If you ask me what my biggest turn offs are, bad breath and body odour would definitely top the list.

No sane person can stand body odour and that’s a widely accepted fact.

This is one major reason why we spend a ton of money on deodorant, antiperspirant, perfumes, cologne, and every sweet-smelling product we can lay our hands-on.

However, let us delve a bit more into this issue.

What causes body odour?

Body odour is not caused by sweat itself, because sweat by itself is virtually odorless. However, when microscopic bacteria that live naturally on your skin mix with sweat, they multiply quickly and cause you to stink badly a. k. a body odour.

How can body odour be treated?

Ideally, body odour can be managed by bathing regularly, applying deodorant or antiperspirant, maintaining a healthy diet, shaving excess body hair and *drum roll* applying exfoliating acids like glycolic acid.

Yes, you read right! Exfoliating your armpits with toner can help reduce body odour.

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is a fruit-based alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It is an excellent chemical exfoliant that is great for clearing the skin, evening out skin tone and anti-aging

How can glycolic acid help with body odour?

Glycolic acid has the ability to neutralize odour-causing bacteria in the armpit area. It also gets rid of dead skin cells which can build up and lead to odour. The skin around your underarms has a pH of around 5.5-6.5 while acid exfoliants generally have a lower pH of 3-4.

Lowering the pH of your armpit skin can help decrease the bacteria which thrive on higher pH levels.

Here's how you can use a Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner to treat Body Odour Click To Tweet

I recently learned about this hack from a twitter thread shared by a Nigerian esthetician, Asher @theskinpriest. She shared her discovery and confirmed that glycolic acid does work as a deodorant. I did some googling and decided to put it to the test.

Personally I don’t sweat a lot and I don’t smell terrible after a long day. I also use a deodorant spray and wear perfumes for that you smell nice vibe. However, I was open to trying out this hack so I bought some glycolic acid from @thriftedbeauty.ng

Thrifted Beauty is a Nigerian skin care store that resells used or unopened skincare products at discounted prices. It is run by cosmetic scientist @theskintelligent chic

Okay back to Glycolic Acid. I got my hands on Deciem’s The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution which is formulated with a p.H of 3.6. This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity.

Read more about The Ordinary Glycolic Acid here

According to the thread;

You should put some glycolic acid on a cotton pad and swipe it across your underarms daily.

HOW TO GET RID OF BODY ODOUR USING ACID.

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GLYCOLIC ACID IS THE BEST NATURAL DEODORANT.
— Okikiola Emaleku (@theskinpriest) December 1, 2019

Body odour is the not so pleasant smell our bodies give off when bacteria that live on the skin breakdown sweat into acids. Sweat in itself is odourless. It is the rapid multiplication of bacterias around the sweat glands break it down to unpleasant smelling acids.
— Okikiola Emaleku (@theskinpriest) December 1, 2019

Get an acid toner with 5 to 10% ( for starters) AHA. Apply with cotton pad on shaved area after bath. Start with a week to check for sensitivity.

For Gym Rats, get the glycolic pads!!!! Thank me later. pic.twitter.com/wZe9dXAalc
— Okikiola Emaleku (@theskinpriest) December 1, 2019

I did this consistently for about a week and I kid you not my underarms did not give off any odour by the end of each day.

I kept on for another week and noticed that my underarms were getting lighter especially my left side. My right side is a bit stubborn.

It’s been a few months after and although I haven’t been super consistent, I can confidently confirm that this hack works. I’m sorry I don’t have before and after photos to share so you’ll have to take my word for it.

This is a very useful and effective hack because it keeps you fresh and also helps you lighten your underarms especially for people who struggle with dark underarms.

Take note that while glycolic acid can help keep body odor at bay, it doesn’t stop you from sweating.

Glycolic Acid is a great natural deodorant. Learn how you can use it to treat body odor. Click To Tweet

Are there any side effects?

As a general rule of thumb, it is always advised that you start slow with exfoliating acids and use them in low concentrations. Just as with the skin on your face, acid exfoliants have the potential to irritate the skin under your arms so go easy. You can start off once a day and work your way up as your skin builds tolerance.

Asher further advises,

Lest I forget, The Ordinary glycolic acid toner is not for acid beginners.

If your skin is dry and sensitive/sensitized this isn’t exactly a good option.

If you must use, please don’t use everyday. 3times a week is fine.

It’s a better deodorant than toner. 🙅🏽‍♀️
— Okikiola Emaleku (@theskinpriest) December 21, 2019

Ever heard of Glycolic Acid?

If yes what are some of your favorite brands?

What other skincare hacks have you heard of? Kindly share with me.

In the interim, watch fellow skincare blogger, Udegbunam Chucks shares his experience while using glycolic acid for his underarms.

References for this information:

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