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I have dark underarms. What concentration of glycolic acid peel/cream should I use to lighten them? (Photo)

day_lOct 11, 2014
I have gone to 2 derms in the past and one said it was acanthosis nigricans and the other fungal infection. I think its the former because my skin looks thick and the anti fungal powder and lotion did not help. Im using a 20% urea cream which has helped but hasn't restored my normal tone. Ive also started using kojic acid soap since last month and that has helped a bit. Now Im considering using glycolic acid cream/peels. Will it help? If not, should I use higher conc urea cream?

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From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS profile photo
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 124 Reviews
Answered on Mar 10, 2015
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Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD

30% glycolic acid is very mild (I don't oerform anything less than 70% in my practice). But it may have exfoliated your skin somewhat, so that the horny layer will not be able to protect you as well from the harmful effects of sunlight.  This effect can persist for 6 weeks or more.For my...

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Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD

Please do NOT mix this with anything and apply to your face. It appears you have obtained pharmaceutical grade glycolic acid meant to be formulated into a peeling solution by a pharmacist or chemist.  People who are able to do this have studied for many years and have years of experience to...

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Pablo Prichard, MD

Thank you for your question. Doing peels at home is never recommended, products like these should be applied by a liscensed professional. I would recommend discontiuing the use of this product, keep your face protected with sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure. You can use Aquaphor on the...

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