Kopelman says. Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, could also contribute, because bacteria thrives in moist environments.
Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.
The main causes of smelly feet are a build-up of sweat and bacteria on them and fungal infections like athlete's foot. The amount you sweat can be affected by: hot weather. exercise.
Does shaving your armpits reduce body odor? Yes, shaving can help reduce body odor. Hair provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which break down sweat and produce odor. Removing hair can decrease this bacterial activity.
An armpit detox is a mask that can be applied to your underarms for around 15 minutes. The mask can be made at home with common household items like baking soda and cornstarch, or some beauty brands offer their own masks or scrubs.
Glycolic acid and niacinamide.
Indeed, niacinamide used with AHA's like glycolic acid and lactic acid has no effect and can even cause redness. Since niacinamide has a pH of about 5-7, it can actually increase the lower pH of glycolic acid, which is about 3-4, and negate its properties.
However, as with all chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too frequently, at too high a concentration, or incorrectly can result in skin irritation or damage.
Glycolic acid can cause irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin or overuse the product. Since glycolic acid can make your skin sensitive to the sun, remember to wear sunscreen and consider using glycolic acid at night.