Clinical guide for body skin
Best AHA Lotion for Body Skin
Strength, pH, and real results, plus why keratosis pilaris and rough texture need more than a basic moisturiser.
If an AHA lotion only makes skin feel soft, texture often returns. Lasting smoothing requires keratolytic action supported by barrier care.
What AHA means in body care
AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid. In body care, this most commonly refers to glycolic acid or lactic acid. These acids help loosen the bonds between surface skin cells, supporting smoother texture and more even tone over time. Dermatology guidance frequently includes glycolic acid, lactic acid, and urea as options used in routines for keratosis pilaris and persistent rough body skin.
Why most AHA lotions underperform
Low functional strength
Many formulas sit in mild ranges that feel hydrating but do not meaningfully shift long-standing bumps or roughness.
pH not optimised
AHA activity is pH dependent. When buffered too high, exfoliating performance drops.
Body skin physiology
Body skin has a thicker stratum corneum and slower cell turnover than facial skin.
Surface hydration masking
Emollients can create temporary softness even when texture drivers remain unchanged.
The reality of body skin and keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is commonly associated with keratin build up around the hair follicle, leading to visible bumps and rough texture. Clinical literature and dermatology guidance frequently reference topical exfoliants such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and urea as options used to improve texture, with consistency being a key factor.
What clinical evidence signals
- Higher concentration glycolic acid has demonstrated improvements in KP roughness in clinical settings.
- Dermatology organisations commonly list alpha hydroxy acids and urea as part of KP management approaches.
- Medical references describe topical exfoliants as a way to loosen dead skin cells and smooth texture.
How to choose the best AHA lotion for your body
For KP
- Prioritise glycolic or lactic acid
- Support the skin barrier
- Use consistently at night
For rough texture
- Body appropriate strength
- pH aligned formulation
- Hydration plus exfoliation
How to use an AHA body lotion
- Apply at night to clean, dry skin
- Start two to three nights weekly if sensitive
- Increase frequency as tolerated
- Avoid layering with strong actives the same night
- Use broad spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin
Overnight resurfacing for body skin
For visible smoothing, focus on the variables that drive outcomes: strength, pH alignment, consistency, and barrier support.
Shop Overnight Body RenewalFragrance free. Made in Australia. Designed for body texture.
Medical references
- American Academy of Dermatology. Keratosis pilaris self care guidance. aad.org
- Tian Y et al. Clinical outcomes of keratosis pilaris treated with high concentration glycolic acid. PubMed Central
- Mayo Clinic. Keratosis pilaris diagnosis and treatment. mayoclinic.org
- Tang S C, Yang J H. Dual effects of alpha hydroxy acids on the skin. PubMed Central
- Beyron A et al. Keratosis pilaris systematic review. PubMed
