Skincare for your Underarms

When we think of skincare, we immediately think of cleansers, toners, scrubs and moisturizing creams that we can purchase and use to hopefully take our skincare routine to the next level. However, we rarely ever consider the deeper meaning of what skincare actually entails. In simplest terms, it is maintaining the hygienic state of the face and body. With that being said, it is not limited to cleansing the skin just on our face. Skincare applies to properly taking care of the skin in our underarms as well, so that we can feel squeaky clean and smell fresh all day long. We can do this by investing in refillable deodorant that is formulated with specific acids that offer exfoliating, renewing and rejuvenating properties to the skin.

The Science Behind The Acids

AHAs & BHAs in Deodorant

It has been scientifically proven that incorporating AHAs and BHAs in deodorant is extremely effective at maintaining the proper health and overall appearance of the underarms. Exfoliating acids encompass both alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs such as glycolic acid and mandelic acid are water-soluble organic compounds that when formulated in skincare can offer many beneficial properties to the surface level of the skin. Similarly, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) including salicylic acid are oil-soluble acids that can integrate deeper in the hair follicle to reduce excess oils and unclog pores to prevent skin irritation and ingrown hairs. AHAs and BHAs both reveal smoother, brighter, and more youthful looking skin by encouraging the removal of dead skin cells improving hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture. These acids are being formulated in certain types of deodorant, confirming that the same exfoliating acids used on the face are also being used to treat the skin in the underarms as well.

Sweat Glands

When we sweat, it is released through pores in the skin that are connected to glands that produce an oily substance known as sebum. It is impossible to prevent the body from sweating and producing body odor. However, sweating is a natural bodily function that is an indicator of good health and can be controlled. The three types of glands in human skin are:

• Sebaceous glands - oil glands that coat each hair follicle with sebum (oil) but are not involved in thermal sweating.
• Eccrine sweat glands - produce sweat all over the surfaces of the skin and are responsible for cooling the body.
• Apocrine sweat glands - produces sweat mostly in the underarm region and is odorless until exposed to bacteria that break down the sweat and release malodor molecules.

Among the human body, the sweat glands serve as a great place for an abundance of bacterial growth. Therefore, the development of body odor is correlated to the overall composition of sweat, and sweat production occurs due to the proper functioning of the apocrine and eccrine sweat gland.

The Benefits of Acid-Based Deodorant 

Using Acid Deodorant Can:

• Neutralize odor causing bacteria
• Smooth & brighten underarm skin tone & texture
• Reduce overall irritation and hyperpigmentation
• Reduce or help prevent ingrown hairs
• Improve hydration by removing accumulated dead skin cells

The Acids Commonly Found in Deodorant

Salicylic Acid - The Key Ingredient to Keeping Body Odor at Bay

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that can be transformational for underarm care. Its exfoliating properties make it a great addition to deodorants as it can help reduce odor while exfoliating and brightening the skin at the same time. Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells which can help minimize ingrown hairs. With low irritation potential at concentrations between 0.5% and 2%, it can be easily incorporated into daily skincare routines, especially in areas that tend to be more sensitive. Consider using a deodorant with salicylic acid, such as our skincare deodorant to purify and improve the appearance of your underarms.

Lipohydroxy Acid - An Organic Derivative of Salicylic Acid

Lipohydroxy acid (LHA) is an organic derivative of salicylic acid and has many exfoliating and skin renewing properties. It is used in many personal skin care products and has been clinically shown to induce dermal thickening by promoting the production of collagen. In reference to an article composed of how beneficial LHA is on the skin, the overall stimulation of proteins and fatty acids in LHA have demonstrated the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which are ingredients that are both recognized for their moisturizing properties. Enhancing levels of hydration helps promote skin renewal, allowing the skin to appear more glowly and refreshed. Therefore, incorporating this ingredient in deodorant formulation would be beneficial by promoting more moisturized and youthful underarms, due to the enhancement of hyaluronic acid, collagen and skin elasticity.

Mandelic Acid - A More Gentle Ingredient for Sensitive Skin

Mandelic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is becoming more common in deodorant formulations due to its exfoliating and antibacterial properties. Unlike other AHAs, such as glycolic acid, mandelic acid has a larger molecular size making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Mandelic acid acts as an antibacterial agent in deodorants, killing odor-generating bacteria without disturbing the skin's acid mantle, preventing irritation. Our new AHA serum deodorant utilizes 5% mandelic acid to neutralize odor and brighten under arms.

Glycolic Acid - The Key to Achieving Bright, Fresh & Rejuvenated Skin

Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid commonly used in chemical exfoliation, can also be effective in reducing body odor when used in deodorant. Scientific studies have shown that glycolic acid can lower the pH levels in the underarms, making it a less suitable environment for bacteria growth, thus keeping odor at bay. Additionally, its exfoliating properties can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, leading to smoother, brighter underarm skin and potentially reducing the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Deodorants containing glycolic acid may also help prevent hyperpigmentation, scarring, and dark spots from developing in the underarm area over time.

Fulvic Acid - Organic acid with Antiseptic Properties

Products containing fulvic acid can offer anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits to the skin. It is commonly used to treat certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, to help reduce the chances of flare ups on the skin. Due to it having antibacterial properties, it can minimize bacterial growth, especially pertaining to the underarm area. Although it works to reduce body odor by prohibiting the growth of odor causing bacteria, it can also tighten pores, reduce oil secretion and and reduce skin redness and irritation. According to an article that discusses how fulvic acid is a natural and multifaceted approach to the management of certain skin conditions, it can offer many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial solutions to the skin, especially when treating certain skin conditions such as Psoriasis. In many clinical studies, it has a high success rate of yielding many benefits to skin more prone to dryness, flakiness, itchiness and irritation. This supports that topical creams and lotions that are formulated with fulvic acid are very moisturizing and could help manage skin inflammation, while also being beneficial for long term daily application.

The Final Verdict

Based on current and ongoing research, it is apparent that we should absolutely consider adding acid-based deodorants into our daily routine. They can provide immediate odor control without a “detox” period and over time show noticeable improvements on texture and discoloration under the arms. With consistent and gentle use, the underarms should respond well to deodorants formulated with exfoliating acids and reveal fresh, bright and rejuvenated underarms.