Reviewing Glycolic Acid Skincare Hacks | Doctorly Explains

Summary

In this engaging discussion, the hosts delve into the popular skincare ingredient glycolic acid, examining its various hacks and applications. They evaluate its use as a deodorant, emphasizing that while it has antimicrobial properties, it’s not suitable for sensitive underarm skin. The benefits of glycolic acid for treating dark elbows and knees are discussed favorably due to its exfoliating effects. Additionally, its role in preventing ingrown hairs is highlighted, but its effectiveness for dandruff is questioned, with alternative treatments recommended. Overall, the video provides a nuanced view of glycolic acid's benefits and limitations in personal hygiene.

Takeaways

• 😀 Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its effective exfoliating properties, which help improve skin texture and promote collagen growth.
• 😀 A popular personal hygiene hack involves using glycolic acid as a deodorant, claiming it neutralizes odor by targeting odor-causing bacteria.
• 😀 While glycolic acid can reduce odor by decreasing bacterial growth, it is not effective as an antiperspirant and may cause irritation in sensitive areas like the underarms.
• 😀 Users should be cautious about overusing glycolic acid, as it can lead to skin irritation, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and potential dermatitis.
• 😀 Glycolic acid may be more beneficial for treating dark underarms due to its exfoliating properties that can help reduce thickened skin rather than as a deodorant.
• 😀 For dark areas like elbows and knees, glycolic acid is an appropriate treatment because it targets the thickening of the skin, which contributes to hyperpigmentation.
• 😀 Glycolic acid can help prevent ingrown hairs by breaking down the bonds that cause hair to curl back into the skin, promoting smoother hair growth.
• 😀 Although some claims suggest glycolic acid can treat dandruff, experts recommend using other dedicated anti-dandruff ingredients that directly target the underlying causes.
• 😀 Anecdotal evidence suggests glycolic acid may make hair softer and more manageable, but it could also lead to increased hair fragility due to changes in pH.
• 😀 Overall, glycolic acid has valuable applications in skincare but should be used judiciously, especially in sensitive areas, to avoid irritation.

Q & A

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its exfoliating properties, which allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin and help improve skin texture and promote collagen growth.

How does glycolic acid help with body odor?

Glycolic acid can reduce body odor by decreasing the bacterial burden in the armpits. It helps create an environment that is less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria, but it is not an antiperspirant.

Can glycolic acid be used as an antiperspirant?

No, glycolic acid is not effective as an antiperspirant. While it can help with odor, it does not prevent sweating, which is the primary function of antiperspirants.

What are the risks of using glycolic acid in sensitive areas like the armpits?

Using glycolic acid in sensitive areas can lead to irritation, burning, redness, and even conditions like armpit dermatitis, especially if used too frequently.

How might glycolic acid be beneficial for dark underarms?

Glycolic acid may help treat dark underarms by exfoliating thickened skin rather than increasing pigmentation, but caution is needed to avoid irritation.

Is glycolic acid effective for treating dark elbows and knees?

Yes, glycolic acid can be effective for dark elbows and knees as it helps exfoliate the thickened skin in these areas, making it a more appropriate treatment than for dark underarms.

How does glycolic acid prevent ingrown hairs?

Glycolic acid can help prevent ingrown hairs by breaking down the bonds that cause hair to curl back into the skin, allowing hair to grow out more freely.

Is glycolic acid recommended for treating dandruff?

While glycolic acid may help exfoliate the scalp, it is not the best treatment for dandruff, as other ingredients specifically target the underlying yeast that causes dandruff more effectively.

What effects does glycolic acid have on hair?

Glycolic acid may make hair more manageable by reducing friction, but it can also make hair more brittle due to its low pH, and there is limited research on its effects on hair.

What is the best way to use glycolic acid in skincare?

Glycolic acid is typically used once or twice a week at night to avoid over-exfoliation and to minimize the risk of irritation, especially in sensitive areas.