by Skincare trends come and go every year, but not many last very long. One of the social media trends that must have popped up on your social media is using glycolic acid for your hyperpigmented areas like elbows and underarms. For the uninitiated, glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It is one of the important components of skin rejuvenation in modern skin care routines. If you’re wondering if you should use glycolic acid for dark elbows and underarms, you’ve landed on the right page.
Let’s look at the benefits (or side effects) of using glycolic acid for dark elbows and underarms.
Glycolic Acid Benefits for Dark Elbows and Armpits
The advantage of glycolic acid is that it is very light and can penetrate deep into the skin to exfoliate. When used on dark underarms and elbows, it helps to brighten skin, balance pH levels, and promote new cell growth with faster turnover of dead skin cells.
Glycolic acid is used safely in toners, skin creams, and chemical peels for skin rejuvenation. Another benefit of glycolic acid is that it is an excellent deodorant as it has the ability to keep the pH balanced. Glycolic acid also helps break down sweat bacteria to make room for an odor-free environment. Plus, it works on all skin types.
Also read: 4 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Pigmentation Around the Mouth
How to use glycolic acid to get rid of dark elbows and underarms?
When you apply glycolic acid to dark armpits and elbows, it breaks down the top layer of skin by dissolving cell connections and the top layer peels off. The new layer that comes in its place is soft, flexible, free of hyperpigmentation, and more even. When you start using glycolic acid to even out skin, you’ll start to see a difference in seven days.
Glycolic acid should be used in small doses as high doses can damage the skin. People with sensitive or dry skin should consult a doctor before using glycolic acid preparations. Large amounts of glycolic acid can irritate sensitive areas of the skin and cause further hyperpigmentation and irritation, and cause long-term skin damage. Glycolic acid will not give you results overnight as social media proclaims, but continued safe use of the acid will definitely bring about a change in your skin.
Natural ways to get rid of hyperpigmentation
It is not necessary for glycolic acid to work for you. If it’s not for you, here are some natural ways to control dark skin on your elbows and underarms:
1. Shave the right way
Soften your skin with lukewarm water first, then exfoliate. Then apply shaving cream or gel before you start shaving. Don’t forget to apply a moisturizer afterwards. For exfoliation, you can also use a light glycolic acid solution.
2. Baking soda
It is a well known skin lightening agent and also unclogs the pores. Mix some baking soda with water to make a thick paste and a few drops of lemon juice and apply on elbows and dark underarms. Scrub the skin lightly and leave it for five minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. Moisturize your skin well after drying.
Also read: 5 Reasons Why You Should Make Baking Soda Your Best Friend For Healthy Skin
3. Coconut oil
Massage the dark areas with a little coconut oil for about five minutes. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Mix equal amounts of ACV and baking soda. Now, apply the mixture on your dark elbows and underarms. Leave it for five minutes and wash it off with cold water. This will also help unclog your pores and exfoliate your skin.
5. Cucumbers
Cucumber is one of the most popular lightening and cooling agents for the skin. Just rub a few slices and the dark areas of the skin for about two minutes. Leave the juice for 10 minutes before washing it off.
6. Turmeric Scrub
Mix some turmeric with warm milk and gram flour. Apply this scrub on your dark armpits and elbows, gently massage for two minutes, leave on for five minutes, and wash off with water.
Note: We tend to have dark skin and it’s perfectly normal. But if you still want to get rid of dark areas, you can use glycolic acid on these areas. However, be sure to do a patch test before trying any of the home remedies mentioned in the article.
